27th January 2026

Why Dentsu believes in agency brands

Beth Ann Kaminkow on ownable strengths, indie competitors and a vision for industry-wide innovation

Episode 61

Beth Ann Kaminkow

CEO, Dentsu North America

Beth Ann Kaminkow is CEO of Dentsu North America. She brings a rare candour about why so many agency groups struggle to articulate their strengths, and why Dentsu is choosing to double down on strong, clearly positioned brands rather than chasing endless consolidation.

She shares her perspective on where independents are winning, why speed and specialisation matter more than ever, and how global networks leverage their scale advantage. 

Thoughtful, optimistic and grounded in real leadership experience, Beth Ann also cuts through the hype on AI, from its impact on creativity and craft, to increasing appetite from clients for new pricing models.

HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:06] How technology amplifies longevity

[03:56] Restoring growth

[08:18] The ‘One Dentsu’ model

[12:24] Client-led media strategy

[19:08] AI as media channel

[22:22] Pricing unique IP

[24:06] The needs that indies meet

[28:24] Staying focused amidst gossip

[31:55] How cynicism hurts the industry

[35:44] The next wave of creativity

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PJ Pereira and Andrew O'Dell

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Richard Huntington

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Zihla Salinas

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Jarrod Moses

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Episode 51

Loren Grossman

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Haley Hunter

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Episode 49

Jaime Robinson & Lisa Clunie

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Episode 48

Andrew Swinand

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A balanced take on indies vs HoldCo.s

Episode 47

John Harris

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Episode 46

Karen Martin

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Evolving the business of creativity

Episode 45

Guy Wieynk

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Episode 44

Dimi Albers

CEO, Dept

Retaining the soul of creativity

Episode 43

Mark Figliulo

Founder, FIG

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