SPOTLIGHT: ABI EVANS
Chief Growth Officer, US, Dentsu Creative
Abi is a trusted client partner, obsessed with driving innovative, creatively-led, and integrated solutions. A veteran of dentsu, Abi has served in both central and integrated roles, as well as in leadership positions within Dentsu Creative. She currently leads growth across the US, Dentsu Creative’s largest market, overseeing business development and strategic growth across the agency’s full-funnel capabilities. Prior to that, she held a number of roles within the network, including leading social and digital clients at 360i, standing up the integrated Client Development function at dentsu Americas, and leading growth in the US for mcgarrybowen. Prior to joining Dentsu, Abi worked in client leadership and growth at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, winning an impressive roster of clients in the automotive, airline, clothing, QSR, and CPG categories.
Abi is heavily involved in several efforts to drive positive change in the industry, currently serving as Chief Financial Officer and a Board Member of New York Women in Communications, as well as spearheading dentsu’s collaborations with organizations like SeeHer and She Runs It. Born and raised in Miami, Abi has a BBA from Emory University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
NYWICI WANTS TO KNOW:
If you could have one superpower, which would you choose?
Teleportation. I’d love nothing more than the ability to be everywhere and anywhere without a commute. And it would save me a lot of airline miles!
Tell me about the first job you’ve ever held.
My first job in high school was answering phones (mostly in Spanish) in the local county commissioner’s office. As a lifelong political junkie, it was my first experience in government, and taught me both how important representative democracy is and the fact that I did not want to work in local government!
What energizes and drains you when you’re at work?
When I’m at work, the people and the actual creative work truly work energize me. I really love working with smart, kind people, and I have the privilege of doing that at Dentsu. And while I love politics in life, they drain me at the office.
What’s your process for turning a bad day into a good one?
A bad day almost immediately turns into a good one when I spend time with my kids and my husband. Because at the end of the day, they’re the only thing that really matters. They give me perspective and tremendous joy.
Why NYWICI?
I love NYWICI for so many reasons. First, I think our mission is important and critical to helping women in our industry achieve equality; supporting women at all stages of their career is a true passion for me. Second, the bonds I’ve formed from my work at NYWICI are so important to me both personally and professionally. The women I’ve met, especially on the Board, have taught me, inspired me, and helped me navigate difficult times. And third, it’s a great outlet outside of my day job to apply my professional skills to a new environment—and one that makes a real difference!