Pia Mara Santomauro

Pia Mara Santomauro has a diverse work experience in the field of integrated communications and marketing. Pia Mara currently holds the position of Executive Vice President at Konnect Agency, starting in July 2023. Prior to that, they worked at R/West as a Senior Vice President, responsible for leading integrated communications and business development strategies for various clients, starting in December 2018 until August 2023. Pia Mara also held the role of Vice President and Director of Integrated Communications at R/West from October 2015 to December 2018.

Before joining R/West, Pia served as a PR Communications Officer at Carry the Future, where they managed a team of volunteers to drive awareness for the organization's mission. Pia Mara held this role from August 2015 to January 2018.

Pia Mara'searlier experiences include working as a Vice President at Padilla, overseeing brand strategy and integrated marketing campaigns for food, beverage, and wellness clients from September 2013 to August 2015. Prior to that, they worked as a Vice President at CRT/tanaka, where they oversaw PR, program development, and strategic partnerships for wine, spirits, and food businesses from March 2008 to September 2013.

Pia also has experience as a Wine & Spirits Consultant at Sopexa, a Wine Educator Consultant at Wine for All; Institute of Culinary Education; Swirl Events, and as a National Spokesperson & Brand Manager at Boisset Collection.

Pia Mara began their career as a PR Supervisor at Sopexa and a Marketing Coordinator at Best Cellars.

Overall, Pia has demonstrated expertise in developing strong client relationships, driving business goals through creative-driven campaigns, and leading integrated communications strategies for various industries ranging from consumer goods to tourism and technology.

Pia Mara Santomauro completed their Bachelor of Arts in French Studies at Smith College from 1997 to 2001. Pia Mara then pursued their interest in the culinary arts and earned a degree in Pastry Arts & Culinary Management from the Institute of Culinary Education, studying from 2007 to 2008. Additionally, Pia pursued further education in wine and spirits at the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, where they obtained an Advanced Certificate with Honors from 2001 to 2002. During their time at Smith College, Pia also had the opportunity to study abroad at the Université Paris-Sorbonne from 1999 to 2000, focusing on Art History, Philosophy, and French Culture.