Maria G. Kraus, EU Representative for California Walnut Commission, is the CEO & Founder of mk² marketing & kommunikation in Bonn, Germany. Maria received a BA in Humanities in 1984 from the University of California at Irvine, followed by her graduate studies earning her a MA in American Studies, Spanish Literature and Economics from the University of Bonn in 1989. After gaining valuable experience in the international PR & communications industry, Ms. Kraus decided to found the agency mk² in 2000. Having been responsible for a wide variety of American clients during her career, she developed a tremendous understanding for the needs of her US-based clients early on, clearly benefitting from her time in California.

Maria is an outstanding industry veteran -servicing the California Walnut Commission since 1997 as trade representative and implementing industry programs. In her role and responsibilities, she has been demonstrating her profound understanding of marketing, communications & trade representation and shared decades of experience in the constant developing nut & dried fruits sector. She is fluent in German, English, French and Spanish. Growing up in the Black Forest with her parent’s supermarket and delicatessen store, she has always had a special connection to the food industry.