Talent Champion – Renetta McCann

Talent Champion Spotlight

AEF Talent Champion - Renetta McCann

Renetta McCann
Chief Inclusion Experience Officer
Publicis Groupe

Renetta McCann has been recognized as one of the leading innovators and most influential executives in the advertising, marketing and media industries, with a global reputation for not only building brands, but also the organizations and leadership to sustain them. Currently, McCann serves as chief inclusion experience officer for Publicis Groupe, focusing on ensuring that the company’s clients and their businesses are benefiting from the many strategic advantages that diverse teams deliver.

McCann has been an active volunteer and contributor to various industry and civic organizations. She currently serves on the executive committee of the Chicago Community Trust; the marketing committee of the Robert and Ann Lurie Children’s Hospital; and the board of Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

McCann is an adjunct lecturer in the MSLOC program at Northwestern University, teaching courses on organizational design as well as diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. She has also served as a corporate director of Tribune Publishing.

What prompted you to get involved with the AEF and why are you passionate about the future of the industry?

I appreciate the AEF’s deep commitment to driving change and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through-out our industry from advocating for the voices and identities of Asian American during the Covid-19 pandemic or hosting various forums for marketers, industry leaders and academics to come together to launching industry wide surveys and research studies that can share and re-shape outcomes within the industry.

What is the best career advice you've ever received?

From Chuck Quarnstrom – Deliver for your clients and your career will take care of itself.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

Undergrad – Mac Parks. Taught me how to focus and internalize my learning. Grad – Dorie Blesoff. True role model for seeing and honoring the human side of change.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The opportunity to work within a broad coalition, both within my company and within this industry, to deliver the promises and benefits of a more diverse, equitable and inclusive industry.

"Our future marketing and advertising leaders are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a meaningful career that will make a positive impact on society."
— Gord McLean, President and CEO at ANA Educational Foundation