Kyle Cleary

Kyle Cleary has driven some of the biggest commerce moments in consumer marketing - multi-million-dollar product launches, major sports sponsorship activations, and retail wins at some of the world's largest retailers across billion-dollar brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, and SC Johnson.

At top global agencies like Arc Worldwide (Publicis Groupe) ($22B+) and Tracy-Locke (Omnicom) ($19B+), he translated strategy into measurable business results.

Leading F500 client relationships gives Kyle a rare vantage point - he knows how organizations evaluate talent, how decisions get made, and exactly how to position you to them.

As EVP of Business Leadership, Kyle became the coach his F500 clients didn't know they were hiring - the person CMOs turned to when navigating career pivots, internal politics, and high-stakes decisions.

His career spans Marketing, Brand, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Retail Media, and Sports Sponsorship, giving him deep expertise in navigating complex client environments and global operations. His leadership spans commerce strategy, retail activation, leadership development, and performance management.

As Executive Vice President of Business Leadership at Arc Worldwide, Kyle oversaw a $12M portfolio, led the turnaround of a 10+ year client relationship, earning "Marketing Partner of the Year" global recognition.

Notably, Kyle designed and launched a first-of-its-kind Performance Coaching Pilot for mid-career professionals transitioning to management roles, driving measurable increases in talent retention.

Previously, as Client Service Director at Tracy-Locke, he led an international team of 60 across four global regions, and orchestrated the integration of the agency's largest global account win in 15 years.

Kyle is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) - ICF Accredited. A former Division 1 Men's Soccer player, he is also the founder of United After Sport, a platform supporting former competitive athletes beyond the game. He brings a coaching-centered leadership approach to Close Cohen Careers. He specializes in helping senior leaders - those with agency, brand, and consulting chapters - cut through the noise and translate a broad, high-impact career into a story that converts.

"Just as in elite sports, sustaining peak performance in the boardroom requires a winning playbook, rigorous discipline, and a commitment to elevating the team around you. Having transitioned from a competitive D1 athlete to an executive leader, I know firsthand that championships aren't won by accident - they are the result of operational excellence and high-impact coaching. Whether you are stepping into a new management role or navigating a complex business turnaround, let's harness your competitive drive and build a game plan that translates your talents into measurable victories."