Mark Penn

Mark Penn is the President and Managing Partner of The Stagwell Group, a private equity fund focused on the marketing services industry.
In this role, Penn directs the acquisition process and oversees the Group’s portfolio companies.
Mark Penn’s career spans 40 years in advertising, market research, public relations, polling and consulting.
He has advised top world leaders, led companies, and written two bestselling books.
Currently, Mark serves as President and Managing Partner of private equity The Stagwell Group as well as CEO of the fund’s largest investment, MDC Partners.
As “The Place Where Great Talent Lives,” MDC Partners is celebrated for its innovative advertising, public relations, branding, digital, social and event marketing agency partners, which are responsible for some of the most memorable and effective campaigns.
By leveraging technology, data analytics, insights and strategic consulting solutions, MDC Partners drives creative excellence, business growth and measurable return on marketing investment for over 1,700 clients worldwide.
MDC Partners is part of Stagwell Group’s strategy to invest in digital marketing services companies.
With over $500 million raised, Stagwell has made over 20 investments in under four years, delivering what investors call, “a superior operating model.” Prior to founding Stagwell, Mark served in senior executive positions at Microsoft.
As Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, he was responsible for working on core strategic issues across the company, blending data-analytics with creativity to help set the company on a new course.
Penn earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and attended Columbia Law School.
He is a visiting lecturer at Harvard College, where he teaches courses on Public Opinion.