Kelly Lockwood Primus

Kelly Lockwood Primus is a business culture and leadership expert who serves as chief executive officer of Leading NOW, a global consultancy focused on guiding leaders in creating more equitable organizations. Primus combines extensive business experience with research, international insights, and a strategic approach to talent development. She has collaborated with CEOs, CHROs, and executive leadership from Fortune 10, 500, and Global 1000 companies to identify barriers and develop solutions that drive organizational change in leadership and company culture.

Before her work in leadership development, Primus held marketing and communications roles at The Holmes Group, Inc., a privately held consumer products company, ultimately serving as corporate vice president and general manager of the Lighting Division Business Unit. At The Goodwin Group, she developed global business and marketing strategies to expand the agency’s presence in the pharmaceutical and medical association sectors, restructuring service offerings and contributing to significant revenue growth. As vice president of marketing and communications at Primo Water, a publicly held consumer packaged goods company, Primus led brand development and integrated marketing campaigns, supporting the company’s public offering and expansion into major retail partnerships, including Walmart.

Primus transitioned to leadership development after mentoring women in Wake Forest’s MBA program, which influenced her focus on women’s leadership in the corporate sector. She joined the executive team at WFF, a national nonprofit women’s leadership organization, as vice president for marketing and communications, where she contributed to the organization’s prominence in the foodservice industry and increased participation in live and virtual events. Prior to her current role, Primus served as CEO and president of Leading Women, joining the organization in 2013.

Primus played a central role in expanding Leading Women into a global organization with a focus on proprietary research, which contributed to her selection as CEO of Leading NOW. Under her leadership, the company integrates external and proprietary research to identify leadership barriers and develop customized solutions. She is a keynote speaker and industry expert on topics such as personal growth, women in business, female leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), human resources, and corporate culture. Her thought leadership has appeared in publications including Forbes and Training Industry Magazine, where she has addressed DEI pledges, leadership barriers, and company culture.

Primus has been recognized for her contributions to business leadership and women’s advancement, including being named "Most Influential Woman Business Leader" and listed by Business Talk Magazine as one of the Global Business Women to Watch. She is a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. Primus is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and has participated in executive leadership programs at Boston College and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.