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BKREA has appointed Candice Gradenigo as Chief of Staff, adding more than a decade of corporate leadership, strategic operations, and entrepreneurial experience to the firm’s growing platform. Effective immediately, Gradenigo will work closely with Chairman & CEO Bob Knakal on strategy, business operations, organizational development, and firm-wide growth initiatives.
Gradenigo joins BKREA after more than 10 years at United Technologies, specifically Pratt & Whitney, where she managed complex negotiations and strategic initiatives with significant financial impact. Her experience includes negotiating multiyear partnerships valued at up to $500 million and directing a global supply chain operation with a $300 million budget.
As Chief of Staff, Gradenigo will help coordinate and advance firm-wide initiatives while strengthening communication and alignment across BKREA’s leadership team.
Her background includes managing complex negotiations, strategic projects, and global operations at Pratt & Whitney, experience that adds a new operational perspective to BKREA.
Beyond her corporate career, Gradenigo founded Picks & Deals, a digital commerce business that generated more than $2 million in annual affiliate sales through digital channels, audience engagement, partnerships, and revenue strategies.
Her role is focused on developing the infrastructure, systems, and operational capabilities needed to support BKREA as the firm continues to expand.
Born and raised in Paris and now based in New York City, Gradenigo is fluent in French, English, German, and Spanish. She holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a Maîtrise de Sciences de Gestion from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.
Bob Knakal highlighted Gradenigo’s combination of large-scale operating experience and entrepreneurial thinking, noting that she is a strong fit for BKREA’s direction and continued development.
Gradenigo’s appointment reflects BKREA’s focus on building the organizational infrastructure behind its continued growth. Her combination of corporate strategy, global operations, negotiation, entrepreneurship, and multilingual experience expands the firm’s leadership capabilities while supporting its efforts to develop systems and processes across the organization.
Who is Candice Gradenigo?
Candice Gradenigo is BKREA’s newly appointed Chief of Staff. She brings more than 10 years of leadership experience at United Technologies and Pratt & Whitney, along with entrepreneurial experience.
What will Gradenigo do at BKREA?
She will work with Bob Knakal and the leadership team on strategy, business operations, organizational development, and firm-wide initiatives.
What experience does she bring to BKREA?
Her background includes managing strategic projects, complex negotiations, global supply chain operations, and large-scale partnership agreements.
What is Picks & Deals?
Picks & Deals is the digital commerce company founded by Gradenigo, which grew to generate more than $2 million in annual affiliate sales.
Where did Gradenigo receive her education?
She earned an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a Maîtrise de Sciences de Gestion from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.
What does this appointment mean for BKREA?
The appointment adds senior operational and entrepreneurial experience as BKREA continues developing its systems, talent, and organizational capabilities.
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