As the US Chief Investment Officer for dentsu’s media service line of business, Cara manages $19B in annual investments for all of dentsu’s media clients in the US market.
In this significant role, Cara oversees all US investment activities including publisher direct media, biddable media, research, economic empowerment, productivity and strategic partnerships. She is tasked with maximizing efficiencies for her clients by leveraging the collective buying power of dentsu and delivering innovative solutions that address the changes in the media landscape.
Cara has been with dentsu since 2010. Most recently, Cara oversaw all publisher direct media investment across video, out of home, print, digital direct, DRTV, Local and Network TV, and Audio channels. Previously, Cara led video strategy and investment across all screens and devices for dentsu US clients as the EVP of Video Investment.Cara joined dentsu to manage video investment and activation for the PfizerPharmaceuticals account for three years and then the General Motors account for four years before expanding her remit to oversee all media spend on behalf ofGeneral Motors.
Her media career spans 23+ years, with five years of DTC experience between two of the biggest PharmaceuticalCompanies (Pfizer and Glaxo SmithKline). Cara also has a strong background in packaged goods and retail, working on the SC Johnson and Sears business for over nine years, as well as a handful of travel accounts. Her past agency experience includes MediaEdge, TN, Initiative, and MPG.
Cara was named as Cynopsis’ Top Women in Media in 2020 as an Industry Leader. She was also honored as a She Runs It Working Mother of the Year in 2020. Cara’s expertise is constantly tapped by industry reporters and has been featured in Adweek, Digiday, and MediaPost, to name a few.
Cara serves on the junior board for The Valerie Fund for the and currently runs sales and promotion for Careoke for the Kids, an industry event in its 16thyear. She was honored at The Valerie Fund Thanksgiving Gala in 2019 for her tremendous contributions to the cause.In November 2019, Cara was also an honoree at Coaches vs Cancer. Cara will behonored at Partnership with Children Gala being held in June 2022. Cara was recognized at her previous agencywith a 5 dot award. She is a breast cancer survivor and enjoys thebeach, crafting, playing games, reading, sewing, traveling and most importantlybeing with her family.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-lewis-23a36417/