For those acquainted with Amani Duncan and her illustrious career, it is no secret that her passion for sports runs deep. She firmly believes that athletes often transform into exceptional employees, embodying the essence of teamwork and the power of unity. Yet, while her heart beats fervently for sports, it's the mentors on the sidelines that truly captivate her. The coaches who lead premier teams, inspiring and uplifting them every single day, regardless of triumphs or defeats, display a level of fortitude that few possess. Their dedication is a testament to genuine leadership and a skill set many aspire to attain.

Amani Duncan is an accomplished marketer and brand strategist with nearly three decades of experience in establishing and executing strategic partnerships that drive audience growth while fostering creative innovation. As a self-described "outsider in unfamiliar territories," Amani brings a unique perspective to the businesses she collaborates with, challenging conventional thinking to deliver sustainable and innovative solutions. With a proven track record spanning diverse industries, including beauty, fashion, media, advertising, music, and manufacturing, Amani consistently generates positive outcomes across the three pillars of success: people, purpose, and profits.

As the former CEO of BBH USA, a creative agency specializing in enhancing brand value, Amani was responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, as well as high-level strategy and direction for clients such as Heineken, LinkedIn, Google Shopping, Netflix, Mattel’s Barbie, Lionsgate, and Brighthouse Financial. Her tenure as CEO began in February 2022, following her appointment as President of BBH NY in September 2020. Under her leadership, BBH USA successfully executed major campaigns, including Glass Ceiling Breaker—a portrait homage to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris—and the award-winning initiative Google’s Black Owned Friday, recognized as the "Most Purposeful Campaign of 2021" by Campaign US and recipient of four Cannes Festival of Creativity Lions in 2022.

A passionate advocate for female leadership and diversity, Amani serves as a founding member of Chief, a leadership network for women, and holds positions on several boards and committees, including the 4A's Board of Directors, 4A's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Steering Committee, and the Board of Directors of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), the world's leading musical instrument manufacturer, marketer, and distributor. She frequently speaks at industry events and has conducted interviews with culture-defining leaders and artists, including Jane Fonda, Sir John Hegarty, and Wyclef Jean. This year she will be speaking at ChiefX’s inaugural conference in October, as well as at Advertising Week New York and as one of the keynote speakers at The BOARD annual board meeting.

Amani's exceptional leadership has garnered industry acclaim, including Ad Age A-List’s 2022 Agency Executive of the Year, Adweek Women Trailblazer 2022, Campaign Female Frontier Award honoree, and Advertising Week’s Future is Female Awards winner. In 2022, she served as President of the Entertainment Lions for Music jury at Cannes Lions, a Clio Music Awards Music Marketing juror, and Campaign Female Frontier Awards juror. In 2021, Duncan served as a Cannes Lions Entertainment Lions juror, Effie Awards co-chair, and Grand Effie juror. This year is no exception, as Amani will preside as Jury President for Entertainment and Grand Prix for Good at the Dubai Lynx Festival of Creativity, and she will serve as a juror for Ad Age’s Creativity Awards and Creative Marketing, as well as Advertising Week Africa and Europe’s “Future is Female” Awards juror. In May 2023, Amani was honored by the Girl Scouts of Greater New York at their annual Gold Achievement Gala.

Amani’s extensive career includes a significant role as MTV’s Senior Vice President of Music, where she bolstered the network’s industry relationships through innovative artist-driven initiatives, strategic campaigns, and the creation of music content. Prior to MTV, she served as Head of Brand Marketing at Martin Guitar, where she revitalized the 200-year-old brand and crafted an ambitious global marketing plan that paid off. As Chief Marketing Officer of Sean Combs’ Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, Duncan orchestrated synergy through marketing and publicity across the company’s various verticals, including fragrances, clothing, music, TV/film, spirits, and charitable initiatives. She has also held senior positions at Capitol Music Group, where she served as Senior Vice President of Marketing, and Virgin Records, where she worked as Vice President of Production and Promotions.

Throughout her career, Amani has made an indelible mark on every organization and brand she’s worked with, propelling emerging artists, iconic brands like Martin guitars, and countless others to new heights, all while gaining brand partners and new fans along the way. Her remarkable career and boundary-pushing approach have been profiled by Billboard, Fast Company, Variety, Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and more.