Golin Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Golin has 6 executives leading key functions including global strategy, regional operations, financial management, and North American market growth.

Driven by a commitment to meaningful storytelling, Golin shapes organizational change through data-driven insights and creative campaigns that enhance brand relevance across diverse global markets.

Leadership Roles at Golin

  • Chief Executive Officer - Matthew Neale
  • Chief Executive Officer Brasil - Ze Schiavoni
  • President, Chief Executive Officer - Akihiko Kubo
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Americas) - Donald Cognetta
  • Co-President (North America) - Dawn Langeland
  • Managing Director - Terry Chiang
  • Matthew Neale - Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew Neale, the Chief Executive Officer at Golin, directs the global strategic vision and operational excellence of the agency. Neale architects the overarching framework for public relations and communications, ensuring that every campaign aligns with the core mission of shaping meaningful change. By fostering a culture of bold thinking and collaboration, the Chief Executive Officer drives the agency toward sustained growth and market relevance. Neale oversees the integration of data-driven insights into creative storytelling, which allows the firm to connect brands with audiences effectively. This leadership role involves constant engagement with international teams to maintain high standards of service across all practice areas. Matthew Neale maintains a focus on corporate reputation and digital engagement, ensuring that the agency remains at the forefront of the communications industry. Through this dedicated approach, the firm secures its position as a leader in global public relations.

    Ze Schiavoni - Chief Executive Officer Brasil

    Ze Schiavoni, the Chief Executive Officer Brasil at Golin, directs all strategic operations and business development initiatives within the South American market. Schiavoni architects localized communication strategies that resonate with regional cultural nuances while maintaining the global standards of the agency. The Chief Executive Officer Brasil oversees the expansion of brand communications and media relations, ensuring that clients achieve maximum visibility in a competitive landscape. By leveraging data-driven insights, Schiavoni optimizes campaign performance and fosters strong relationships with key stakeholders. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact results that align with the broader corporate mission. Ze Schiavoni drives innovation in digital engagement, positioning the agency as a premier partner for organizations seeking to shape change in the region. Through consistent focus on operational efficiency, the agency strengthens its footprint across the diverse Brazilian market.

    Akihiko Kubo - President, Chief Executive Officer

    Akihiko Kubo, the President, Chief Executive Officer at Golin, directs the strategic trajectory and organizational growth within the Asian market. Kubo architects comprehensive communication frameworks that blend creative storytelling with rigorous data analysis to address complex client needs. The President, Chief Executive Officer oversees the execution of corporate reputation management and crisis issues, ensuring that brands maintain integrity and relevance. By aligning regional operations with the global agency ethos, Kubo fosters a collaborative environment that drives excellence in media relations. This leadership role involves navigating diverse market dynamics to secure long-term partnerships and enhance visibility for clients. Akihiko Kubo maintains a focus on scaling operations and integrating advanced digital engagement tools to stay ahead of industry trends. Through this strategic oversight, the agency achieves significant impact and maintains a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving communications landscape.

    Donald Cognetta - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Americas)

    Donald Cognetta, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Americas) at Golin, directs the financial health and fiscal strategy for the agency across the Americas. Cognetta architects robust financial models that support the expansion of practice areas and the scaling of creative operations. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Americas) oversees budgeting, resource allocation, and financial reporting, ensuring that the agency maintains the necessary capital to invest in data-driven insights and talent. By collaborating with other C-suite leaders, Cognetta aligns fiscal goals with the broader mission of shaping meaningful change for clients. This leadership role involves managing risk and optimizing profitability to ensure long-term stability. Donald Cognetta drives financial transparency and operational efficiency, which allows the agency to remain agile in a competitive market. Through this rigorous financial oversight, the firm sustains its commitment to excellence and innovation.

    Dawn Langeland - Co-President (North America)

    Dawn Langeland, the Co-President (North America) at Golin, directs the strategic growth and operational success of the agency across the North American market. Langeland architects comprehensive service offerings that integrate brand communications, digital engagement, and corporate reputation management. The Co-President (North America) oversees the development of high-performing teams, ensuring that creative storytelling remains at the heart of every client campaign. By fostering a collaborative ethos, Langeland drives the agency to build relevance and enhance visibility for diverse brands. This leadership role involves navigating complex market challenges and implementing data-driven strategies that yield measurable results. Dawn Langeland maintains a focus on expanding the agency's influence and strengthening client relationships through bold thinking and strategic insight. Through this dedicated leadership, the firm continues to shape meaningful change and maintain a dominant position within the North American communications landscape.
    Dawn Langeland

    Terry Chiang - Managing Director

    Terry Chiang, the Managing Director at Golin, directs the daily operations and client service excellence within the assigned regional portfolio. Chiang architects tactical plans that translate the agency's global mission into actionable, high-impact campaigns for local and international brands. The Managing Director oversees the integration of brand communications and digital engagement strategies, ensuring that every project delivers measurable value. By managing internal resources and fostering team collaboration, Chiang drives efficiency and creative output across all practice areas. This leadership role involves direct interaction with clients to solve complex reputation challenges and enhance market presence. Terry Chiang maintains a focus on operational growth and the development of innovative storytelling techniques that resonate with modern audiences. Through this hands-on approach, the agency consistently meets the evolving demands of the communications sector while maintaining a high standard of professional service.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Advertising Networks

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Golin Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Golin?
    Golin is led by Matthew Neale (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ze Schiavoni (Chief Executive Officer Brasil) and Akihiko Kubo (President, Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Golin’s executive team?
    The executive team of Golin includes leaders such as Matthew Neale (Chief Executive Officer), Ze Schiavoni (Chief Executive Officer Brasil), Akihiko Kubo (President, Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Golin have?
    Golin has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Golin’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Golin includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer Brasil, President, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Americas), Co-President (North America).