Coleen Kuehn is an innovative leader in the media & marketing industry who was honored to serve on the original board of Advertising Week twenty years ago, along with some of the industry’s most respected leaders. Her career spans over 25 years and is marked by significant achievements, an ability to drive change, and a commitment to mentoring others.
Positions Held:

Coleen has been at the forefront of digital, data, and performance marketing since she first developed websites and digital media campaigns for American Express in the early 2000s. At Horizon Media, she increased revenue via key new business wins such as Kohl’s, Revlon, Impossible Foods, Glanbia, Vytalogy, and Jamaica Tourism to name a few. She also launched a Client Impact initiative to drive business outcomes and advance clients along the tech-data maturity curve, preparing them for a post-cookie reality and changing landscape.

Prior to taking the role of Chief Client Officer at Horizon, Coleen was EVP, General Manager overseeing the Travel, Media & Entertainment practice at Merkle/Dentsu. She led teams in driving profitable and sustainable growth via data-driven, tech-enabled marketing, media, and e-commerce solutions that fueled clients’ ability to deliver seamless customer experiences. She also served as Chief Media Officer at Merkle for two years, overseeing all of Merkle’s media offerings and acquisitions across seven offices with a team of over 400 employees.

Before joining Merkle, she was President of Strategy & Planning for MediaVest (now Spark Foundry), where she led strategic oversight, talent management, and product delivery for clients such as Walmart, Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Heineken. Her agency experience also includes roles as Chief Strategist at Havas|MPG and President of Digital & Emerging Media at MediaCom. On the client side, she worked at American Express for many years.
Significant Career Achievements:

Coleen has held senior roles at renowned companies, working with some of the most well-known brands. Her vast experience includes agency C-level positions, senior client roles, and even a stint working in a senator's office early in her career. Her strategic and analytical
expertise is supported by an MBA from the University of Michigan, which has been
foundational in her approach to business challenges.
Facilitating Change:

Coleen has driven restructuring and operational improvements propelling companies towards new horizons. Her experience in adopting new technologies and methodologies has consistently set new standards in the industry. As a contributor to the #SeeHer Initiative, Coleen has been key in challenging the industry to portray women and girls in a more accurate and equitable light in advertising and content by 2020, collaborating with the nation’s largest advertisers to drive this change.
Role Model and Mentor:

Coleen is recognized not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her role as a mentor and role model. She has been named one of Advertising Age's "Women to Watch" and was featured in Campaign's list of top 40 digital experts. In 2022, she was honored as one of the Female Frontiers, highlighting her impact and leadership in the industry. Her leadership style fosters an environment where innovation and growth are encouraged. Her involvement in industry panels, such as the "Women of New York" event, underscores her dedication to empowering others and sharing her insights with the next generation of leaders. One of Coleen’s career highlights was serving on the original board for Advertising Week. Beyond her professional life, Coleen has actively mentored others and previously volunteered as a Troop Leader for the Girl Scouts of America, further demonstrating her commitment to nurturing young girls and fostering leadership skills.
Personal Life:

Coleen is a dedicated mother and wife. She cherishes her family life with her husband and three children, whom she adores. When she has spare time, she enjoys racquet sports and travel.