Kate DuBois took on the role of general manager, search after spending nearly 15 years supporting performance media, digital marketing and communications in leadership roles at Resolution Media, an Omnicom company, as well as Edelman Digital. She also spent more than 4.5 years at Starcom MediaVest Group, and another year at Ketchum as interactive Media planner.

At Resolution Media, DuBois oversaw the growth of Omnicom’s digital media and performance marketing capabilities, leading Midwest client service and operations. At Edelman Digital, she helped to launch the company’s first ecommerce offering. 

DuBois will be working closely with another new hire at Kenshoo, Margo Kahnrose, who was promoted to SVP of marketing, overseeing demand generation, branding and communications globally. She has more than 15 years of experience in marketing, branding, communications and creative across various enterprise SaaS and the consumer industry.

As DuBois steps in to lead Kenshoo’s search business unit to set the vision and priorities, Search Marketing Daily caught up with DuBois to find out a little more about her and her transition from agency to vendor. Excerpts of the conversation follow.

SMD:  What’s the best piece of advice you have received and from whom?

DuBois:  I love the saying “being flexible within a framework.” I know there’s a lot of focus on making a plan and sticking to it, but it’s important to be flexible and change paths. I can’t remember who told me it, but it’s a common phrase.

SMD:  What is the best piece of advice you can give?

DuBois:  Ask lots of questions. Don’t be shy. Put forth your opinions and values and continue to push the limits and be curious.

SMD:  Do you have specific personal hobbies that might help you at Kenshoo?

DuBois:  I’m a mother of two and have a simple home life. I love to cook, garden and spend time with the family watching movies. I’m pretty boring when it comes to the day to day, because the work is so exciting. I like to stay grounded at home.

SMD:  Do you have any plans to start a new organization at Kenshoo to support community?

DuBois:  We have weekly activities at Kenshoo like Yoga and lunches, but I also believe it’s good to get out of the office, so I belong to Girls in the Game, a nonprofit that helps girls get involved, gain confidence and build strength and leadership abilities. Community service also is super important.

SMD:  How did you initially get involved?

DuBois:  They came into Resolution Media when I worked there leading the office. We did a leadership day with some of the girls with some of the girls applying to colleges. Its team focused on growth as an organization.

SMD:  Why jump from an agency to vendor? 

DuBois:  I’ve been a customer of Kenshoo for many years and admire how they put clients first. I really felt it would be a huge opportunity to be part of the organization, and bring my experience of working closely with agencies.

SMD:  What is your biggest challenge this year?

DuBois:  Well, I’m on day 2, but with Kenshoo being well established, it will be to continue to drive innovation and growth.

SMD:  What types of books or magazines are you reading and how do they relate to search?

DuBois:  I like to keep up with the trade pubs, so I read the Harvard Business Review and keep up with The Wall Street Journal. I’m focused more on the trade pubs, rather than lifting heavy books, but it’s all focused on innovation.