Val DiFebo

Since 1992, Deutsch New York’s engine has been Val DiFebo. She has been the cornerstone of Deutsch’s unprecedented growth.

Val defines the Deutsch culture and spirit, and—through her leadership—has built a powerful company filled with spirited, passionate, business-oriented individuals who are dedicated to accelerating client success rates. A testament to building a strong culture, Advertising Age named Deutsch one of the Best Places to Work in 2011 and 2012.

Val was an invaluable part of the team that redefined Deutsch’s integrated multidisciplinary offering, allowing for the creation of high-level, efficient and rapid business solutions that impact a client’s business. A first in the advertising industry, Val has evolved and strengthened Deutsch's media offering by bringing data-driven insights to the forefront of how brands go to market. Integrating the Media Planning/Buying, Communications Planning, and the Data Strategy disciplines—Deutsch delivers impact and business results, and drives incremental value from media investments for clients. Additionally, this new model inspires a value-exchange in which it influences and leads to more innovative creative ideas. Blue-chip clients that she has touched include Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, IKEA, Procter & Gamble, PNC Bank, Revlon, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Deeply committed to diversity and inclusion efforts, Val helps shape both the culture of the Agency and the future of the industry. Under her leadership Deutsch NY has been honored with Corporate Leadership Awards from Coalition for the Homeless (2013), Live Out Loud (2012), Interpublic Group of Companies (2012), the Advertising Educational Foundation (2011), and the 4A’s MAIP Service Award (2009). The AAF Mosaic Awards and IPG Inclusion Awards have also awarded the Agency’s work. Val also serves on the New York Urban League committee.

A provocative industry thought leader, The Today Show, CNN, the ANA, 4A’s, and even The Apprentice have all sought out her POV. She frequently speaks about leadership and creativity at colleges (e.g., NYU Stern School of Business and Harvard), to women leadership networks (e.g., Pandora and IPG), and industry events (e.g., Cannes and Advertising Week). Most recently, featured in The New York Times, ‘Corner Office,’ column, Val discussed the importance of being direct and art of front-stabbing.

She is a founding director of The Hearts of Gold Foundation, helping the lives of at-risk mothers, and Chair for the Board of Trustees of Buckley Country Day School. Val's philanthropic involvement also includes fundraising for Williams College. Val and her husband Dick live in Douglaston with their son, Bryan, their pride and absolute joy.