Robin Whalen
Toronto
Summary
A dynamic, results-driven business leader with a proven track record in driving strategic growth, executing successful mergers and acquisitions, and shaping industry leadership. With a deep understanding of market dynamics, I have led organizations through transformational growth, spearheading high-impact initiatives that optimize operational efficiencies, expand market share, maximize profitability and drive industry creativity.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
President & CEO
Church+State
Toronto
09.2017 - Current
- Responsible for the visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to drive growth, creativity, and profitability across all accounts.
- Key responsibility for driving our high-performance culture, fostering client relationships, and ensuring the agency stays at the forefront of industry trends.
- Manage all operations including team management, full P&L responsibility, overseeing creative product and excellence and driving new & organic business.
- Led the due diligence process and eventual acquisition of agency in December 2023 including all financial reporting and interactions with M&A firm and consultants.
- Performance Highlights: Led the agency through strong growth and above average EBITDA for the past 5 years. Secured long-standing AOR relationships with tier 1 brands such as DoorDash, Walmart and Google.
Managing Partner
6 Degrees Integrated Communications
Toronto
03.2010 - 03.2017
- Built the digital arm of the agency while acquiring net new digital-first clients as well as migrating existing 6Degrees clients away from traditional AOR agencies to our in-house digital shop.
- Also, led our integrated Creative Department and in-house studio.
- Responsibility for the larger agency included company PR and profile, creative and strategy, and new business development.
- Overall responsibility for 6 Degrees and Real Interactive, including:vision included: operations, HR and financial assets of the agency as well as overall client service and strategy offering
- Performance Highlights: Under my leadership, in close to 7 years with the company, I surpassed every single financial objective set for Real Interactive and brought on 5 net new clients from outside the CPG sector for the first time in the company’s 25-year history.
Vice President, Brand Director
MacLaren McCann
Toronto
03.2005 - 03.2010
- Led a group of 20 integrated (direct and digital) marketers responsible for the AOR management of Canada’s largest not-for-profit organization grossing over $374MM / year: World Vision Canada. Account activity included direct mail, broadcast, radio, digital strategy and execution, traditional and online media, overall strategic & product planning, brand research/re-launch and full P&L accountability. In addition, managed all pro-bono communication needs for Camp Oochigeas, a camp for children with cancer.
- Also led divisional new business development efforts including organic account growth and new account procurement. Requirements include RFP development, strategic and creative proposals, senior client presentations and staffing recommendations. Represented MacLaren MRM Toronto on behalf of global network; responsible for leading Canadian office on international new business efforts as well as developing processes and strategies for future business growth.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Law, Ethics & Society
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON05-2003
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Financial analysis
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Client relationship management
- Performance metrics
- Operations management
Affiliations
- 25-years of experience with the Canadian Marketing Association. Have taught Digital Marketing, Influencer Marketing and Content Marketing for the past 10 years.
- Board member for Credit Canada, the country's oldest debt counseling service.
- Frequent Jury Member and Judge for various industry awards: CMA Awards, Effies, Canadian Marketing Hall of Legends
- Sought after industry speaker and conference chair
Timeline
President & CEO
Church+State
09.2017 - Current
Managing Partner
6 Degrees Integrated Communications
03.2010 - 03.2017
Vice President, Brand Director
MacLaren McCann
03.2005 - 03.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Law, Ethics & Society
University of Toronto
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