Mark J. Penn is a distinguished American businessman, pollster, political strategist, and author, known for his influential roles in various high-profile campaigns and corporate strategies. As the chairman and CEO of Stagwell, a marketing group, Penn has successfully led the firm to significant growth, including its merger with MDC Partners in 2021, which expanded its global reach to 35 countries and over 13,000 employees. His vision for a digitally-focused advertising holding group has positioned Stagwell as a leader in integrated marketing solutions, contributing to its entry into the Fortune 1000 during his tenure.

Before founding Stagwell, Penn served as the chief strategy officer at Microsoft, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s public image during antitrust litigation. His innovative approach led to the creation of the “blue sweater” advertisement featuring Bill Gates, which helped restore trust in the brand. Penn’s strategic insights were instrumental in developing successful campaigns for major corporations like AT&T, where his “mall testing” methodology significantly boosted customer acquisition.

Penn’s political career is equally impressive, having co-founded the polling firm PSB Research, which advised prominent figures such as President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. His work during Clinton’s presidency, particularly in identifying the “soccer mom” demographic, was crucial in shaping campaign strategies that led to electoral victories. He also served as a chief strategist for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign, where he crafted impactful messaging and advertisements.

An accomplished author, Penn has published notable works including “Microtrends” and “Microtrends Squared,” which explore the influence of small demographic shifts on broader societal changes. His expertise in polling and strategy continues to inform his work, as he emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior in today’s data-driven landscape. With a career spanning decades, Mark Penn remains a prominent figure in both the political and marketing arenas, consistently driving innovation and success.