Clay Schouest

Clay Schouest is a prominent figure in the communications planning and strategy sector, currently serving as the Global Head of Communications Planning at Carat, a role he transitioned into following his recent appointment as Chief Strategy Officer for Client and Solutions in the APAC region at Dentsu. He officially returned to Dentsu on September 20, 2023, after a five-year stint at Reckitt as Global Communications Strategy Director from 2021 to 2023.12

Career Overview

• Dentsu (2010-2021, 2023-Present): Schouest initially joined Dentsu in 2010, where he held various strategic roles across different regions, including EMEA Communications Planning Director in London and Chief Strategy Officer for the APAC region. His return marks a significant shift back to the agency after a decade of developing his expertise there.12
• Reckitt (2021-2023): In this role, he focused on global communications strategy, further enhancing his skills in client engagement and strategic planning.1
• Mindshare UK (2006-2010): Before joining Dentsu initially, Schouest worked at Mindshare UK as Global Business Planning Director, where he honed his leadership abilities in client management.12
• McCann Worldgroup (1996-2005): His career began at McCann, where he served as an account planner and strategic planning manager.1

Professional Skills and Impact

Schouest is recognized for his innovative approach to communications planning, emphasizing creative thinking and strategic foresight. He has collaborated with major global brands such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, P&G, Diageo, and L’Oréal, showcasing his ability to navigate complex market dynamics and deliver tailored strategies that drive growth and client satisfaction.12

Personal Insights

Schouest describes his time at Dentsu as career-defining and expresses enthusiasm for re-engaging with clients in Asia. He emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse consumer profiles in the region to effectively connect with local markets.12

In summary, Clay Schouest's extensive experience and strategic insight position him as a key leader in communications planning at Carat and within the broader Dentsu network.