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Born in Frankfurt Germany, Katherine Abboud lived in Los Angeles and Chicago for many years and now calls Birmingham, Michigan home.

Past Experience:
Principal /Chief Operating Officer @Armstrong White
Senior Partner, Director of Creative Services @JWT Detroit
Senior Graphic Services Manager- JWT Chicago
Senior Print Production Manager @ Chiat/Day LA
Print Production Manager @McCann Erickson LA

Katherine’s “real” role at RISE:
Company Leadership
New Business Development
Brand Strategy Management
Account Management
Client Partnership

Individual Accomplishments:
1996-2001 Accelerated professional advancement through the Advertising business to become the Senior Partner, Director of Creative Services for JWT Detroit managing 5 departments and over 100 employees.
2006 In collaboration with three partners, we acquired Armstrong White in 2006. I spearheaded the company’s tremendous growth and evolution, shifting it from a predominantly local retouching studio in Detroit to a worldwide CGI studio. Our innovative approach involved utilizing vehicle design data to craft CGI imagery for automotive industry marketing, ultimately resulting in an acquisition.
2010 – Led the purchase and the total renovation of a custom built, secure CGI studio that became the benchmark for the CGI creative industry.
2013- Led the acquisition of Armstrong White to the largest VC firm in Canada which fueled our expansion into the Pharmaceutical, CPG, food, and beverage industries.
2013-2020 -Remained COO of Armstrong White 8 years post acquisition, and let the expansion to be the global CGI network within the parent company.

In Katherine’s Words:
Stepping into the role of CEO at RISE is a moment of great significance for both the company and myself. My vision is to lead our talented team at RISE Creative Studios to push boundaries and deliver exceptional content, both branded and original. As CEO, I recognizing that our work extends beyond just individual projects. It’s about leaving a lasting mark on the industry, challenging norms, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. I believe that by embracing diversity, we can widen the gaze and create narratives that resonate deeply with audiences around the world.

My ultimate goal is to align the entire company with the mission of RISE, ensuring that every aspect of our operations reflects our commitment to diversity, integrity, and impactful storytelling. This is not just about walking the talk; it’s about setting the gold standard for the industry and inspiring others to follow suit.

Together, we will rise above challenges and make a profound difference in the lives of our audiences and the industry as a whole. “

*E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.