Dennis Barnes

Dennis founded and built a full-service digital and direct marketing healthcare agency which was sold to WPP (NYSE: WPP) in 2010, generating a 45X return for investors. As an innovation leader and venture capital investor for Reinsurance Group of America (NYSE: RGA) a Fortune 250 company, Dennis acquired or invested in more than 30 companies, from seed stage start-ups to series A and B, he has done deals across US, EMEA, and Asia. While also serving as Chief Marketing Officer of RGA, as a team and culture builder, Dennis was tapped by to co-lead its DEI program, committed to recruiting and retaining exceptional talent with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Dennis is a trusted advisor to multiple high-growth companies in the healthcare, consumer, and technology industries. He is a thought leader and regular speaker on marketing, branding, health, insurance, and innovation, and was recognized by Ernst & Young as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Direct Marketing Association as Direct Marketer of the Year. In his free time, Dennis serves as non profit organizations, mentors entrepreneurs, and studies wine. He is currently Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Lung Association (ALA) St Louis Chapter, and a member of the ALA Midwest Regional Board. He is also a member and volunteer to the American Wine Society, and has received the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines Certification. In years past he has served the likes of the University of Missouri Strategic Development Board, The American Parkinson Disease Association, and The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO).