Karen Kearns

Karen Kearns is Managing Director, Head of Services & Global Wealth Communications at Citi, where she shapes and executes the communications strategy for the Services and Wealth units, focusing on employee engagement and external communications. She drives media relations, shapes public narrative, and ensures consistent messaging across channels for both business units. Karen has played a pivotal role in elevating their visibility and reputation, positioning them as key drivers of Citi’s transformation and growth.

In 2024, Karen led communications during a significant period of organizational change. A major highlight was her leadership in repositioning the Services business, which gained increased media attention in outlets like Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg. Coverage framed the unit as a “profit engine” and underscored its central role in Citi’s turnaround strategy. A key element of this repositioning was the successful Investor Day that Karen co-led, which shifted the narrative around the Services business among media and investors. By communicating the unit’s strategic direction and growth potential, the event bolstered investor confidence and reinforced its importance to Citi’s future success. Karen also spearheaded internal communications innovation by launching a digital hub to streamline processes and improve information flow across teams. This initiative enhanced internal engagement and aligned employees with Citi’s strategic goals during a time of transformation. Karen’s career has earned her multiple industry accolades, including Cannes Lions and PR Week Awards, reflecting her ability to drive excellence in communications. Beyond her role at Citi, Karen mentors the next generation of communications leaders.