Linda Descano

Executive VP

Red Havas US

Linda Descano served  as a Managing Director and Head of Digital Partnerships, Content and Social for North America Marketing at Citi. In this role, she is responsible for developing strategic partnerships and programs that enable Citi to be present in consumers’ digital lives through social media and branded content.

In addition to her marketing role – which she took on in 2012 – Linda is also President and CEO of Women & Co., a service of Citi that brings women relevant financial content and thoughtful commentary to get them thinking and talking about money. Linda joined Women & Co. in 2003. Throughout her career, Linda has been recognized for “propelling with purpose,” helping countless organizations and individuals move from information to action by distilling disparate, complex information into clear, compelling and relevant communications that deliver measurable business results. Previously, Linda was a Director and Portfolio Manager in Citi’s Private Portfolio Group, where she co-managed customized investment portfolios for individuals and institutions and oversaw the firm’s socially responsible investment program from 1999 to 2002. Before that, Linda served as Senior Vice President and Director of Environmental Affairs for Citi predecessor company, Salomon Inc., which she joined in 1994. Prior to embarking on a career in finance, Linda spent several years working in environmental consulting. An accomplished speaker, Linda has spoken at hundreds of conferences on an array of personal finance, content marketing, and leadership topics. She is regularly sought out by the media for her expertise, and has been quoted in: Smart Money Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, Business News Daily, MORE Magazine, American Banker, Digiday, The Daily Rap on the Wall Street Journal Radio Network, The Washington Post, Yahoo Shine, MSN Money, Forbes Woman and many more. Linda is also a featured contributor on womenandco.com and Manilla.com, for which she serves as their Women and Money expert; and blogs weekly on LinkedIn as member of the professional network’s Influencers group of thought leaders. She has contributed to countless newspapers and websites including: The Huffington Post, Working Mother, The Herald Star, and The Maryland Guide. Linda serves on the Board of Directors of the Girls Scouts of the U.S.A., the Director’s Council of the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Fab & Fru Advisory Board. She also serves on the National Board of Directors of Step Up Women’s Network and is a past chair of their New York Board. Linda is a member of several professional associations, including the CFA® Institute, New York Society of Security Analysts, and New York Women in Communications. Linda also is a member of the Forbes Executive Women Board, the National Organization of Italian American Women, and the National Association for Female Executives. Among her many accomplishments, Linda was honored as one of “10 Women Who Run the World” at the 2013 More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half Marathon, and was the recipient of a Changing the Game Award from the Advertising Women of New York in 2013; a Women of Excellence Award from the National Association of Female Executives in 2012; a Luminary Award from Womensphere in 2011; a Corporate w2wlink Ascendancy Award in 2009; and a Wise Woman of the Year Award by the National Organization of Italian American Women in 2008. A native of Philadelphia, Linda attended Temple University and Texas A&M University. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Geology and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.

Where You Can Find Linda

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