Marie “MarieDriven” Theodore is a Haitian- American entrepreneur and public relations executive who started in New York City working for prominent music, fashion, and lifestyle companies. Publicists play a crucial role in promoting and advocating for artists, and individuals like MarieDriven, are dedicated to elevating Caribbean talent specifically.
Theodore is the co-founder and Managing Partner of the multi-disciplinary communications firm Playbook MG. She manages a base of support and operations for clients from the mainstream to niche categories through strategic relationship building.
She is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry and is committed to supporting underrepresented communities. Marie has worked with popular artists such as Spice, Mr. Vegas, Jr Reid, Serani, Lexxus, Yellowman, Dermaco, Future Fambo, Patrice Roberts, Moyann, Marion Hall, and Mr. Killa, while taking pride in helping them get the recognition they deserve.
Through her work as a publicist, Theodore has helped Caribbean artists build their brands, increase their visibility, and connect with fans and industry professionals. This has created more opportunities for artists to showcase their talent and achieve success in their careers. By highlighting the talent of Caribbean artists, Theodore has helped to create a more equitable and diverse music industry.
As a two-time verified mentor for the Revolt x AT&T Summit, Theodore has hosted “Office Hours” sessions for conference participants and, in 2021, was a featured guest speaker in the Unlocking Possibilities programming.
Theodore represents what it means to have a pulse on popular culture while also focusing on establishing a presence in emerging markets. Her knack for navigating cultural circles is unmatched, particularly within the Caribbean community.
In 2019, Theodore traveled to Germany for the 4th CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum as a guest speaker for the Dscvr The Caribbean Showcase. The year before, she represented the communication and PR segment at the 2018 Black Web Fest celebrating Black media, tech, and all things digital.
Under her direction, Playbook MG helped FOX 5 NY NEWS in collaboration with STUDIO 5 to coordinate a special showcase called “Kings and Queens of Dancehall” featuring talents such as Vybz Kartel, Spice, Protoje, Koffee, and Beenie Man. She has also established a wide variety of corporate affiliations in the music and entertainment space.
Her corporate clients include mega-giant Warner Brothers Music and subsidiaries such as Atlantic Records, specialized labels like Roc Nation and genre-based heavyweights VP Records, and smaller firms like indie label Ineffable Records, 21st Hapilos Digital Distribution, and streaming platform Audiomack.
Theodore found her footing in music working in PR after an immersive experience with renowned celebrity publicist Lizzie Grubman. Soon after that, she made headway representing rappers Remy Ma and Papoose before shifting focus to world music and fostering relationships with Marion Hall (aka Lady Saw), Sting Jamaica, and Mr. Vegas.
In time, she began taking on a broader spectrum of clientele. Her celebrity stratosphere roster includes a wide spectrum of heavyweights – from athletes JR Reid and Walter Thurmond III, to reality TV star Karlie Redd, to Peter Gunz, a rapper and TV personality, as well as designer labels like streetwear brand Sprayground, filmmakers and their respective production companies, celebrity doctors, NYC based political candidates, and other high-profile professionals.
This Haitian-American has made an indelible mark on the Caribbean community over the past 20 years with an impressive brand and roster of creative individuals.
