SPOTLIGHT: HALLIE JOHNSTON
Global Head of Client Operations, Initiative
Hallie brings a wealth of client leadership experience to Initiative, with 25 years leading marketing and media strategies for global brands on the agency, client, and publisher side. Hallie has been at the global media agency, Initiative for the past 5 years in various executive leadership positions. In her current role as Global Head of Client Operations, Hallie leads a global team that drives networked connectivity for the agencies largest global clients to drive consistency, standardization, and better efficiencies for the agency. Her team does this by developing new processes, standardization of tools and systems, and operating model and team design. Prior to her current role, Hallie was the Chief Client Officer for the US, and led all client relationships across Initiative’s three US offices. For her efforts at Initiative, Hallie was named to the 2019 Adweek 50 2019 – which honored the stellar Media, Marketing and Tech Execs Who Helped Make 2019 a Standout Year for Their Brands.
Prior to Initiative, Hallie was SVP of Client Services, Head of Branded Content at Refinery29, the leading millennial women’s digital publisher. At Refinery29, Hallie headed up their Branded Content Studio, where she oversaw all client relationships and delivered integrated branded content platforms for global brands. Prior to Refinery29, Hallie spent 8 years at IPG agencies, including McCann and Momentum Worldwide, where she led the American Express account over 15 industry creative awards.
Hallie plays an active role in various industry organizations and serves as a mentor for alumni from her alma mater, Boston University. She is a guest lecturer within the School of Communications for Boston University as well and participates in speaking engagements and panels within the advertising community.
Hallie is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Communications, with a BS in Advertising and Mass Communications.
