Remi Kent | CMO, Progressive Insurance

“Companies across the country have been speaking out against systemic inequities, yet representation at the top remains starkly limited. According to USA Today, less than 2% of top executives at the 50 largest companies come from underrepresented backgrounds. Two critical steps are needed to change this landscape. First, organizations must hire, advance, and fairly compensate talent from all backgrounds at levels commensurate with their peers. Second, they must retain and develop the talent they already have by fostering truly inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. BECA’s mission is to provide a safe space for executives to share, learn, and grow together, enabling collective success and enhancing the leadership journey. With that success comes both the responsibility and the privilege of creating access and opportunity for the next generation of leaders. That’s the part of the mission I’m most excited about. It's long overdue, and it has the potential to be truly transformative.”

Remi is the former Chief Marketing Officer of Progressive Insurance, where she led the company’s brand and marketing strategy, marketing research, insights, analytics, consumer and customer marketing, internal and external communications, digital and mass advertising, and Ninety6, the company’s in-house agency.

Prior to Progressive, she served as the Global Chief Marketing Officer for the 3M Consumer Business Group, leading the company’s global integrated marketing, media, e-commerce, and consumer insights and analytics. As Global Business Director, she led two of 3M’s most iconic brands—Post-it® and Scotch™—restoring meaningful innovation and growth to both brands.

Remi joined 3M after a long-standing career with Procter & Gamble, where she led billion dollar businesses across North America, Asia, and Western Europe with leadership experience in brand building, P&L ownership, strategy, and successful new product launches.

Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades for her leadership in business and marketing, including the likes of Ad Age Leading Women and 40 under 40, Twin Cities Women in Business Award, 100 Most Influential Black Leaders, Comparably 50, She Runs It Quantum Leap Award, and Influential Marketing Leaders Changing the Industry.

She earned her MBA from Florida A&M University and currently serves as a board member of both the YWCA of Minneapolis and the Mobile Marketing Association.

Remi actively leads and participates in various actions to help dismantle racism in her work and community. She enjoys life with her young son, along with traveling, reading, fashion, and volunteering.