NEW YORK — BCW has hired Real Chemistry’s chief client officer Mary Corcoran to serve as president of North America.

Starting May 1, Corcoran will be responsible for business growth, talent acquisition, development and retention and senior client counsel for the agency’s largest region.  She will also become a member of BCW’s executive committee and global board.

Corcoran succeeds Brooke Hovey, who has served in the role since Chris Foster left the agency to lead the Omnicom Public Relations Group as CEO in May 2021. Hovey will continue as BCW’s global chief growth officer.

“Mary is exceptionally gifted with the diverse range of skills needed to lead BCW’s largest region,” said global CEO Donna Imperato, to whom Corcoran will report. “She has experience across nearly every industry and discipline, plus an impeccable track record of successfully leading increasingly large and complex P&Ls to outsized growth.


“Mary also has an infectious energy and people-first leadership style, which are critical for success in today’s highly competitive talent market,” Imperato said. “Her reputation as a deeply effective and empathetic leader is well known throughout the industry, as is her steadfast determination to be the best possible advocate and partner for her clients. I couldn’t be happier to have Mary as a partner and leader in our business.”

Corcoran joins BCW after five years at Real Chemistry (formerly W2O) where she ran the tWist operating company, the communications business and, most recently, served as chief client officer.

Prior to Real Chemistry, Corcoran spent 11 years at Edelman, ultimately serving as chief operating officer of the agency’s New York office. Prior to Edelman, Corcoran spent several years in Democratic politics in Washington after starting her career at J.P. Morgan.