Stagwell Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Stagwell has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and finance.

Driven by innovation, Stagwell is dedicated to transforming marketing and communications through a global network of agencies, focusing on data-driven insights and creative excellence to deliver measurable business outcomes for clients worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Stagwell

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Akemi Ichise
  • Global Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer - Naveen Passey
  • Chief Financial Officer, Constellation Network - Conor Nash
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - James Conlon
  • President & Chief Financial Officer - Stephen Berns
  • Chief Financial Officer, Communications & Advocacy - Elizaveta Lucarz
  • Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer - Raul Sousa
  • Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer - Raul De Sousa
  • Chief of Staff - Alexander Koller
  • Executive Vice President & Global Chief Marketing Officer - Ryan Linder
  • Akemi Ichise - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Akemi Ichise, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Stagwell, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the global marketing and communications group. This leadership role involves setting the vision for the company's expansion within advertising, marketing, communications, and media sectors. Ichise ensures alignment across all business units, driving innovation and fostering a culture of performance. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to cultivating key client relationships and partnerships, solidifying Stagwell's market position. Akemi Ichise's strategic guidance is pivotal in navigating the dynamic landscape of the communications industry, focusing on sustainable growth and enhanced service offerings. This executive oversees the integration of diverse agency capabilities to deliver cohesive and impactful solutions. The focus remains on maximizing client value and shareholder returns through disciplined execution and forward-thinking initiatives.
    Naveen Passey, the Global Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer at Stagwell, manages the financial health and operational infrastructure of the global marketing and communications group. This dual role encompasses overseeing all financial planning, reporting, and capital allocation, alongside directing day-to-day operations to ensure maximum efficiency and scalability. Passey's responsibilities include optimizing financial performance, managing risk, and implementing operational strategies that support Stagwell's expansion in advertising, marketing, communications, and media. The Global Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer ensures robust financial controls and operational excellence across all global entities. Naveen Passey's leadership drives the integration of financial discipline with operational agility, critical for sustained growth and profitability in a competitive market. This executive is key to maintaining the company's financial integrity and operational readiness.

    Conor Nash - Chief Financial Officer, Constellation Network

    Conor Nash, the Chief Financial Officer, Constellation Network at Stagwell, oversees the financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the Constellation Network division. This leadership position involves managing budgets, financial reporting, and investment strategies specifically tailored to the network's advertising, marketing, communications, and media initiatives. Nash ensures financial compliance and optimizes resource allocation to drive growth and profitability within this specialized segment of Stagwell Global. The Chief Financial Officer, Constellation Network's role is critical in providing financial insights that support strategic decision-making and operational enhancements for the network. Conor Nash's expertise is vital in navigating the unique financial challenges and opportunities within this part of the business, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic financial alignment.
    Conor Nash

    James Conlon - Group Chief Financial Officer

    James Conlon, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Stagwell, directs the financial strategy and oversight for multiple operating groups within the global marketing and communications conglomerate. This executive role involves managing complex financial structures, ensuring robust reporting mechanisms, and guiding investment decisions across various advertising, marketing, communications, and media entities. Conlon's responsibilities include optimizing financial performance, managing risk, and driving fiscal discipline across the assigned groups. The Group Chief Financial Officer plays a crucial part in aligning financial objectives with the broader corporate strategy, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability. James Conlon's leadership ensures that financial operations support the diverse needs of the business units, fostering efficiency and strategic financial management.

