Talent Champion – Cara Lewis

Talent Champion Spotlight

2022 AEF Talent Champion - Cara Lewis

Cara Lewis
Chief Investment Officer
Dentsu

As the US Chief Investment Officer for dentsu’s media service line of business, Cara manages $23B in annual investments for all of dentsu’s media clients in the US market. She is tasked with maximizing efficiencies for her clients by leveraging the collective buying power of dentsu and delivering innovative solutions that address the changes in the media landscape.

Previously, Cara led video strategy and investment across all screens and devices for dentsu US clients as the EVP of Video Investment. Cara joined dentsu to manage video investment and activation for the Pfizer Pharmaceuticals account for three years and then the General Motors account for four years before expanding her remit to oversee all media spend on behalf of General Motors.

 

What prompted you to get involved with the AEF?

I love what I do. To allow others to find their passion, to love the industry like I do and to help them find their career path.

Why are you passionate about the future of the industry?

The industry is continuing to change everyday and there is so much we need to tackle. The future is exciting.

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

Be your own advocate and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Why do you feel it is so important to inspire the next generation of diverse talent?

Our people make our agencies. They serve our clients. They deliver our brilliant basics and work hard. We need a pipeline of amazing talent that will bring the changes occurring in the business forward. As we dive into innovation and tech, automation, we need to support, inspire and have them love the industry as much as we do.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Interacting with our client partners, learning about their business and their challenges. In turn, bringing those challenges to media and investing to deliver positive results. And, I love seeing the ad come to life in media.

What advice would you give to students as they consider entering the industry?

Always be curious. Never settle at being comfortable, we must be uncomfortable to continue to grow, adapt, change, deliver results and win business.

"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