Our Leadership

 Laura Desmond was one of the youngest CEOs when she was tapped to lead SMG globally in 2008. In that short time, she has left an indelible mark on this industry as a game-changer and true innovator, through her influential partnerships with TED, ANA and Microsoft. She continues to collaborate with groups that are not only changing the media industry but impacting the entire world.

An SMG veteran, Laura was most recently CEO of SMG-The Americas where she cultivated and grew the brand throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America. She first established her CEO credibility within

SMG as head of MediaVest from 2003 to 2007, raising that agency's profile internationally, and dramatically expanding its client base. That success led to Mediaweek naming her Media Executive of the Year, the top honor in its 2004 Media All-Stars awards.

But the honors go much farther. As a global thought leader, Laura has attracted accolades ranging from Ad Woman of the Year (AWNY) to Media Maven (Advertising Age). She was inducted into the American Advertising Federation's Advertising Hall of Achievement, and was named one of Forbes Most Powerful Women.