# Karen Murphy O’Brien

> Karen Murphy O’Brien is the founder and CEO of Murphy O’Brien, the Beverly Hills-based public relations agency she co-founded with Brett O’Brien in May 1989. Her career spans hospitality publicity, agency leadership, and communications for travel, real estate, and lifestyle brands. A classically trained pianist, she also serves on the board of Chrysalis, which helps people facing economic barriers find employment.

- **Role:** Founder & CEO at Murphy O’Brien
- **Organizations:** Murphy O’Brien, Chrysalis, National Children’s Chorus
- **Education:** Florida State University - College of Music
- **Known for:** Built a public relations agency from one founding hotel client in 1989., Included in Haute Living’s 2024 Los Angeles PR Power Players feature., Her agency was included in The PR Net 100 for 2025.

## Career timeline

- **Before 1986** — Worked as PR director for the Hyatt Regency Maui; precise dates are not established.
- **1986** — Moved to Los Angeles and joined Mahoney/Wasserman.
- **1989** — Co-founded Murphy O’Brien with Brett O’Brien in May; first client was the Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas.
- **1991** — Her firm launched The Peninsula Beverly Hills.
- **2003** — Joined the Chrysalis board; agency expanded into real estate public relations.
- **2014** — Agency planned a dedicated digital division, MO Digital PR.
- **2019** — Celebrated the agency’s 30th anniversary at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.
- **2024-2026** — Agency recognized on Inc.’s Best Workplaces list in three consecutive years.

## Achievements

- Built a public relations agency from one founding hotel client in 1989.
- Included in Haute Living’s 2024 Los Angeles PR Power Players feature.
- Her agency was included in The PR Net 100 for 2025.
- Her agency received Inc. Best Workplaces recognition in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

## Latest updates

- **—** — Murphy O’Brien received Inc. Best Workplaces recognition for the third consecutive year; announcement month is not established.
- **2025-05** — Listed on the event committee for Chrysalis’ May 31 All In for Changing Lives fundraiser.

## Links

- Website: https://www.murphyobrien.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-murphy-o-brien-811b8611
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenmurphyobrien/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/karen-murphy-obrien
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23