Karen Costello is Deutsch LA’s Creative Chair, where she is responsible for setting the overall creative vision for the agency. She helms the creative department across the agency’s client portfolio, in addition to overseeing the largest agency-owned production studio in America, Steelhead. As one of Deutsch LA’s first creative hires in 1997, she’s been instrumental in helping scale the agency from eight people to over 400.

With over three decades of experience, Costello has launched global brands, created award-winning campaigns, and has touched just about every category in marketing. The brainchild behind Target’s Grammy Awards live music video with Gwen Stefani, she’s best known for taking big creative swings that have the ability to make history.

Prior to becoming Creative Chair at Deutsch LA, Costello led The Martin Agency’s creative department, as their first female CCO. Under her leadership, the agency experienced double-digit growth, earned creative acclaim and successfully implemented progressive policies.

Championing people has become a signature of Costello’s leadership. She’s been honored as: Ad Age’s “Women to Watch,” Adweek’s“Trailblazers,” Refinery29’s “Matriarchy Power List” and one of Business Insider’s “Most Creative Women in Advertising.”