Susan Howe to Retire from Weber Shandwick; Karen Pugliese Named CEO

Rhea-AI Summary

Omnicom (NYSE:OMC) announced that Weber Shandwick CEO Susan Howe will retire on September 1, 2026 after nearly 30 years with the agency. Karen Pugliese, currently Global President, will become CEO on the same date, while Jim O'Leary will depart for a new opportunity.

Howe and Pugliese will manage a joint transition. Under Howe, Weber Shandwick earned major industry awards and expanded capabilities through Weber I/O, Weber Advisory and Weber Create. Pugliese brings over 15 years of leadership experience at the agency.

Positive

• Planned CEO transition on September 1, 2026 with clear timeline
• Internal successor Karen Pugliese has over 15 years of leadership roles
• Howe’s tenure included PRWeek Global Agency of the Year recognition
• Agency recognized as PRovoke’s Global Agency of the Decade
• More than 250 Cannes Lions earned under Susan Howe’s leadership
• Expanded capabilities via Weber I/O, Weber Advisory and Weber Create

Negative

• CEO Susan Howe retiring after nearly three decades at Weber Shandwick
• Jim O'Leary, CEO North America and Global President, is departing
• Multiple senior leadership changes may create transition complexity

News Market Reaction – OMC

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In the May 14 session, OMC declined 3.58%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

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NEW YORK, May 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Weber Shandwick, an Omnicom Public Relations (OPR) agency, today announced that Susan Howe, who has served as CEO since 2024, will retire from the agency on September 1, 2026, after a career spanning nearly three decades. Karen Pugliese, currently serving as Weber Shandwick's Global President, will succeed Howe as CEO, effective September 1, 2026. Howe and Pugliese will continue working closely on the transition to ensure continuity for employees, clients and partners.

"This is an important moment for Weber Shandwick," said Chris Foster, CEO, Omnicom Public Relations. "Susan has led this agency with vision and integrity, and she leaves the agency exceptionally well positioned for the future. Karen Pugliese is a deeply respected leader with a strong command of the business, our clients and our people. I have every confidence she will continue to strengthen the agency's reputation and impact."

Under Howe's leadership, Weber Shandwick earned significant industry recognition, including PRWeek's Global Agency of the Year, PRovoke's Global Agency of the Decade and more than 250 Cannes Lions. Howe also oversaw the expansion of the agency's capabilities through Weber I/O, Weber Advisory and Weber Create, broadening Weber Shandwick's integrated communications and advisory offerings.

"Karen has been my trusted partner in building this agency into what it is today," said Howe. "She knows this business, our people and our clients with deep experience and commitment. I could not be more confident in her leadership and look forward to seeing what the agency accomplishes next. It has been a privilege to lead Weber Shandwick and work alongside such talented colleagues around the world."

She's been a steady force at Weber Shandwick for more than 15 years, serving in leadership roles including Executive Vice President of the Consumer Practice, Chief of Staff to the CEO, Global Chief Growth Officer and, most recently, Global President. She has overseen the agency's business strategy and innovation agenda, led key client relationships and partnered closely with leaders across the network to shape the agency's future direction.

"Susan is one of the most visionary and impactful leaders I've had the privilege to work with," said Pugliese. "What she has built here — an agency defined by creative excellence and a culture that attracts and develops outstanding talent — is a strong platform for the future. I am deeply honored to take on this role and focused on what's next for our agency, our clients and our people."

Weber Shandwick also announced that Jim O'Leary, Chief Executive Officer, North America and Global President, is departing the agency to pursue a new opportunity.

About Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is part of Omnicom Public Relations (OPR). The agency has been recognized with numerous industry honors, including PRWeek's Global Agency of the Year, PRovoke's Global Agency of the Decade and more than 250 Cannes Lions.

About Omnicom Public Relations
Omnicom Public Relations (OPR) is the global public relations capability of Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) and one of the company's Connected Capabilities. Operating through leading agency brands, OPR advises and activates for clients across corporate and brand communications, health, public affairs, and social impact. OPR connects world-class talent with shared platforms, technology, and data-driven intelligence, including Omnicom's Omni platform, to deliver integrated communications that shape reputation, drive influence, and produce measurable impact worldwide.

Contact: robin.callif@omc.com
917-270-9394

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SOURCE Weber Shandwick

FAQ

When will Susan Howe retire from Weber Shandwick and what is the impact for OMC?

Susan Howe will retire on 1 September 2026. According to Weber Shandwick, she leaves after nearly three decades, during which the agency earned major global awards and expanded its integrated communications and advisory capabilities, potentially supporting Omnicom’s broader public relations portfolio.

Who is replacing Susan Howe as Weber Shandwick CEO and what is her background?

Karen Pugliese will become CEO on 1 September 2026. According to Weber Shandwick, she is currently Global President and has held roles including Global Chief Growth Officer, Chief of Staff to the CEO and Executive Vice President of the Consumer Practice over more than 15 years.

What leadership changes at Weber Shandwick were announced by Omnicom (NYSE:OMC) on May 14, 2026?

Weber Shandwick announced Susan Howe’s retirement, Karen Pugliese’s promotion to CEO, and Jim O’Leary’s departure. According to Weber Shandwick, Howe and Pugliese will jointly manage the transition, while O’Leary, CEO North America and Global President, is leaving to pursue a new opportunity.

What experience does Karen Pugliese bring as the new Weber Shandwick CEO for OMC investors?

Karen Pugliese brings more than 15 years of leadership at Weber Shandwick. According to Weber Shandwick, she has overseen business strategy and innovation, led key client relationships, and worked closely with leaders across the network, potentially supporting continuity in client service and agency direction.

How has Weber Shandwick performed under outgoing CEO Susan Howe?

Under Susan Howe, Weber Shandwick received major global industry recognition. According to Weber Shandwick, honors include PRWeek’s Global Agency of the Year, PRovoke’s Global Agency of the Decade and more than 250 Cannes Lions, alongside the build-out of Weber I/O, Weber Advisory and Weber Create.

What does Jim O’Leary’s departure mean for Weber Shandwick and Omnicom (OMC)?

Jim O’Leary is leaving Weber Shandwick to pursue a new opportunity. According to Weber Shandwick, he held dual roles as Chief Executive Officer, North America and Global President, so his exit adds another senior transition as the agency also prepares for the planned CEO handover in 2026.

How is Weber Shandwick managing the CEO transition from Susan Howe to Karen Pugliese?

Weber Shandwick is planning a coordinated leadership handover. According to Weber Shandwick, Susan Howe and Karen Pugliese will continue working closely on the transition ahead of September 1, 2026, aiming to support continuity for employees, clients and partners across the agency’s global network.