Octagon promotes Stephen Macias to lead diversity in marketing agency network

Stephen Macias, who joined R&CPMK in 2020 to launch its multicultural marketing and communications division, is expanding his responsibilities within the parent company.

The veteran executive will now serve as global head of inclusive diversity for the IPG-owned Octagon Sports and Entertainment Network, which includes Octagon and R&CPMK as well as the marketing and public relations companies FRUKT, Futures, Milkmoney and No2ndPlace. His responsibilities include helping lead DEI strategy – including internal and external programming, global initiatives and partnerships – across the entire agency portfolio and helping drive DEI campaigns for Octagon’s athletes, personality and brand clients, in addition to his ongoing work with R&CPMK’s talent and brand list.

“Stephen has served as a valuable advisor to R&CPMK’s clients, as well as the leadership team of Octagon and R&CPMK, on ​​a variety of projects and efforts surrounding the advancement of DE&I in our organization, the sports and entertainment industry and society at large” said OSEN Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Diversity Officer Lisa Murray, to whom Macias will report. “We look forward to continuing to leverage Stephen’s strong insight and expertise to guide and grow our corporate and employee programs, strategy, content and key initiatives across our agency network.”

Macias was promoted to president of multicultural marketing and communications at R&CPMK in January 2022. He previously founded the LGBTQ+-focused Macias Media Group, which was acquired by MWWPR (MikeWorldWide), before serving as senior vice president of that agency’s diversity and inclusion practice. president. He has also served as executive vice president and general manager for Here Media (The lawyer, OUT) and entertainment media director for GLAAD, and has been involved in senior leadership roles with multiple LGBTQ+ nonprofits, including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Outfest, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the Free and Equal initiative of the United Nations and the Global Equity Fund of the United States Department of State.

“I am incredibly proud of the work we have done to build and grow the multicultural division at R&CPMK, as well as OSEN and IPEG’s longstanding commitment to advancing DE&I,” Macias said in a statement. “I am honored to partner with Lisa and OSEN staff around the world as we advance our efforts and platforms around our workplace, our workforce and our customers’ work. We have an exciting opportunity to evolve the way we approach inclusion, fairness and diversity in every aspect of who we are at work and what that can bring to our clients around the world.”