    Stephen Berns - President & Chief Financial Officer

    Stephen Berns, the President & Chief Financial Officer at Stagwell, leads both the strategic direction and the financial operations of the global marketing and communications group. This executive position involves setting the company's overall vision and ensuring its financial stability and growth through astute fiscal management. Berns oversees all financial planning, reporting, and capital allocation, while also guiding the company's strategic initiatives in advertising, marketing, communications, and media. The President & Chief Financial Officer's dual focus ensures that financial resources are effectively deployed to achieve ambitious business objectives. Stephen Berns' leadership integrates operational oversight with financial stewardship, driving performance and value creation across the organization. This role is fundamental to the company's sustained success and market leadership.
    Stephen Berns

    Elizaveta Lucarz - Chief Financial Officer, Communications & Advocacy

    Elizaveta Lucarz, the Chief Financial Officer, Communications & Advocacy at Stagwell, manages the financial strategy and fiscal operations for the Communications & Advocacy division. This critical role involves overseeing budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation to support the division's specific objectives within the broader marketing and communications landscape. Lucarz ensures financial compliance and drives efficiency in financial processes, enabling the division to effectively execute its campaigns and initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer, Communications & Advocacy's expertise is vital for strategic financial planning and risk management within this specialized area. Elizaveta Lucarz's leadership ensures that financial decisions directly support the division's mission and contribute to Stagwell's overall success in communications and advocacy efforts.

    Raul Sousa - Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer

    Raul Sousa, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer at Stagwell, directs the financial strategy and operational execution for key segments of the global marketing and communications group. This comprehensive role involves managing all financial aspects, including planning, reporting, and capital management, alongside overseeing the efficiency and effectiveness of daily operations. Sousa ensures that financial resources are optimally allocated to support the company's advertising, marketing, communications, and media services. The Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer's leadership is crucial for driving profitability and operational excellence. Raul Sousa's focus is on integrating financial discipline with robust operational frameworks to achieve strategic growth and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

    Raul De Sousa - Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer

    Raul De Sousa, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer at Stagwell, oversees the financial integrity and operational performance of critical business units within the global marketing and communications group. This executive position demands a dual focus on strategic financial planning, resource allocation, and the efficient management of day-to-day operations. De Sousa ensures that financial controls are robust and that operational processes are streamlined to support Stagwell's objectives in advertising, marketing, communications, and media. The Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include driving profitability and ensuring the effective deployment of capital. Raul De Sousa's leadership is instrumental in maintaining financial stability and operational agility, crucial for navigating the complexities of the global market.

    Alexander Koller - Chief of Staff

    Alexander Koller, the Chief of Staff at Stagwell, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the global marketing and communications group. This role involves coordinating cross-functional projects, managing key stakeholder communications, and ensuring the seamless execution of executive directives. Koller supports the leadership team by streamlining processes and driving critical organizational priorities within advertising, marketing, communications, and media. The Chief of Staff's purview includes enhancing internal collaboration and optimizing resource allocation to support Stagwell's growth objectives. Alexander Koller's contributions are essential in translating high-level strategy into actionable plans, ensuring that operational frameworks support the company's ambitious market goals. This position requires a deep understanding of the business's complex structure and a proactive approach to problem-solving, enabling agile responses to market demands.

    Ryan Linder - Executive Vice President & Global Chief Marketing Officer

    Ryan Linder, the Executive Vice President & Global Chief Marketing Officer at Stagwell, leads the global marketing and communications strategy for the entire group. This senior role involves defining and executing comprehensive marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility, drive client acquisition, and support the growth of Stagwell's diverse portfolio of advertising, marketing, communications, and media services. Linder oversees all aspects of brand management, digital marketing, and market intelligence, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. The Executive Vice President & Global Chief Marketing Officer's strategic vision is critical for positioning Stagwell effectively in the competitive global marketplace. Ryan Linder's leadership ensures that marketing efforts are data-driven, innovative, and directly contribute to the company's revenue growth and market expansion.
    Ryan Linder

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stagwell Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Stagwell?
    Stagwell is led by Akemi Ichise (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Naveen Passey (Global Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer) and Conor Nash (Chief Financial Officer, Constellation Network).
    Who is part of Stagwell’s executive team?
    The executive team of Stagwell includes leaders such as Akemi Ichise (President & Chief Executive Officer), Naveen Passey (Global Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer), Conor Nash (Chief Financial Officer, Constellation Network) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Stagwell have?
    Stagwell has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Stagwell’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Stagwell includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Global Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Constellation Network, Group Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Financial Officer.