Megan (Machamer) McLean (MAPSS Class of 2016) is the Global Head of Advertising Research at Spotify, where she leads a global insights function spanning user experience, brand, commercial, and market research. With a background in social science, cultural anthropology, and social psychology, she brings a rigorous, human-centered approach to shaping product and business strategy.

Before stepping into her current role, McLean led the User Research team for Spotify Advertising as a Senior Manager, where she built and scaled a high-impact research practice. Prior to that she was a UX Research Director at Ipsos, a global market research firm. She has extensive experience managing cross-functional research teams, mentoring early- to senior-career researchers, and partnering with leaders across product, marketing, and sales to drive strategic decision-making.

A dedicated alumna of the MAPSS program, McLean served as President of the MAPSS Alumni Association (2021–2022), Chair of the Membership & Outreach Committee (2019–2021), and currently acts as a Senior Strategic Advisor. She is also a former Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at DePaul University.

In addition to her MAPSS degree, McLean holds a BA in Sociocultural Anthropology from the University of California San Diego.