Karen Pugliese

Karen Pugliese, a 15-year veteran of The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC), has been instrumental in shaping the agency’s growth, innovation, and leadership in the communications industry. As Global President, Karen continues to redefine boundaries, strengthen client relationships, and drive industry-leading business strategies.

Under Karen’s leadership, TWSC has secured and expanded major client partnerships, including AB InBev, Danone North America, Pfizer, and Dollar Shave Club. Notable new wins in the past year include 5-hour Energy, Skrewball Whiskey, Eventbrite, and Ocean Spray. Additionally, TWSC has expanded engagements with Mars, GM, Case IH, and Kimberly-Clark, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner to nearly 50% of the Fortune 100, with a 98% retention rate. Karen has also led groundbreaking thought leadership initiatives, such as TWSC’s global benchmark study, The Primacy of Personal, which explores the evolving nature of brand value. The research, highlighted at ANA and Cannes reveals that emotional connection, safety, and well-being are top priorities for consumers. TWSC’s follow-up C-Suite Outlook for 2025, explored at Davos, delves into executive perspectives on growth, volatility, and stakeholder value. Beyond business growth, Karen champions a people-first culture, launching initiatives like Time to Connect, a global inclusion platform recognized by Harvard Business Review. Her strategic vision, relentless innovation, and mentorship-driven leadership have cemented TWSC’s position as an industry powerhouse, earning accolades from Ad Age, Fast Company, and PRWeek. As Global CEO Susan Howe affirms, Karen’s impact is transformational—setting new standards for success and ensuring TWSC remains at the forefront of the industry.