Renetta McCann

As chief executive officer of Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG), Renetta McCann heads up a behemoth organization that is one the most powerful brand communication groups in the world. In this position, she is responsible for managing an integrated network of more than 10 top media and marketing agencies with client billings in excess of $18 billion and a global workforce of 4,500. She also sits on the Publicis Groupe Media Board of Directors, where she helps lead and grow the media networks of SMG's parent company, Publicis Groupe S.A. - one of the largest communication companies in the world.

McCann first rose to prominence in 2000 as the CEO of Starcom North America - a powerhouse agency she helped launch just two years earlier, which is now part of the SMG network. Under her leadership, Starcom grew to become one of the largest and most influential media agencies in the industry. It was during this time that McCann cemented her reputation for driving change and leading innovatio - making Starcom one of the most sought after strategic "think tanks" in the business.

In 2004, McCann was appointed chief executive officer of SMG Americas, where she was responsible for the network's vast operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Just one year later, McCann was tapped by Publicis Groupe Chairman and CEO Maurice Levy to chief executive officer of the entire SMG network.

The business world has taken notice of the Chicago native and, as a result, McCann has received an extensive collection of awards and honors during her illustrious 25-year career. In 2005, the Wall Street Journal named McCann one of the "Top 50 Women to Watch" in corporate America and, the year prior, Fortune identified her as one of "5 Women to Watch" in its Most Powerful Women issue. In 2003, Essence magazine named McCann one of "50 Women Who Are Changing the World," and Black Enterprise designated her as "2002 Corporate Executive of the Year."

Her peers in the industry have also recognized her success. With numerous Cannes Lions and Effie Awards to her credit, McCann has received such honors as Business Week's Media Strategies Award and the Chicago Magazine Association's Vanguard Award. In 2002, the Women's Advertising Club of Chicago designated her "Advertising Woman of the Year" and, the year prior, she was dubbed a "Media Maven" by Advertising Age.

McCann also serves on several distinguished boards within the industry, as well as in her community. She recently concluded a three-year term as chair of the American Association of Advertising Agencies' Media Policy Committee and currently sits on the board of the Audit Bureau of Circulations. She is on the Advisory Board of the Media Management Center at Northwestern University and is a member of the American Advertising Federation's Multicultural Business Practices Leadership Council. McCann also makes time to serve on the board of Chicago United, a metropolitan coalition of business leaders focused on increasing capital and educational opportunities for diverse communities.

McCann holds a Bachelor of Science degree in speech from Northwestern University.  She and her husband live in Chicago with their two children.