A New Chapter for Weber Shandwick: Karen Pugliese to Succeed Susan Howe as CEO
Today we are announcing an important leadership transition that celebrates our rich legacy while looking ahead to our future. After a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades, Susan Howe will retire as CEO of Weber Shandwick on September 1, 2026. Stepping into the role will be Karen Pugliese, our current Global President, who has been a trusted leader and driver of innovation across our network for more than 15 years.
Susan and Karen are already working closely together to ensure a seamless transition for our employees, clients, and partners around the world.
Celebrating a legacy of vision and impact
Under Susan’s leadership, Weber Shandwick hasn’t just adapted to the rapidly changing communications landscape — we’ve helped define it. During her tenure, she oversaw the expansion of our integrated communications capabilities by launching Weber I/O, Weber Advisory and Weber Create, broadening the ways we deliver value and counsel to our clients.
Her commitment to creative excellence has been recognized industry-wide, earning the agency prestigious honors including PRWeek‘s Global Agency of the Year, PRovoke‘s Global Agency of the Decade and more than 250 Cannes Lions.
“Susan has led this agency with vision and integrity, and she leaves the agency exceptionally well positioned for the future,” noted Chris Foster, CEO of Omnicom Public Relations.
Reflecting on her tenure, Susan shared: “Karen has been my trusted partner in building this agency into what it is today. She knows this business, our people and our clients with deep experience and commitment. I could not be more confident in her leadership and look forward to seeing what the agency accomplishes next. It has been a privilege to lead Weber Shandwick and work alongside such talented colleagues around the world.”
Looking forward with Karen Pugliese
Karen steps into the CEO role with a profound understanding of our business, our culture and our clients. Over the past 15 years, she has held pivotal leadership positions, from Executive Vice President of the Consumer Practice and Chief of Staff to the CEO, to Global Chief Growth Officer and Global President. She has been instrumental in shaping our business strategy, advancing our innovation agenda and cultivating key client relationships worldwide.
“Susan is one of the most visionary and impactful leaders I’ve had the privilege to work with,” Karen said. “What she has built here — an agency defined by creative excellence and a culture that attracts and develops outstanding talent — 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.”
We are incredibly proud of the foundation Susan has built and are excited for the continued growth, creativity, and innovation we will achieve under Karen’s leadership.