Kathy Bloomgarden

Agency: Ruder Finn

USA

Dr. Kathy Bloomgarden is the CEO of Ruder Finn, one of the world's largest independent communications and integrated marketing agencies, with offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

With ‘What’s Next’ ingrained in her DNA, Kathy keeps her eye on where the world is going, not where it’s been. She encourages the adoption and piloting of emerging technologies through Ruder Finn's technology incubator, rf.TechLab, driving the development of comprehensive AI initiatives in 2024 from the AI Advisory Council to rf.aio, an AI optimization tool for brands. Kathy has built a culture that nurtures shared values and employee success, with Ruder Finn being recognized at #2 on Observer’s 2025 PR Power List for the second consecutive year and on multiple Best Places to Work lists. (PRWeek, MM+M, PRovoke, Inc.). She serves on the board of the China Institute, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and the World Economic Forum. She is also the author of Trust: The Secret Weapon of Effective Business Leaders. Kathy holds a B.A. from Brown University, an M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University, and a certificate from the East Asian Institute.