Karem Planas

Drawing from a decades-long agency career and valuable sales experience early on, Karem applies problem-solving skills and technical knowledge to guide Ideas Collide’s business strategy as the agency’s Chief Operating Officer. She oversees account and internal-facing systems and processes to deliver results that drive impact and ensure production and business operations run effectively. 

A native of Puerto Rico, Karem arrived in the States to attend Boston University’s COM School, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications. As a PR professional, Karem earned her clients thousands of media hits, including primetime coverage in the Stanley Cup, Wall Street Journal product review, the cover of the New York Times, a Good Housekeeping seal of approval, and thousands of hits for brands like IBM, Crayola, Tourism Puerto Rico, Kraft, Johnson & Johnson, Destination Hotels and Netflix. 

At Ideas Collide, she joined founders Matthew and Rebecca Clyde on the agency’s first-ever pitch, and has been a critical member of its growing roster ever since. Before moving into her executive role, Karem worked as an Account Director for the agency’s largest technology client, and was responsible for directing and managing full-funnel custom nurture strategies, including creative development, segmentation, campaign creation and performance analysis. 

Karem is passionate about driving client visions forward, as well as supporting Ideas Collide’s community giveback initiatives. She is most proud of her volunteer work as a Board Member of The Cinderella Project, where she applies that same passion for bridging gaps in equity for underserved high school grads.