Laura Desmond

Laura Desmond was one of the youngest CEOs when appointed to lead SMG globally in 2008, but that was only the first of many marks she has made on the industry since. Commanding a staff of over 8,000 employees, across 130 offices globally, Laura attracts diverse talent and executives who bring unconventional thinking to reinvigorate the role of a media network.
She has ushered in and nurtured relationships with some of the most iconic marketers worldwide, including Procter & Gamble, Samsung, Coca-Cola, Mars, Mondelez, Kellogg’s, Honda, Walmart and Kraft Foods.

Under Laura’s purview, SMG has earned more honors for its work and talent than any other media network in the world, including over 525 creative, media and Agency of the Year distinctions in 2013 alone. Most recently, SMG was named “Media Network of the Year” at the 2014 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and “Network of the Year” by the Festival of Media for the second consecutive year.