Carolyn Kilbourne is an accomplished communications executive whose extensive career spanning nearly four decades is marked by strategic innovation, entrepreneurial flair, and exceptional leadership. With 38 years of experience guiding brands to communicate effectively and meaningfully with stakeholders, media, and consumers, Carolyn stands apart as a visionary leader in strategic marketing and corporate communications.
Beginning her career at Jeffrey Goodman & Associates, Carolyn quickly demonstrated her capability to craft compelling narratives and support impactful national PR campaigns. Her early experiences laid a solid foundation in developing targeted marketing materials, positioning her for a successful ascent into executive leadership roles.
From 1989 to 2004, Carolyn served as Partner and Vice President at Media Profile Inc., managing complex communications strategies across diverse sectors, including technology, retail, finance, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods. Notably, she oversaw influential national bilingual campaigns for powerhouse brands such as Microsoft Canada, Kellogg Canada, Telus, BMO Mutual Funds, and Rogers Communications, consistently achieving measurable results in brand elevation and market influence.
A significant career highlight at Media Profile was Carolyn’s direct management of the Canadian Corporate Communications contract for Microsoft Canada (2001-2004). She meticulously orchestrated high-profile executive visits by global leaders like Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, underscoring her expertise in working seamlessly with C-suite executives and senior stakeholders.
Transitioning her skills into real estate from 2005 to 2013, Carolyn excelled as an independent sales contractor with Royal LePage Johnston & Daniel, leveraging her negotiation, strategic planning, and sales acumen. Her excellence was recognized through the prestigious Royal LePage Award of Excellence, reinforcing her aptitude for driving results, building relationships, and surpassing goals.
Returning to her passion for communications leadership, Carolyn joined Energi PR as Vice President, Consumer Practice Lead & Business Acquisition (2013–2015). She led dynamic teams to implement successful communication strategies for prominent brands including Hotels.com, Choice Hotels Canada, and Square, significantly enhancing market penetration and consumer engagement through strategic communication planning.
In 2016, Carolyn co-founded Carlaw Communications Inc., blending agility, innovation, and creativity into a hybrid agency model designed to serve global brands entering the Canadian market. Carolyn’s entrepreneurial drive and strategic vision secured immediate success, generating six-figure revenue within the company’s first year of operation, showcasing her profound business acumen and proactive market responsiveness.
Carolyn’s dedication to mentorship and community engagement further highlights her character. She actively volunteers with young communications professionals through the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Additionally, she is involved in nonprofit work, including her volunteer service at Sunrise Women’s Shelter and her commitment to breast cancer research fundraising through CIBC’s Run for the Cure.
Her extensive international exposure and ability to bridge diverse cultural communications have proven invaluable to her clients, particularly companies from Europe seeking strategic entry into the Canadian market. Her linguistic capabilities, including proficiency in basic French, further enhance her international communication effectiveness.
Outside the professional realm, Carolyn maintains a deep passion for personal growth and endurance sports, having completed several renowned international marathons including the Chicago LaSalle Bank Marathon, ING New York City Marathon, and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. Her interests in interior design, architecture, literature, and travel further enrich her perspective, creativity, and innovative approach to her professional endeavors.
Character:
Carolyn Kilbourne is recognized for her integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to mentoring others, highlighted by extensive volunteerism and community involvement. Her unwavering passion, personal resilience, and empathy underscore her exemplary leadership and ethical approach to business.
Knowledge:
Carolyn possesses deep industry expertise in strategic marketing, corporate communications, and consumer engagement, particularly within travel, tourism, food and beverage, and consumer goods sectors. Her profound market insights enable brands to navigate complex landscapes, leverage emerging trends, and achieve sustainable growth.
Strategic:
Known for her strategic foresight, Carolyn effectively identifies communication opportunities, anticipates market shifts, and positions brands to capitalize on trends. Her entrepreneurial ability to translate strategy into actionable, measurable results consistently advances business objectives and brand reputation.
Communication:
Carolyn is a concise, clear communicator who excels at articulating brand narratives and strategically engaging key audiences, stakeholders, and media. Her proven ability to navigate crisis communications, build strategic partnerships, and inspire collaborative teamwork makes her an invaluable asset to any leadership team.
