Ascendant Network
Karen Kirkwood has a wealth of experience in various industries ranging from consulting to steel manufacturing. As the Partner and COO of Ascendant Network, Karen has played a pivotal role in accelerating the rise of marketing and retail change agents. Previously, Karen held positions such as VP of Operations at Edge Steel and COO at NDS Group, where Karen implemented effective strategies to achieve management objectives. With a background in accounting and management, Karen has a proven track record of driving growth and success in all their roles.
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Ascendant Network
Ascendant Network is home to 3 influential communities of marketing, retail, and commerce media execs. Its mission is to advance the professional development of exceptional leaders. Its content + community + partners are curated by its powerful Digital Ascendant Council + Retail Ascendant Council + RMN Founding Council to be incredibly germane. Its twice-yearly community events are not run-of-the-mill conferences, each one brings together transformative executives (typically VP to C-suite) from the nation’s most progressive companies to share + connect + tackle industry problems. It's a closed door/no press forum -- in short, it produces safe, candid environments for the most senior marketing + retail + commerce media leaders to meet + learn + be inspired >> Digital Ascendant: A community of pioneers at the forefront of marketing innovation — They share an identity and common path, having deep digital roots + chosen to be catalysts for change. This "class of 2000" are climbing in record numbers and becoming the new breed of marketer and CMO. >> Retail Ascendant: A community of the world's most innovative + influential retailers. Members share an identity and common path as change agents, coming together to navigate seamless retail. Bridging gaps between digital + physical retail, these "intraprenuers" synchronize shopping experiences to drive business growth across new + existing media + commerce channels — all while building brand love. >> RMN Ascendant Boot Camp: a 4-sided community uniting brand advertisers <> agencies/consultancies <> RMNs/commerce media <> tech + data companies. Advertiser's titles are Director to C-suite who are buying retail/commerce media + data + insights; the agencies/consultancies are typically Head, SVP, EVPs, helping retailers stand up or monetize RMNs or buyers of commerce media; titles for RMNs are Head, GM, or VP Sales with annual ad revenues of $100m+; titles for the tech + data companies are typically VP to CRO.