Hart Names Marc Paulenich Chief Executive Officer, Advancing Agency’s Vision for Transformative Growth
TOLEDO, OHIO — Hart announced today that Marc Paulenich has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2026. Paulenich succeeds Mike Hart, who will transition from CEO into the role of Executive Chairman and continue to support the agency’s culture, client relationships and long-term strategy.
Paulenich has served in several senior leadership roles at Hart, including President, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Strategy, and has helped guide the agency through a period of meaningful evolution, strengthening integration across disciplines and positioning the firm for sustained, independent growth.
“Marc brings clarity, momentum and the all-important ability to turn strategy into action,” said Mike Hart. “He understands how to move brands – and organizations – forward and is a truly great leader internally. All of this has played a critical role in where Hart is today, and I’m confident in his ability to lead the company into what’s next.”
Since Paulenich was named President, Hart has experienced meaningful growth and operational expansion, including sustained revenue growth over the past five years and an expanded presence with the addition of offices in Washington, D.C., and Detroit. During that time, the agency has continued to invest in its people-first culture, earning Best Place to Work recognition while strengthening long-term client partnerships and strategic capabilities.
“I’m honored to step into the CEO role and energized by the future ahead,” said Paulenich. “Hart has always believed that great brands don’t just get noticed, they create belief, action and advocacy. My focus is on continuing to sharpen that philosophy: aligning our teams, investing in the capabilities our clients need most and helping organizations achieve meaningful, lasting impact. We’re building for what’s next and doing it with intention.”
Paulenich is also the author of a forthcoming book exploring how brands and leaders can drive relevance and influence in a crowded marketplace – further reinforcing Hart’s commitment to thought leadership and forward-looking strategy.
About Hart
Hart is a full-service, independent brand transformation agency that creates growth for middle-market companies in the new experience economy. Hart’s promise of Every Day Greater™ is an outgrowth of the agency’s distinctive capability to move audiences from apathy to advocacy by designing and deploying empowering, unified brand experiences. Established in 1965 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, with offices in Columbus, Ohio, Detroit and Washington, D.C., Hart partners with B2C and B2B brands across industries to unlock clarity, amplify purpose and create momentum. Learn more at hartinc.com.
