Universal McCann Worldwide Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Universal McCann Worldwide has 10 executives leading key functions including global strategy, regional operations, and financial management.

Driven by a commitment to data-driven media solutions, Universal McCann Worldwide delivers transformative advertising results for global brands through advanced analytics and creative media planning across diverse international markets.

Leadership Roles at Universal McCann Worldwide

  • Chief Executive Officer - Stephanie Douglas-Neal
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Saggi Peleg
  • Chief Executive Officer (Canada) - Ben Seaton
  • Chief Executive Officer (US) - Erin Quintana
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kyu Ko
  • Chief Financial Officer (US) - Karen Stutenroth
  • Chief Financial Officer (Japan) - Motoki Nakamura
  • Managing Director - Patricio Shilton
  • Managing Director - Gabriela Venczel
  • Managing Director - Jessica Lauria
  • Stephanie Douglas-Neal - Chief Executive Officer

    Stephanie Douglas-Neal, the Chief Executive Officer at Universal McCann Worldwide, directs the overarching global strategy for the agency. Overseeing the integration of media and advertising services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the broader goals of the Interpublic Group. This leadership role involves managing complex client relationships and driving innovation across the agency's international footprint. By fostering a culture of excellence, Stephanie Douglas-Neal optimizes operational efficiency and market competitiveness. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on long-term growth, ensuring that the agency remains at the forefront of the media landscape. Through rigorous oversight of global initiatives, Douglas-Neal secures the agency's position as a leader in the advertising sector, consistently delivering high-impact results for a diverse portfolio of multinational clients while navigating the evolving demands of the modern digital marketplace.

    Saggi Peleg - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Saggi Peleg, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Universal McCann Worldwide, supports the execution of high-level corporate initiatives and operational scaling. Overseeing internal processes, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that agency resources align with strategic objectives across the IPG Mediabrands network. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction. By streamlining communication between departments, Saggi Peleg drives organizational agility and performance. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer monitors market trends to inform internal policy adjustments, ensuring the agency adapts to shifting industry requirements. Through consistent collaboration with the executive leadership, Peleg strengthens the operational foundation of the firm. This focus on internal optimization allows the agency to maintain a competitive edge, providing the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale media campaigns and complex advertising projects on a global scale.

    Ben Seaton - Chief Executive Officer (Canada)

    Ben Seaton, the Chief Executive Officer (Canada) at Universal McCann Worldwide, directs all media and advertising operations within the Canadian market. Overseeing regional growth initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer (Canada) ensures that local client needs receive tailored, data-driven media solutions. This leadership role involves managing the Canadian team and fostering partnerships that expand the agency's footprint across North America. By leveraging local market insights, Ben Seaton drives revenue growth and enhances brand visibility for clients. The Chief Executive Officer (Canada) maintains close alignment with global standards while adapting strategies to the unique nuances of the Canadian advertising landscape. Through effective resource allocation and team development, Seaton secures a strong market position. This focus on regional excellence allows the agency to deliver consistent, high-quality results, ensuring that Canadian operations contribute significantly to the overall success of the global organization.

    Erin Quintana - Chief Executive Officer (US)

    Erin Quintana, the Chief Executive Officer (US) at Universal McCann Worldwide, directs the agency's primary operations within the United States. Overseeing large-scale media planning and buying, the Chief Executive Officer (US) ensures that domestic campaigns achieve maximum reach and engagement for major brands. This leadership role involves managing high-value client accounts and driving innovation in digital advertising strategies. By optimizing the performance of US-based teams, Erin Quintana fosters a culture of accountability and creative excellence. The Chief Executive Officer (US) collaborates with other regional leaders to ensure consistency in service delivery across the North American market. Through strategic oversight of domestic resources, Quintana drives significant revenue growth and strengthens the agency's reputation. This focus on the US market ensures that the firm remains a dominant force in the advertising industry, consistently meeting the complex demands of a highly competitive and fast-paced environment.

    Kyu Ko - Chief Financial Officer

    Kyu Ko, the Chief Financial Officer at Universal McCann Worldwide, directs the global financial strategy and fiscal health of the agency. Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains a strong balance sheet while supporting growth initiatives. This leadership role involves managing capital allocation and ensuring compliance with international financial regulations. By providing data-backed financial insights, Kyu Ko enables the executive team to make informed decisions regarding investments and resource distribution. The Chief Financial Officer maintains a focus on cost optimization and revenue growth, ensuring that the agency remains profitable in a volatile market. Through rigorous financial oversight, Ko secures the long-term stability of the organization. This commitment to fiscal discipline allows the agency to invest in new technologies and talent, ensuring that the firm continues to lead the industry in media and advertising innovation.

