Kristen Cavallo
Executive Director, The Branch Museum of Design
Branding Visionary & Creative Leader
Kristen Cavallo is a globally respected leader in the world of branding and advertising. Cavallo is known for transformational growth, leadership development, serving as a champion for equity and inclusion, and defending the integrity of original creative ideas. She was named Virginia Business Person of the Year in 2023.
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Cavallo is the former CEO of The Martin Agency, which grew 50% in five years under her leadership. The agency was recognized as the Adweek U.S. Agency of the Year in 2021 and 2022, and the Ad Age Agency of the Year in 2023. The agency also made the coveted Fast Company Most Innovative Companies list in 2023 and 2024. Cavallo’s team was recognized for exceptional leadership across multiple disciplines including creative, PR, new business, and talent and culture.
Cavallo simultaneously held the position of Global CEO of MullenLowe, where she spearheaded an agency rebrand that united a 55-office global network. In addition to building employee morale, the work was heavily awarded. In 2024, MullenLowe won three Cannes Lions, including a Gold for Best Rebrand/Refresh of an Agency. During Cavallo’s tenure, six MullenLowe agencies won Agency of the Year in their respective international markets.
After 30 years as a strategist and C-Suite leader, Cavallo retired from the ad industry. She is now the Executive Director of The Branch Museum of Design, Virginia’s only design museum.