Genelle Kahan

Genelle Kahan is a retail executive and seasoned consultant, bringing nearly 20 years of experience leading strategic growth, operational transformation, and new venture building.

Known for combining analytical rigor with a collaborative leadership style, Genelle is passionate about turning market disruption into scalable, practical solutions. She manages our consulting programs, including overall strategy, staffing, and performance management. She also spent several years as the Head of Bain's New Ventures portfolio, driving ‘engine 2’ growth through venture incubation, external partnerships, and asset spinouts. Earlier in her tenure, Genelle was a leader in our Retail practice, where she focused on customer strategy, omnichannel transformation, and operating model design across sectors, including department stores, apparel and footwear, and general merchandise. 

Before Bain, Genelle led corporate strategy at Sephora for four years. 

Outside of work, she is a mother of two girls and enjoys golfing, design, and traveling. She serves as a board trustee for the Bay Area Discovery Museum and a board member of the Kentfield Schools Foundation.

Genelle holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and a BBA from the University of Washington, where she graduated magna cum laude.