Carat Appoints Mike Law as US CEO

Dentsu International announced today the appointment of Mike Law as US CEO of Carat, starting January 2022. Mike’s appointment comes at a transformative time in media. Consumer expectations and marketplace dynamics are rapidly shifting. The power of media to grow brands is more important than ever. Carat has always been relentless in ensuring media drives strategic value for clients by challenging the norms and designing innovation that delivers growth. Over the years, Mike has developed meaningful relationships with clients, partners, and employees to ensure every action is purposeful and thoughtful. In his current role leading dentsu’s investment platform, Amplifi, Mike has been at the epicenter of new media innovation and growth for clients.  

On Mike Law’s appointment, Doug Rozen, CEO, dentsu Media - Americas said: “Media leaders today need to be ahead of the curve and understand all elements of a complex landscape from the disruption of video and the future of measurement, to consumers’ changing needs and the role of data, privacy, and technology. Mike is the perfect leader to take Carat on its next journey. His expertise, understanding, and passion for Carat will ensure every single action for clients’ deliver the desired outcome and creates new value like never before.”  

Mike will be responsible for Carat's strategic direction and growth in the US by continuing to create rewarding media experiences that provide value to people. In addition, he will lead over 1,000 specialists across the US, working closely with clients and partners to continue to transform their businesses. Mike will continue to report to Doug Rozen, CEO, dentsu Media – Americas as well as Fiona Lloyd, global client and brand president, Carat.  

On his appointment, Mike said: “When I first joined Carat more than 20 years ago, there was a relentless pursuit and passion to understand people better than anyone else and ensure we made meaningful connections with them. In 2022, that curiosity remains, and as the media ecosystem continues to rapidly evolve, using data and technology, and working alongside our key media partners, we have an opportunity to deliver full-funnel media expertise to help our clients win, keep, and grow their business.”   

Mike joined Carat in 2000, where he worked for 10 years buying National TV across key accounts, before leaving Carat to join the Pfizer media team, where he managed their brand media strategy and investments. Mike returned to Carat in 2012 as SVP, Video, eventually expanding that role to his current position as US President, Amplifi. In this role, Mike oversees all investment, programmatic, partnerships, and content across the network. He recently launched earlier this year dentsu’s industry-first Economic Empowerment efforts.  

Fiona Lloyd, global client and brand president, Carat stated: “Mike’s extensive experience of what makes Carat special and his long-standing relationships with our clients, people, and partners makes him the right leader to continue to drive the evolution of our business in the US. His generous and collaborative leadership style I know will create an environment for our people to thrive in.”   

With Mike Law’s appointment, Cara Lewis has been elevated to US chief investment officer, dentsu Media. A known voice for change in the industry, Cara has been with dentsu since 2010, most recently serving as the EVP of US Media Investment for dentsu’s media agencies. Cara will continue to maximize effectiveness for clients by leveraging the collective buying power of dentsu and delivering innovative solutions to the challenges media is currently facing to future proof all channels. Before, Cara oversaw all video strategy and investment for dentsu clients as the EVP of Video Investment. Additionally, Cara was named as Cynopsis’ Top Women in Media in 2020.  

Mike succeeds Angela Steele, who has served as CEO for the past two years and was chief strategy officer before that. As CEO, Angela led Carat through new business wins and organic growth, countless industry accolades, and a successful rebrand.  

Celebrating Angela’s accomplishments, Doug Rozen said: “Angela has done an outstanding job leading Carat US, from a successful rebrand to a global pandemic. Her ability to drive strategic media solutions for clients has been instrumental to Carat US’s continued leadership. We wish her all the best on her next endeavours.”  

All appointments go into effect January 1st, 2022.