“God save me from a female CEO.” This was the controversial response from entrepreneur Tallis Gomes when asked by a follower on Instagram about the possibility of marrying a woman who held the position of CEO.
Her statement caused a great repercussion, leading to public statements from important names in the market, such as Luiza Trajano, who reiterated that Magazine Luiza had only made a “one-off partnership” with G4, borrowed from Tallis. “I do not agree at all with the position of one of the company’s partners regarding women,” said the executive.
The controversy reinforced the importance of discussing female leadership in the market. To show that competence has no gender, we have put together a list of women who are at the forefront of large advertising and communications agencies, leading with innovation, strategic vision and transforming the sector.
Marcia Esteves – Lew’Lara\TBWA
Márcia was the first woman to preside over ABAP (Brazilian Association of Advertising Agencies) in its 74-year history. She leads Lew’Lara\TBWA with a focus on inclusion and diversity.
Breeze Vicente – Soko
Co-CEO of Soko, Brisa Vicente has faced challenges since the beginning of her career and is now a reference in the advertising market.
Tatiana Marinho – Ghana
Tatiana is the only black woman CEO of an advertising agency in Brazil, heading up Gana.
Gabriela Onofre – Publicis Groupe
Gabriela is CEO of Publicis Groupe in Brazil, one of the largest communications conglomerates in the world.
Marina Pires – MediaMonks
Marina Pires joined the team as Managing Director of the São Paulo office in 2023.
Karina Ribeiro – VML
Karina Ribeiro took over as CEO of VML following the merger with Wunderman Thompson, cementing her position as one of the most influential leaders in the advertising market.
Dilma Souza Campos – Our Beach
Dilma is CEO and partner at Nossa Praia, a company that is a combination of a live marketing agency and ESG consultancy.
Egnalda Cortes – Cortes & Company
Egnalda is CEO and executive director of Cortês & Companhia, an agency that stands out for working directly with the inclusion of black influencers in the market.
Renata Bokel – WMcCann
Renata Bokel took over as CEO of WMcCann in March 2024, consolidating her position as one of the most influential leaders in the Brazilian advertising market.
Ana Paula Passareli – Brunch
Ana Paula Passareli is the founder and CEO of Brunch, an agency specializing in influencer marketing.
Camila Hamaoui – Wieden+Kennedy
Camila Hamaoui is the Managing Director of Wieden+Kennedy São Paulo, a position she assumed in early 2024, after four years at the agency, where she was responsible for customer service.
Carol Boccia – BETC Havas
Carol Boccia, CEO of BETC Havas, has led major advertising campaigns that resonate both nationally and internationally.
Fatima Pissarra – Mynd
Fátima Pissarra is CEO of Mynd, the largest influencer marketing agency in Brazil, and is also the head of Billboard Brazil.
Valeria Barone – GUT Sao Paulo
Valeria Barone is Managing Director of GUT São Paulo, an agency known for its creative and bold campaigns.
Lica Bueno – Talent
Lica Bueno, CEO of Talent, leads one of the most respected agencies in Brazil and combines her vast experience with a strategic approach.
