Ren Akinci serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Emerald (NYSE: EEX), a leader in B2B platforms integrating live events and digital media. With a career spanning over 15 years in human resources and a foundation in accounting, Ren brings a unique blend of financial acumen, strategic leadership, and people-focused innovation to the table. Her ability to drive large-scale transformation while maintaining a focus on bottom-line results sets her apart as a board-ready leader.
At Emerald, a publicly traded company with substantial private equity involvement, Ren oversees human capital strategies for a business that connects over 1.9 million customers annually through events, media properties, and e-commerce platforms. Since joining in 2021, she has played a critical role in shaping the company’s culture and strategic direction. She has led the HR integration for over 15 mergers and acquisitions, developed retention-focused compensation plans, and implemented scalable workforce strategies that align with the company’s growth objectives. Ren is also actively involved in board meetings, presenting quarterly to the compensation committee and collaborating on governance priorities.
Previously, at Stagwell Inc. (NASDAQ: STGW), a public company with private equity roots, Ren served as Vice President and Global Head of Human Resources. She was instrumental in leading organizational change and cultural integration for over 50 mergers and acquisitions, with a particular focus on the HR and people strategy aspects of these transitions. Ren worked directly with a portfolio of 100 global advertising agencies, where she partnered with C-suite executives to align people strategies with corporate goals. Her leadership extended to guiding DEI initiatives, spearheading organizational change, and overseeing HR compliance during a period of significant transformation.
Ren’s earlier career includes scaling startups such as Mashable and VICE Media, where she built scalable HR operations, spearheaded innovative wellness programs, and supported rapid organizational growth. While these roles laid the foundation for her operational expertise, her executive leadership skills were refined through her public company and private equity experience at Emerald and Stagwell.
Ren’s leadership extends beyond her professional roles through her successful podcast, Great Minds, hosted in collaboration with Advertising Week. The podcast has reached an audience of 6,000, connecting with thought leaders, CEOs, and founders to explore topics such as leadership, change management, and fostering inclusive workplaces.
Ren’s thought leadership has also been recognized through quotes in publications such as Skift and Paperless Post. In 2025, she will bring her expertise to the stage at SXSW.
With a Bachelor of Science in English and Accounting from Sacred Heart University, Ren combines financial literacy with strategic HR leadership. She is triple certified in Hogan Talent Performance Assessments, currently pursuing a Compensation certification from World at Work, and holds multiple certifications from Cornell and Yale in DEI, leading hybrid teams, and organizational change design. This blend of qualifications underscores her ability to navigate complex organizational challenges while delivering measurable results.
Ren’s exposure to governance, deep experience in M&A talent integrations, and track record of fostering inclusive cultures make her a valuable asset to any board. Beyond her professional roles, she is a passionate advocate for workplace equity, a mentor to emerging leaders, and an active participant in initiatives that promote animal welfare and mental health.
Character
Ren Akinci embodies integrity, resilience, and compassion, consistently advocating for inclusive and equitable workplace cultures.
Knowledge
With expertise in HR strategy, public company compliance, and M&A integration, Ren demonstrates a deep understanding of driving organizational excellence.
Strategic
Ren excels in aligning human capital initiatives with corporate objectives, fostering adaptability, and leading transformative change across diverse industries.
Communication
Ren is a compelling communicator, engaging audiences through her podcast and fostering collaboration with C-suite executives and cross-functional teams.
