Karen Nayler, MD, MindShare, Toronto

New office space, more than a dozen new hires, and some impressive client wins like Ikea, Kellogg and Estée Lauder. Under Karen Nayler’s leadership, five-year-old media agency MindShare is enjoying a bountiful moment in time. The agency has enjoyed steady annual growth since its launch (a merger between the Ogilvy and JWT media departments). In November 2005, RECMA, a group that monitors the media agency industry, estimated MindShare achieved a 14% billing growth 2005 versus 2004, one of the highest among media agencies and well above the market.

Not surprising considering Nayler, during 25 years at JWT, where she also launched her career, managed the media operations of the agency’s Vancouver and Toronto locations, eventually becoming deputy GM in 1993. In 2000, it was on to new challenges at MindShare, working with the Canadian WPP agencies and the global network to orchestrate the launch into Canada. And it’s paid off. Last year, among other coups, the agency won a silver ranking in strategy’s Media Agency of the Year competition – its best showing to date.

Beyond the boardroom:

* She’s held senior positions on NADbank and the Vancouver Media Directors Council. Currently, she’s an active member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Media Directors Council, BBM and NABS.