Mary Osako joined UCLA as its inaugural vice chancellor for Strategic Communications in 2019. She oversees communications and media relations, brand marketing, and strategic insights, and helps maintain and enhance UCLA’s reputation as a world-class public research university.

Osako has brought strategic vision to UCLA by transforming the university’s central communications function, building a modern marketing and communications team that serves the university and the general public. Her emphasis on campuswide collaboration, proactive communications, and multi-department campaigns have strengthened UCLA.

A Los Angeles native and UCLA alumna, Osako has more than 20 years of experience leading complex communications efforts at some of the most innovative Fortune 500 companies in the world. She is well-versed in all aspects of communications, reputation management and brand marketing, encompassing media relations, crisis communications, public affairs, executive communications, events, and social and digital marketing.

Previously, Osako served as chief communications officer of Activision Blizzard; head of global corporate communications at Amazon; and vice president of corporate, international and public policy communications at Yahoo!. Immediately prior to joining UCLA, she was a partner and chief operating officer at Haven Tower Group, a leading strategic communications and marketing firm based in Santa Monica that serves corporate clients across the country. She currently serves as vice chair of the firm’s board of advisers.

Osako’s contributions go beyond UCLA and extend to industry professionals. A member of the Page Society, she is also active with the Association of American Universities and Big Ten communicators, sharing best practices and connecting on mutual challenges. She sits on three community boards representing the Geffen Academy, Geffen Playhouse, and Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.