    Karen Stutenroth - Chief Financial Officer (US)

    Karen Stutenroth, the Chief Financial Officer (US) at Universal McCann Worldwide, directs the financial operations and fiscal planning for the United States division. Overseeing domestic revenue management and expense control, the Chief Financial Officer (US) ensures that the agency's US operations remain profitable and efficient. This leadership role involves managing financial risk and ensuring that all regional projects align with the broader corporate budget. By providing detailed financial analysis, Karen Stutenroth supports the US executive team in optimizing resource allocation and driving growth. The Chief Financial Officer (US) maintains a focus on financial transparency and regulatory compliance within the domestic market. Through effective management of the US financial infrastructure, Stutenroth ensures that the agency has the necessary capital to support large-scale advertising campaigns. This focus on fiscal health allows the US division to contribute significantly to the overall success of the global organization.

    Motoki Nakamura - Chief Financial Officer (Japan)

    Motoki Nakamura, the Chief Financial Officer (Japan) at Universal McCann Worldwide, directs the financial strategy and operational accounting for the Japanese market. Overseeing regional fiscal planning, the Chief Financial Officer (Japan) ensures that the agency's operations in Japan adhere to local financial standards while supporting global objectives. This leadership role involves managing regional cash flow and optimizing investment strategies to drive growth in the local advertising sector. By providing precise financial reporting, Motoki Nakamura enables the Japanese leadership team to make strategic decisions that enhance market performance. The Chief Financial Officer (Japan) maintains a focus on cost management and operational efficiency, ensuring that the agency remains competitive in the unique Japanese media landscape. Through rigorous financial oversight, Nakamura secures the stability of the regional operations. This focus on fiscal excellence allows the agency to maintain a strong presence in Japan, supporting the broader global mission.

    Patricio Shilton - Managing Director

    Patricio Shilton, the Managing Director at Universal McCann Worldwide, directs the operational execution of media strategies for key client portfolios. Overseeing the day-to-day management of account teams, the Managing Director ensures that all advertising campaigns meet rigorous performance standards. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between client objectives and agency capabilities to deliver measurable business outcomes. By implementing efficient project management frameworks, Patricio Shilton drives productivity and ensures timely delivery of complex media solutions. The Managing Director maintains a focus on client retention and satisfaction, fostering long-term partnerships through transparent communication and strategic guidance. Through the coordination of cross-functional resources, Shilton optimizes the impact of every campaign. This dedication to operational excellence supports the agency's broader mission, ensuring that client needs are met with precision and that the firm continues to thrive in a demanding global market.

    Gabriela Venczel - Managing Director

    Gabriela Venczel, the Managing Director at Universal McCann Worldwide, directs the development and implementation of innovative media solutions for a diverse client base. Overseeing the strategic planning department, the Managing Director ensures that data-driven insights inform every aspect of the advertising process. This leadership role involves mentoring creative teams and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. By aligning media investments with client business goals, Gabriela Venczel drives growth and enhances brand equity. The Managing Director collaborates with other senior leaders to refine the agency's service offerings and expand market reach. Through the application of advanced analytics, Venczel ensures that campaigns remain relevant and effective in an increasingly digital world. This focus on strategic innovation allows the agency to maintain its competitive advantage, providing clients with the tools necessary to navigate complex media landscapes and achieve sustainable success.

    Jessica Lauria - Managing Director

    Jessica Lauria, the Managing Director at Universal McCann Worldwide, directs the agency's efforts in client relationship management and service expansion. Overseeing the integration of new media technologies, the Managing Director ensures that the agency remains at the cutting edge of advertising trends. This leadership role involves managing high-stakes client interactions and ensuring that service delivery remains consistent with global quality standards. By fostering strong internal collaboration, Jessica Lauria drives operational efficiency and team cohesion. The Managing Director monitors performance metrics to ensure that all projects align with the agency's overarching strategic goals. Through proactive problem-solving and strategic planning, Lauria secures the agency's reputation for excellence. This focus on client-centric service allows the firm to build lasting value, ensuring that every campaign contributes to the long-term success of the clients while reinforcing the agency's position as a premier global media partner.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Universal McCann Worldwide Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Universal McCann Worldwide?
    Universal McCann Worldwide is led by Stephanie Douglas-Neal (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Saggi Peleg (Deputy Chief Executive Officer) and Ben Seaton (Chief Executive Officer (Canada)).
    Who is part of Universal McCann Worldwide’s executive team?
    The executive team of Universal McCann Worldwide includes leaders such as Stephanie Douglas-Neal (Chief Executive Officer), Saggi Peleg (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Ben Seaton (Chief Executive Officer (Canada)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Universal McCann Worldwide have?
    Universal McCann Worldwide has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Universal McCann Worldwide’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Universal McCann Worldwide includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer (Canada), Chief Executive Officer (US), Chief Financial Officer.