Weber Shandwick Transition: Susan Howe Retires, Karen Pugliese Steps Up

Weber Shandwick Leadership Transition

Weber Shandwick, a prominent Public Relations agency under Omnicom Group, is preparing for a significant change in leadership. Susan Howe, who has been at the helm of the agency as CEO since 2024, will retire on September 1, 2026. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable career spanning nearly 30 years, during which she made substantial contributions to the agency's growth and reputation on the global stage.

Taking over the reins will be Karen Pugliese, currently serving as Weber Shandwick's Global President. Her transition into the role of CEO is also set to be effective on September 1, ensuring a seamless shift in leadership. Howe and Pugliese are committed to working closely together during this transition to maintain stability for employees, clients, and partners alike.

Chris Foster, CEO of Omnicom Public Relations, expressed confidence in both Howe's legacy and Pugliese's capabilities, stating, "Susan has led this agency with vision and integrity, and she leaves the agency exceptionally well positioned for the future." Howe is noted for publicly affirming her trust in Pugliese's leadership skills, highlighting her extensive experience and dedication to the agency and its clients.

Under Howe's guidance, Weber Shandwick has gained notable industry recognition, including accolades like PRWeek's Global Agency of the Year and PRovoke's Global Agency of the Decade. Additionally, the agency is celebrated for its achievement of over 250 Cannes Lions, showcasing its creative capabilities and strategic prowess. Howe has also been instrumental in expanding the agency's offerings, including Weber I/O, Weber Advisory, and Weber Create, diversifying its integrated communications and consultancy services.

Reflecting on her time at Weber Shandwick, Howe stated, "It has been a privilege to lead Weber Shandwick and work alongside such talented colleagues around the world." She acknowledged Pugliese as a significant partner in the agency's development and growth, reinforcing her confidence in the incoming CEO as capable of steering the agency toward a promising future.

Pugliese has held various leadership positions within the agency, including Executive Vice President of the Consumer Practice and Global Chief Growth Officer, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to the agency's vision and success. As she prepares to step into her new role, Pugliese remarked, "Susan is one of the most visionary and impactful leaders I've had the privilege to work with. What she has built here is a strong platform for the future. I am deeply honored to take on this role and focused on what's next for our agency, our clients, and our people."

In related news, the agency will also see Jim O'Leary, the Chief Executive Officer of North America and Global President, depart to pursue a new opportunity, signaling more changes within the agency’s leadership structure.

Weber Shandwick remains a leader in public relations, operating under the Omnicom Public Relations umbrella, which connects world-class talent with cutting-edge technology and data-driven operations.

As Weber Shandwick prepares for this transition, the agency is poised to continue its legacy of creative excellence while navigating the competitive landscape of public relations. The incoming leadership under Pugliese promises to uphold and enhance the agency's strong reputation as a driving force in the field.