- Source: Renetta McCann
Renetta McCann (born December 8, 1956) is an American advertising and public relations executive who previously served as chief executive officer of Starcom Mediavest Group in North America.
Early life and education
McCann was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 8, 1956, and was raised by her mother, a school teacher, and her grandmother. She graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in communications in 1978. Originally interested in political science and a legal career, McCann was inspired by professors such as David Zarefsky to pursue public relations.
In 2009, McCann returned to Northwestern and earned her master's degree in learning and organizational change.
Career
McCann joined Leo Burnett Worldwide, a Chicago-based advertising agency, after graduating from college in 1978. Within a year of starting, McCann became the first African-American media supervisor at the agency. In 1988, she was named vice president, and became a media director in 1989. In 1998, McCann became managing director of Starcom Mediavest Group in North America; after a merger between Leo Burnett and D'Arcy, McCann became CEO in 2000.
During her tenure as CEO, Starcom's client billings exceeded $26 billion and the company grew to over 6,000 employees. McCann was responsible for strategic planning and financial management as well as overseeing clients in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. McCann stepped down as CEO in 2008.
In 2012, McCann returned to Leo Burnett in the role of chief talent officer. She also serves as a member of Northwestern Alumni Association's Board of Directors as well as an adjunct lecturer.
Awards and honors
In 2001, named a "Media Maven" by Advertising Age
In 2002, named "Corporate Executive of the Year" by Black Enterprise
In 2003, named as one of the "50 Women Who Are Changing The World" by Essence
In 2006, received a Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications
In 2007, appeared on Forbes list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women
In 2019, received a Silver Medal Award, an award from Chicago Advertising Federation for outstanding career accomplishments
In 2023, inducted into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame
In 2024, received the Northwestern Alumni Medal for exceptional achievement in her career and service to Northwestern University
In 2024, received the Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism