Crystal Barnes is the Senior Vice President of Global Responsibility and Sustainability for Nielsen, the world’s leading marketing and media Information Company and Executive Director of the Nielsen Foundation. In her role, she is responsible for Nielsen’s social and environmental responsibility programs across the areas of philanthropy, volunteering and pro bono investments. She also leads Nielsen’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts inclusive of external reporting, stakeholder inquiries and client assessments. Prior to her work in Global Responsibility, Crystal led the Industry Relations team, focusing on developing strategic alliances with industry, trade and business associations. She played a key role in expanding the reach of Nielsen’s thought leadership efforts across the media and consumer industries with a focus on the increasingly diverse, demanding and connected consumer.
To date, Crystal works closely with Nielsen’s external African American Advisory Council to help drive diversity efforts across the company. Crystal joined Nielsen in 2004 as part of the organizations Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). As an Emerging Leader Associate, she worked across Nielsen’s multiple media businesses throughout the United States. Crystal later joined the communications and public affairs team where she initiated and managed Nielsen’s partnerships with community, civic, social service and business organizations. She played a pivotal role in expanding Nielsen’s visibility and brand in the community and among clients by developing and fostering relationships with key external stakeholders including community leaders, government officials, and local and national organizations.
Prior to joining Nielsen, Crystal worked for WHP, a CBS affiliate in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and for Comcast SportsNet in Bethesda, MD. A native of Pennsylvania, she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Telecommunications and Mass Media from Temple University. Crystal resides in New Jersey with her husband and children.