Gretchen Effgen

Director of Business Development, Zipcar

As Zipcar’s Director of Business Development, Gretchen Effgen designs and manages strategic partnerships aimed at building and innovating Zipcar’s service offering, including the addition of plug-in vehicles.  As an urban resident and longtime Zipster herself, Gretchen keeps the Zipcar member experience top of mind when working with automotive and technology partners.  In recognition of her contributions to Zipcar, Gretchen was awarded “Zipcar Innovator Award”.

 

Before arriving at Zipcar, Gretchen consulted internationally to businesses from a variety of industry sectors (including creative, technology, and finance) and companies of varying size (from start-ups to large multinational firms), assisting them in global expansion. Gretchen spent her early career working on international policy issues for the embassies of the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China, as well as the Hong Kong Trade and Economic Office.

 

Gretchen holds a BA in International Relations from Tulane University, an MBA from London Business School and was awarded the US Presidential Management Fellowship in 2003.