Those who have lived and continue to operate through the problem are often in the best position to drive change. BECA, in the context of this moment in history, is about sharing and elevating the strengths and talents of many of our hidden leaders and our culture at a time when true authenticity and purpose-driven leadership is needed. BECA is responding to a cultural, social, and business need and it is their time to lead.

Kirk McDonald

Founding Member CEO, GroupM North America

Kirk is the CEO of GroupM North America where he leads 6,500 people passionate about shaping the next era of media where advertising works better for people. Named as one of the “50 vital leaders in tech, media and marketing,” according to Adweek, Kirk is a member of GroupM’s Global Leadership Team, and is a key player in championing GroupM’s business strategies and working with agency leadership to provide best-in-class solutions for clients through the development of data and technology-enabled services.

With $17.6 billion in media investment billings across the U.S. and Canada, GroupM owns a 22% market share in the world’s largest region. Kirk is particularly driven to help GroupM lead the way in driving real change across the industry to find a new balance of making advertising less interruptive and a valued part of the media experience. He also believes that, as the desire for brands to play their part in leading the way toward real change grows stronger, GroupM is the one to help clients be authentic and bold in this moment.

Prior to GroupM, Kirk most recently served as Chief Business Officer at WarnerMedia’s Xandr where he was in charge of go-to-market functions including sales, communications, product marketing, and marketing strategy/execution after holding the role of Chief Marketing Officer for nearly two years. Prior to AT&T, Kirk was President of PubMatic, the marketing automation software company, and also held roles with Time Inc., Fortune|Money Group, and CNET Networks, among others.

Throughout his career, Kirk received many accolades, including being named to Ebony magazine’s Power 100 list in 2018, Adweek’s 2014 “12 Stars of Ad Tech Who are Building the Future of the Industry Right Now” list, and Business Insider’s 2014 “The 46 Most Important African-Americans in Technology” list, among others.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Elanco (NYSE: ELAN), and is a member of the prestigious Executive Leadership Council. He also serves on several other professional and not-for-profit boards including the Ad Council, Advertising Week Advisory Council, and is the co-chair of MOUSE/CI.