Companies across the country have been speaking out against racism, but less than 2% of top executives at the 50 largest companies are Black, according to USA Today. There are two critical steps to change the current landscape where Black talent is absent. The first is to hire, advance, and fairly compensate Black men and women commensurate with their white peers. The second is to retain and develop the Black talent that companies have and create truly inclusive environments where these employees thrive. BECA's mission is to give Black executives a safe space to share and learn from each other to enable our success and enhance our experience as Black executives. And with our success comes the responsibility and, frankly, honor to create access and equality for the next generation of leaders, which is the part of the mission I am most excited about. This is long overdue and will be game changing for our progress.

Remi Kent

Founding Member CMO, Progressive Insurance

Remi is the Chief Marketing Officer of Progressive Insurance, where she leads the company’s brand and marketing strategy, marketing research, insights, analytics, consumer and customer marketing, internal and external communications, digital and mass advertising, and Ninety6, the company’s in-house agency.

Prior to Progressive, she served as the Global Chief Marketing Officer for the 3M Consumer Business Group, leading the company’s global integrated marketing, media, e-commerce, and consumer insights and analytics. As Global Business Director, she led two of 3M’s most iconic brands—Post-it® and Scotch™—restoring meaningful innovation and growth to both brands.

Remi joined 3M after a long-standing career with Procter & Gamble, where she led billion dollar businesses across North America, Asia, and Western Europe with leadership experience in brand building, P&L ownership, strategy, and successful new product launches.

Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades for her leadership in business and marketing, including the likes of Ad Age Leading Women and 40 under 40, Twin Cities Women in Business Award, 100 Most Influential Black Leaders, Comparably 50, She Runs It Quantum Leap Award, and Influential Marketing Leaders Changing the Industry.

She earned her MBA from Florida A&M University and currently serves as a board member of both the YWCA of Minneapolis and the Mobile Marketing Association.

Remi actively leads and participates in various actions to help dismantle racism in her work and community. She enjoys life with her young son, along with traveling, reading, fashion, and volunteering.