Kristen Morgante Named Purple Strategies Chief Executive Officer

Central to the firm’s growth and success since its founding and most recently its Managing Partner, Kristen takes on the CEO role from Co-Founder Steve McMahon, who becomes Executive Chairman.

“Kristen and the leadership team we’re announcing today have consistently demonstrated that they’re ready to lead Purple, and Alex [Castellanos, Co-Founder and Chairman] and I are delighted to pass them the reins. It’s a big moment for Purple and we’re both excited about what lies ahead,” said Steve McMahon, Purple Co-Founder and Executive Chairman.

As Managing Partner, Kristen has set the strategic direction of the firm, pairing the instincts she built in federal, state and local politics with a client-first discipline that has made Purple synonymous with reputation strategy for the world’s most important companies and industries. That hybrid perspective — political sensibility matched to critical business outcomes — has shaped how Purple advises clients and has been central to the firm’s growth into the elite strategic advisory it is today. She is credited with building the culture behind that growth: a firm that draws talent across politics and policy, campaigns and advocacy, and brand and creative strategy, all grounded in research and intelligence.

“I spent the first part of my career inside political campaigns at every level, and the next part bringing that same political strategy successfully every day to clients. It’s why people come to Purple. I’m honored that Steve and Alex trust me to carry that work forward,” Kristen Morgante said.

The new appointments are at the center of a broader set of leadership updates today that solidify a structure the firm has built in recent years. In his new role as Executive Chairman, Steve steps back from his day-to-day role while continuing to counsel and advise Purple’s clients and serve on Purple’s Board of Directors. Jillayne Smyth Rogers and John Gatti are elevated to Senior Partner, formalizing the leadership roles they have held alongside Kristen. Rebecca Ballard becomes Chief Operating Officer, leading the firm’s day-to-day operations.

“Steve and I built this firm to outlast us. Today is proof that it will,” said Purple Co-Founder Alex Castellanos, who continues in his role as the firm’s Chairman. “It’s exciting to watch this group of leaders achieve things Steve and I could only imagine. There’s no one I’d rather see leading this firm. Kristen has earned this many times over — and what’s changing today isn’t just titles. It’s proof of a whole team that’s grown into leading this firm together.”