Meet Ellyn Savage of North County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellyn Savage.

Hi Ellyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania, a small town of fewer than 3,000 people. I later attended Penn State University, where I began as a film major but pivoted to pursue a degree in advertising and public relations, with minors in English and political science.

My career began in New York City, where I started out as an account coordinator before transitioning into media buying. After a few years, I traded skyscrapers for sunshine and relocated to San Diego. I’ve spent nearly my entire career on the agency side, with a brief stint client-side, but I’ve always been drawn back to the pace, collaboration, and constant evolution that define life in an agency.

For more than a decade now, I’ve been part of Mindgruve, a global media, commerce, and data-tech company headquartered in San Diego and founded by Chad Robley.

When I joined Mindgruve, our media team was made up of just three people, including me. Today, as SVP of Global Media, I lead a department of more than 100 paid media professionals within a company that has grown to over 400 employees worldwide. Together, we develop and execute comprehensive strategies that help brands find and win new customers. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with high-profile clients such as Olive Garden, Martinelli’s, State Street Global Advisors, and Proflowers.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My career path in marketing has been fairly direct, but that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. I’ve learned to view setbacks as opportunities to grow — every lost pitch is a chance to come back stronger for the next one. Over the years at Mindgruve, one thing has remained constant: change. The industry evolves daily, and I’ve had to pivot, adapt, and stay nimble to meet its pace and the demands of leadership. What’s kept me here for more than a decade is that I’m still learning and navigating complex landscapes, for example, with the latest developments in retail media, commerce, and AI. I thrive in an environment where accountability and integrity are more than just words: they’re values that we live by every day.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Beyond helping clients succeed, I’m passionate about strengthening our company from within, especially as we merge with other agencies, and nurturing our people-first culture. Recently, we underwent a major organizational restructuring, redefining roles, streamlining processes, and integrating new tools. This evolution enhanced efficiency and positioned our team for sustainable growth on an international scale. Being part of such transformative work has been incredibly energizing.

I’m also a strong advocate for leadership development. As a certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, I actively contribute to industry advisory councils and leadership associations, helping shape the next generation of thoughtful, self-aware leaders.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
A few times a day, I find myself thinking about my daughters, ages six and three, and about something they’ve said or done that makes me smile. Those moments remind me that, for me, happiness is found in gratitude. I’m grateful for a career that challenges and inspires me, for the incredible people I work alongside, for my family and friends, and, of course, for the sunshine and beauty of San Diego.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mindgruve.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindgruve