27th January 2026
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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Valerie Beauchamp
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