John Clinton

CEO, Edelman Canada

John Clinton is a proven leader of global advertising, communications and media companies. Most recently, he was senior vice president, Digital Solutions and New Media for Transcontinental Media, one of Canada’s largest print and digital media companies. Prior to that, Clinton served as president and CEO of Grey Worldwide Canada from 1999-2008, where he managed more than 130 employees across Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, working with clients including RIM, P&G, Invesco, Starbucks and Dairy Queen.

Prior to Grey, Clinton worked for J Walter Thomson from 1979-1999, where he last served in a dual capacity as chairman, Canada and worldwide director for Kellogg’s in New York. Throughout his tenure at JWT, he played a key role among the executive leadership of the organization, holding several senior positions including executive vice president/general manager, Chicago and president and CEO, Canada, as well as serving on the JWT worldwide Board of Directors. He was responsible for business development, client management and team building, with key accounts including Kraft, Dell, Discovery Channel, Unilever and Kellogg’s.

Clinton is past Chairman of the Special Olympics Festival – the fundraising arm for the Special Olympics in Canada – and currently sits on its National Board. He also sits on the Boards of the Power Plant (Contemporary Art Gallery of Canada) and George P. Johnson Experience Marketing. Clinton holds a BA in Urban Geography from Queen’s University at Kingston.