The Ad Podcast

Nadja Bellan‑White is a powerhouse leader in global marketing and communications, currently serving as Group CEO, North America at M&C Saatchi Group and CEO of SS+K. With over three decades of experience across markets including the U.S., EMEA, LatAm, and APAC, she has a proven track record leading transformation and brand growth . Her career highlights include: * Global Chief Marketing Officer at Vice Media Group (2020–2023): Guided enterprise-wide brand strategy during a pivotal era in youth media. * Executive Partner & WPP Team Leader at Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide: Led major brand transformations for Dove (Unilever), and spearheaded initiatives for American Express, Coca-Cola, IKEA North America, Siemens, LG, and more . * CEO of Ogilvy Africa (2014–2017): Directed the largest agency network on the continent, managing diverse client portfolios across Africa. Nadja is celebrated for her bold, inclusive leadership style and her unwavering advocacy for diversity. She co-founded Ogilvy/WPP Roots, champions cultural representation, and actively shapes industry standards. Her achievements have been recognized through awards such as AdColor’s Legend Award and inclusion in Savoy Magazine’s Top 100 Women in Corporate America. She holds a BA in Foreign Affairs and Spanish from the University of Virginia and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business.

Ali Cornford – Managing Director, 72andSunny New York Ali relocated from Toronto to New York and brings over 15 years of leadership in advertising and agency management . In March 2024, she was named Managing Director of 72NY, joining the executive leadership alongside Juliana Cobb and Geoff McHenry. Previously, she led Convicts as MD (2021–2024) and held account and business roles at BBH, Droga5, Anomaly, BBDO, and Grey Canada. In her current role, Ali oversees agency operations and client partnerships, with clients including Paramount+, Sleep Number, E*Trade, 1800 Tequila, Autotrader, and Comcast Adweek [https://www.adweek.com/agencyspy/ali-cornford-named-managing-director-of-72andsunny-new-york/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Known for her “gritty hunger, curiosity, and leadership,” she’s focused on driving business growth, award-winning campaigns (including E*Trade Super Bowl work), and an invigorated agency culture Adweek [https://www.adweek.com/agencyspy/ali-cornford-named-managing-director-of-72andsunny-new-york/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Geoff McHenry – Head of Strategy (formerly Executive Strategy Director), 72andSunny New York Geoff is a strategist, thought leader, DJ, and public speaker who joined 72NY in October 2023 as Executive Strategy Director, setting vision for the strategy department and leading its growth. He came from Translation, where he led strategy on high-profile work like WhatsApp’s “Naija Odyssey” documentary about Giannis Antetokounmpo. Before that, he was at Wieden+Kennedy NY managing strategy for vitaminwater, Jordan Brand, and Sprite. A Morehouse College graduate, Geoff is passionate about building culturally relevant brands, mentoring diverse talent, and driving industry change through roles like ADCOLOR advisory co-lead. His work emphasizes strategic clarity, collaboration with creatives, and balancing cultural insight with marketing effectiveness

CEO, Rhonda Hiatt has been at Clear for over seven years, where she has focused on growing the retail and shopper offer and delivering retail and shopper strategy for clients including Reckitt Benckiser, Philips, Nautica, and Abbott. Prior to joining Clear, Rhonda was Head of Brand Strategy, Analytics, and Shopper Sciences for Interbrand Design Forum, where she focused specifically on retail and CPG clients. Rhonda previously taught Consumer Behavior in the MBA program as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Dayton. She has been recognized in Design Retail’s 40 Under 40 for her contributions to the retail industry and has most recently been honored as one of Consulting Magazine’s Top Consultants [https://www.consultingmag.com/2022/06/07/the-2022-top-consultants/?slreturn=20240801142842] for Excellence in Client Services. She is also a member of Chief, a private network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders. Rhonda likes to spend her free time “experiencing retail” (aka shopping!), drinking wine, and taking vacations with her daughter and husband.

Robin Clarke is the Global CEO of Passions & PR at M C Saatchi Group, where he leads the Sport & Entertainment and Talk PR divisions across North America, EMEA, and beyond. He was appointed to this role in July 2024 and sits on the agency’s Executive Leadership Team under Global CEO Zaid Al‑Qassab. Bringing nearly 25 years of experience in sports and entertainment marketing, Robin began his career in sports hospitality sales before moving into advertising and agency leadership. His previous roles include Senior Business Manager at M&C Saatchi (2002–2003), Head of Fuse Sport & Entertainment at Manning Gottlieb OMD (2004–2010), and leadership positions at Starcom EMA and Publicis Media Sport & Entertainment (2010–2018). From 2018 to 2024, Robin was a key leader at 160over90 (part of Endeavor), serving first as SVP International and later as Global EVP. There, he managed major global client relationships—including DP World, Visa, AB InBev, and Marriott—and built a strong industry network. At M C Saatchi, Robin spearheads the “Cultural Power” strategy within Passions & PR, integrating sport, entertainment, and PR capabilities to deliver global campaigns and fan-focused narratives. Under his leadership, the agency has expanded client offerings across lifestyle, music, film, and large-scale sporting events, including preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Stevie Archer is the Regional Chief Creative Officer, North America at M&C Saatchi (SS+K), based in the New York City metro area. Named after Stevie Nicks, she grew up in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, and earned a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . Stevie began her career as a copywriter, building experience at agencies including McKinney, Mullen, and Big Spaceship—where she led Starbucks accounts—before joining SS+K in 2019 as Executive Creative Director. She rose to Chief Creative Officer in late 2023 and was recently promoted to Regional CCO, N. America in early 2025 . Her award-winning work includes the “Looks Like You Need Iceland” campaign, creative strategy for Mount Sinai Health System, JPMorgan Chase’s Detroit revival, LeBron James’s More Than a Vote voter initiative, and rebranding projects for clients like Smartsheet . Known for blending political‑style strategic thinking with bold creative ideas, Stevie thrives on tackling complex challenges—from helping reshape tourism to influencing social change