NEW YORK, October 29, 2024 — Taylor, celebrating 40 years as a leading marketing communications agency renowned for its innovative brand strategies and deep expertise in consumer public relations, proudly announced the appointment of Maeve Hagen to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Hagen, who currently serves as Managing Partner, is transitioning to the role held by industry leader Tony Signore for the past two decades.
Signore, who joined Taylor in 1989 and took over as CEO in 2004 when he led a shareholder group acquisition from the agency founders, will continue to serve as Chairman. During his tenure, Signore played a transformative role in shaping Taylor’s growth, fostering a diverse people-first culture, and solidifying the agency’s standing as a preeminent industry force, shaping possibilities for the world’s leading brands.
“As I help write this new chapter at Taylor, I am both honored and energized to build on the incredible foundation Tony has set over the past two decades,” said Hagen. “My vision for Taylor is to remain adaptable and forward-thinking, reinforcing our strengths in strategy, creativity and earned media, as well as combining deep, long-standing client relationships with a diverse, best-in-class culture. Together, we will not only meet the demands of today’s marketplace but also shape the future of the industry through breakthrough brand marketing across the entire media ecosystem.”
Hagen, who joined Taylor as an intern in the early 2000s, has ascended through the ranks to become a trusted and respected force for change within the organization. Known for her strategic insights, passion for sports & entertainment, and a keen focus on earned-led creativity, Maeve’s vision for the future of Taylor emphasizes diversity of thought, driving cultural relevance, and harnessing digital transformation to meet evolving client needs. In 2017, Hagen was named President of Taylor and later a Managing Partner, having led the growth of the agency’s Charlotte, NC, office and helped shape the culture across the organization. During her tenure as Managing Partner, Hagen and her leadership team have been responsible for numerous agency accolades and enterprise-wide campaigns on behalf of P&G, Diageo, Capital One, and AIG. Most recently, Hagen was recognized by PRWeek in its 2024 40-Under-40 class and PRNEWS as a Top Women Award in the Business Entrepreneurs category.
Since becoming CEO in 2004, Signore has led the agency through a transformative evolution, including the seismic shift to a unique business model that focused on a select group of category-leading client partners to offer deeper strategic counsel and breakthrough creative. His commitment to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace has been a cornerstone of Taylor’s identity, ensuring that creativity and innovation thrive within a supportive environment. Under his stewardship, Taylor earned several accolades such as US Agency of the Year, was recognized as Consumer Agency of the Decade by PRovoke Media and was the subject of a landmark Harvard Business School case study, “Transformation at Taylor.” Signore will remain involved in his capacity as Chairman, assuring clients and stakeholders of the agency’s ongoing commitment to Taylor’s purpose, values, and pivotal relationships.
“The appointment of Maeve as Taylor’s next CEO is the culmination of a succession plan that had commenced in 2019,” said Signore. “Over the past five years, Maeve has risen to every challenge and opportunity with a collaborative and innovative spirit that has engaged and energized our colleagues and client partners. During my 35-year career at Taylor, I’ve partnered with industry leaders in more than 60 countries, across every continent, and I can state with certainty that Maeve’s unique blend of personal and professional leadership attributes is second to none.”
Founded in 1984, Taylor has been a pioneer in public relations within the sports, entertainment, and lifestyle sectors. Over the years, Taylor has transformed into a fully integrated marketing communications agency that partners with the world’s leading brands to shape possibilities and lean into the edge of their purpose to unlock opportunities for growth. With Maeve Hagen at the helm, Taylor is poised to continue its legacy of diversity and excellence along the leading edge of marketing communications.
