Rich Berens

President and Chief Client Fanatic

Rich Berens is president and Chief Client Fanatic of Root Learning.  For over a decade, Rich has helped leaders at Fortune 1000 organizations to align on key strategic imperatives and engage their people in bringing their strategies to life.  His clients span all industries and include PETCO, Bank of America, Hilton Hotels, Procter & Gamble, Deutsche Bank, and Merillat/Masco, among many others.

In addition to consulting with clients, Rich oversees the integration of all business lines for Root.  In 2001, he launched Root’s Digital Interactive Media Group, which now accounts for 30% of the firm’s total revenue.  In 2005, Rich partnered with Root’s CEO, Jim Haudan, to develop a Strategic Engagement Process based on their combined years of experience in the field.  This process is featured in Root’s best-selling book, The Art of Engagement:  Bridging the Gap Between People and Possibilities (McGraw-Hill, 2008).

Rich is also a noted speaker on the issues of strategy and change and has authored articles for Chief Learning Officer magazine.  In 2009, he partnered with Procter & Gamble to host a summit on “Changing How We Change.”  This gathering of thought leaders from various industries and backgrounds – spanning the military, social platforms, medicine, and corporate America – focused their aggregate talents and experiences on new ways to think about change.  In 2008, Rich was appointed by the Governor of Ohio to serve on the state’s Workforce Advisory Board.

Rich joined Root in 1997 after completing his MBA at the University of Michigan.  He worked for Commerzbank in Germany and has lived abroad, both in Germany and Nigeria.  He holds a BA/BS degree from the University of Washington in St. Louis.  Rich often contributes thought leadership in the field of strategy execution, helping clients with their most significant strategic imperatives.  In addition, Rich helps Root employees to maximize their contributions and growth.  Rich lives in Ann Arbor with his family, and treasures time with his wife, Anne, and daughters, Katarina and Mia.  In his spare time, Rich likes to play golf and tennis.  He is an avid reader, collects historic stock certificates, has a love for Michigan football, and loves to attend World Cup soccer tournaments.