CMO Corner
Coverage of industry leaders from our journalists
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Permission granted by Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai splits CMO role into creative, performance positions
Longtime CMO Angela Zepeda will serve as chief creative officer as the automaker looks to engage consumers with more data-driven marketing.
By Chris Kelly • Aug. 1, 2024 -
Courtesy of Carter's
Q&AHow Carter’s is pitching kids’ clothes to new Gen Z parents
CMO Jeff Jenkins details the insights and strategy that drove “More Than Just Cute,” the apparel brand’s first work with agency Mischief.
By Chris Kelly • Aug. 1, 2024 -
Courtesy of Shapermint
How Shapermint’s proprietary AI ad tool is fueling profits
CMO Massimiliano Tirocchi explained how the shapewear retailer’s Altair ad tool has helped it streamline content production and gain new customers.
By Christine Blank • July 31, 2024 -
Courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
Why Hyundai shifted gears for more emotional Summer Olympics ads
CMO Angela Zepeda explained the change in tone and why the brand’s vehicles are taking a back seat for the occasion.
By Peter Adams • July 26, 2024 -
Courtesy of American Eagle
Inside American Eagle’s ‘Live Your Life’ brand platform and fall campaign
CMO Craig Brommers explains how efforts like a social-focused tie-up with Life on Film to capture disposable camera footage are meant to reach Gen Z.
By Jessica Deyo • July 25, 2024 -
Alex Wong via Getty Images
Kraft Heinz names former Pepsi marketer Todd Kaplan as North America CMO
The decorated CPG marketer, who spent nearly 20 years at PepsiCo, is tasked with realizing modern marketing capabilities that can unlock new growth.
By Peter Adams • July 16, 2024 -
Courtesy of CeraVe
Deep Dive6 campaigns that signaled a creative resurgence in H1 2024
As marketers emerged from two strenuous years, innovative media strategies and bets on buzzy technology like generative AI stood apart from the pack.
By Peter Adams , Jessica Deyo • July 10, 2024 -
Michael Loccisano / Staff via Getty Images
Q&AWhy Morgan Stanley teamed with Disney to sponsor a Serena Williams docuseries
CMO Alice Milligan explains how the move was a natural fit for a financial services marketer that has made amplifying women’s sports a priority.
By Chris Kelly • July 9, 2024 -
Permission granted by Kind Snacks
Kind brings lighter touch to healthy snack marketing in brand refresh
New CMO Osher Hoberman said a prior purpose-led marketing strategy was too fragmented to align with the commercial opportunity.
By Peter Adams • Updated July 11, 2024 -
Courtesy of Dove
Dove CMO who built brand’s purpose marketing bona fides departs
Alessandro Manfredi is leaving Unilever after over two decades as the type of purpose-driven marketing he helped define is increasingly challenged.
By Peter Adams • July 3, 2024 -
Courtesy of 818 Tequila
818 Tequila mixes cocktail of sustainability, social media and celebrity
Founded by Kendall Jenner, the brand reaches Gen Z through cultural hooks and understanding the cohort’s priorities, said CMO Kathleen Braine.
By Nicole Ortiz • July 2, 2024 -
Sam Silverstein/Marketing Dive
Target reshuffles C-suite
Among the changes, current Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Roath will become chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty early next year.
By Catherine Douglas Moran • Updated June 25, 2024 -
Courtesy of Bodyarmor
Q&AHow BodyArmor’s CMO is playing catch-up in the crowded hydration market
Tom Gargiulo explains how the Coca-Cola brand is rolling out bottles with AR functionality that feature MLB and NFL athletes to engage with Gen Z.
By Chris Kelly • June 12, 2024 -
Noam Galai/Getty via Getty Images
Pepsi CMO Todd Kaplan departs as cola wars heat up
After nearly two decades at PepsiCo, the marketing executive who oversaw the flagship brand's turnaround and visual overhaul will pursue a new opportunity.
By Chris Kelly • June 5, 2024 -
Retrieved from Sonic Drive-In on May 31, 2024
Inside Sonic Drive-In’s new brand platform and ‘crazy fun’ campaign
CMO Ryan Dickerson explained how the Inspire Brands QSR is personifying the chain with a new duo years after replacing its fan-favorite "Two Guys."
By Chris Kelly • June 3, 2024 -
Courtesy of United Airlines
Q&AHow United Airlines flies with Wrexham to cultural relevancy
The airline is “opening the aperture” of its sponsorship of the Welsh soccer club with branded swag, said Chief Advertising Officer Maggie Schmerin.
By Chris Kelly • May 21, 2024 -
Courtesy of Yum Brands/Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut names new CMO, global chief brand officer as sales slide
The new appointments come weeks after the chain named Carl Loredo, previously global chief marketing officer for Wendy's, as its new U.S. president.
By Chris Kelly • May 20, 2024 -
gorodenkoff via Getty Images
CMOs enter ‘era of less’ as budgets plunge below pre-pandemic levels
Nearly two-thirds of marketers believe they have don’t the resources to execute 2024 strategies, while some are pinning their hopes on AI, per Gartner.
By Peter Adams • May 15, 2024 -
Permission granted by PepsiCo Beverages North America
Pepsi stakes claim as superior soft drink for grilling season with Bobby Flay
The “Grills Night Out” campaign spans in-store displays, digital content shorts and a partnership with Instacart for a giveaway running through May 19.
By Peter Adams • May 14, 2024 -
Max Kegfire via Getty Images
Deep DiveWhy marketers increasingly downplay sustainability efforts
Greenhushing on climate-related initiatives is becoming more widespread amid an intensifying regulatory environment and consumer backlash.
By Nicole Ortiz • May 14, 2024 -
"Gap in Hillcrest Mall" by Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine is licensed under CC BY 1.0
Gap names new global CMO amid push to revitalize brand
Fabiola Torres joins the retailer from PepsiCo and was lauded for her ability to connect with globally diverse consumers.
By Peter Adams • May 8, 2024 -
FangXiaNuo via Getty Images
Report: CMO tenure stabilizes, though volatility remains high at top brands
A rise in internal promotions, first-time CMOs and outside hires were among the other big trends identified in Spencer Stuart’s assessment.
By Peter Adams • April 16, 2024 -
Courtesy of The J.M. Smucker Company
J.M. Smucker’s CMO on what she’s learned about refreshing ‘dusty’ brands
After handling the CPG giant's business at Publicis, Gail Hollander now leads the marketer's in-house efforts to modernize brands for new audiences.
By Chris Kelly • April 15, 2024 -
Courtesy of Papa Johns
Q&AHow Papa Johns’ new brand platform connects pizza to marketing transformation
CMO Mark Shambura delves into the “Better Get You Some” campaign, the first major effort handled by creative AOR The Martin Agency.
By Chris Kelly • April 2, 2024 -
Courtesy of Levi's
Inside Levi’s first campaign from new creative AOR TBWA\Chiat\Day
CMO Kenny Mitchell explains how “The Floor Is Yours” will “pass the pen” to consumers via a global casting call for a role in a music video.
By Chris Kelly • March 25, 2024
