Michelle Helena Denk, Director, Retail Division, Affinity Group
Michelle has broad industry expertise, ranging from traditional CPG brand management at Heinz to strategic product development experience for Giant Eagle. Within Giant Eagle’s Own Brands Team, and as its first-ever Director of Gourmet & Specialty Food, Michelle focused on positioning, package design, financials, and marketing and merchandising plans, with she and her team launching the range called Laurenti Mediterranean Specialty Foods as a precursor to the Market District banner and brand. The introduction was a successful foray into ultra-premium quality categories such as imported olive oil, bronze-die pasta, sauces, and tapenades. At Affinity, her latest launch is an authentic line of deep-dish pizza and custom-designed flatbreads for Giant Eagle Prepared Foods.