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Esther Hong

@estherhong

Message

I drive AI-enabled operational transformation and global marketing programs for financial services.

United States

Message

At Gartner, I led cross-functional programs for Integrated Marketing Solutions and the Creative Center of Excellence, partnering with senior leaders on global transformation initiatives.

I mobilized a GenAI Tiger Team to pilot emerging AI platforms, reducing targeted production workflows by 40–55% and saving about $500 per video voiceover asset. I also built operational dashboards and productivity benchmarks that improved capacity planning, budget forecasting, and resource utilization.

Previously at Morgan Stanley, I led digital-content operations, managed a $5M operating budget, reduced vendor spend by 20%, and launched branded content reaching millions through newsletters, podcasts, and employee advocacy. Across Morgan Stanley and Citi Smith Barney, I delivered workforce, technology, marketing, and integration programs with outcomes including $70M in cost reductions and $20M in synergy savings.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Director – Integrated Marketing Solutions

Gartner

Dec 2021 - Dec 2025 (4 years)

Drove operational excellence and oversaw complex, cross-functional projects and programs for Integrated Marketing Solutions and Creative Center of Excellence. Led a GenAI 'Tiger Team' that reduced targeted production workflows by 40-55% and generated direct cost savings of ~$500 per video voiceover asset.

Program Management AI GenAI Workflow Optimization Cross functional Leadership Stakeholder Engagement Budget Management Vendor Management Workfront Monday.Com Jira Microsoft Project Adobe Experience Manager Adobe Analytics

Vice President – Head of Operations / Chief of Staff

Morgan Stanley

Jun 2009 - Nov 2021 (12 years 5 months)

Served as Chief of Staff and operational lead for the Digital & Content Strategy organization, managing a $5M operating budget and driving a +20% reduction in vendor spend. Managed the launch and production of award-winning branded content including podcasts and newsletters.

Operations Management Budget Management Content Strategy Editorial Calendar Workflow Management Vendor Management Digital Engagement Employee Advocacy Project Management

Vice President – Project Manager, Business Development & CAO Office

Citi Smith Barney

Nov 2006 - May 2009 (2 years 6 months)

Directed Joint Venture Pre-Legal Day 1 integration initiatives for legacy Smith Barney and managed firm-wide rebranding efforts. Re-engineered financial advisor council programs and branch network subscription processing workflows.

Integration Rebranding Business Development Workflow Reengineering Project Management

Client Management & Operations

Fidelity Investments

Nov 1999 - Oct 2006 (6 years 11 months)

Leadership across NFS, Private Foundation, & Charitable Gift Fund.

Associate III – Mutual Fund Operations

AIM Management Group

Aug 1998 - Oct 1999 (1 year 2 months)

Associate III in Mutual Fund Operations.

AVP/Director – Project Manager, Contact Center Experience

Morgan Stanley

Managed the Global Stock Plan Service Europe contact center migration across platforms and executed $20M in synergy savings from restructuring contact center business strategy. Defined and launched a framework for Contact Center talent development programs.

Contact Center Management Migration Synergy Savings Business Development Talent Development Project Management

Director – Relationship Manager/Project Manager

Morgan Stanley

Directed global workforce strategy for diverse business units, achieving $70M in cost reductions through optimized staffing models and strategic location strategy. Delivered complex cost/benefit analyses and pipeline management reports to Senior Management.

Workforce Strategy Cost Analysis Staffing Models Location Strategy Pipeline Management Market Research Cost Benefit Analysis

Director – Project Manager, Chief Administrative Office

Morgan Stanley

Managed the $22MM 2012 IT Governance for GWM Operations. Partnered across the organization to create a day-by-day conversion impact guide for the branch network.

IT Governance Project Management Operations Stakeholder Management

Associate Vice President – Project Manager, Marketing

Morgan Stanley

Managed $80M Marketing Budget and initiated project to unify the two legacy firms' intranet sites. Coordinated the launch of Business Building & Personalized Marketing Programs for 18K financial advisors.

Marketing Budget Management Intranet Unification Rebranding Marketing Programs Project Management