Talent Champion – Brian Vaught

Talent Champion Spotlight

AEF Talent Champion - Brian Vaught

Brian Vaught
SVP, Talent Inclusion 
Publicis Media

Brian Vaught oversees the US talent inclusion practice across Publicis Media and its five brands – Starcom, Zenith, Spark Foundry, Digitas and Performics. Vaught is responsible for the success of several inclusion programs and initiatives across the Publicis network, including Publicis Groupe’s proprietary Multicultural Talent Pipeline event; the creation & implementation of Transgender Transition Guidelines for Publicis Groupe; and leading Publicis Media and its agencies in scoring 100% in Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the past several years. He leads Publicis Media’s Inclusion Council and also serves as a mentor and coach to the company’s business resource groups.

Vaught has more than 15 years of experience in the media and marketing industries and has held a variety of roles, including client service, new business development, recruiting, training, corporate social responsibility, and most recently, overseeing talent inclusion.

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

I was invited by Elliot and AEF to join a roundtable discussion on Talent and Diversity & Inclusion. Since that initial session, I’ve continued to partner with the AEF on multiple events to elevate talent within the industry. This is an exciting industry to be in, and we have the power to influence how we make it a better place to be for ALL employees.

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

The best advice I’ve received over the years is to be a hand raiser. By showing your interest and your talent, people will continue to look to you for future opportunities.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

Hmmmm, it’s been a while since I was last in college.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

At the end of the day, I see myself as a people connector. What I like most about my job is the ability to connect people with their purpose and watching them thrive.

"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