More About Kelli Parsons
Kelli Parsons is Global CEO of Hill & Knowlton, a full-service global firm within the Burson Group that advises clients on transformational journeys, providing strategic communication, marketing and corporate affairs solutions distinguished by intelligence and creativity.
Kelli brings 30 years of experience in journalism, agency and corporate leadership. Prior to her current role, Kelli served as the global chair of corporate affairs and advisory at Hill & Knowlton, where she played a key role in the growth of the firm's global advisory business, helping clients solve challenges and capitalize on opportunities at the intersection of corporate strategy and communication.
Before Hill & Knowlton, Parsons served as Chief Communication and Marketing Officer for Fortune 50 companies, where she focused on developing multi-stakeholder communication strategies to build trust during large-scale transformations.
As Chief Communications Officer at United Technologies (UTC), Kelli led the multi-stakeholder communication strategy for the company’s transformation, including its acquisition and integration of Rockwell Collins, spins of Carrier and Otis, and $74 billion merger with Raytheon. She positioned UTC as an aviation innovator in its transition from conglomerate to aerospace leader while equipping employees for large-scale change. Kelli led a strategic initiative to elevate the company’s reputation for social impact and sustainability.
As CCO of Fannie Mae, Kelli rebuilt trust and reputation during the historic turnaround of the $3 trillion housing finance company. She authored the Progress platform, successfully communicating the transformation to policy makers, investors, financial institutions, employees and consumers. The company’s digital consumer education campaign produced $50M in credit loss savings and prevented one million foreclosures. She led the largest charitable foundation dedicated to housing issues. Kelli navigated a hostile political climate and managed complex governance, legal and regulatory matters. For these achievements, PRWeek recognized Kelli as a Most Powerful Leader and Fannie Mae as Communications Team of the Year.
Kelli served as CCMO of New York Life insurance and investment management company and global private equity firm Warburg Pincus. At New York Life, Kelli created its first integrated marketing strategy, attaining record levels of brand awareness and client engagement. She also created a transformation communication strategy, achieving 90 percent positive employee opinion.
Earlier, she led H&K’s New York and Washington, D.C. markets, its corporate and technology practices, and largest global client relationship. She began her career as an award-winning television news reporter.
Kelli is actively involved in the progression of the communication profession and development of its future leaders. She serves as chair of the board of trustees of Page and as a trustee of the Institute for Public Relations. Kelli holds a Master in journalism from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism, political science from Murray State University.
Art Direction by Wynn Burson
Photography by Tina Tyrell