This week’s executive shifts include Woolworths Group appointing its first CMO, the departure of Kia Motors America’s VP of marketing communications, Reuters naming its first chief marketing officer, Green Growth Brands tapping former Victoria’s Secret CMO as its new marketing chief, Senté appointing a CMO and Beam Suntory creating a new marketing position altogether. Meanwhile, there is a chief marketing officer for Beats, Wendy’s promotes from within for its international president and CMO roles and Helen Keller Services names a new CEO, formerly of Goodwill.
Woolworths Group Appoints First CMO
Andrew Hicks has been appointed to the newly created role of CMO for Woolworths Group, Australia’s largest supermarket chain, reports AdNews. As he takes on the new responsibilities, driving changes across all the brand’s lines, he’ll continue to oversee marketing for Woolworths Food Group and Supermarkets. Previous to that, he held the position of GM of Woolworths Liquor Group.
Group CEO Brad Banducci, whom Hicks will report to, told AdNews: “Given Andrew’s marketing experience across many aspects of our Group over the last few years, he is well placed to drive the next horizon of our brand and marketing agenda.”
Hicks will be tasked with growing consumer touchpoints for the brand while retaining a consistent experience, beginning immediately.
Kia’s US Marketing Chief Steps Down
Saad Chehab is leaving his position as VP of marketing communications for Kia Motors America—that’s according to an internal memo obtained by Automotive News.
While noting that Chehab is stepping down to relocate to an area closer to his children, the memo also states that he is “beyond proud of what [the] team has accomplished.”
According to Automotive News, Chehab saw a number of strategic resets for the automotive maker’s Super Bowl presence, “moving away from goofy, celebrity-focused ads in favor of a more inspirational touch for its Telluride crossover spot.”
Chehab has not yet announced his new employer.
Reuters Names First Chief Marketing Officer
Reuters has named Josh London its first chief marketing officer effective immediately. London joins the company from IDG Communications, where he served as global chief marketing officer.
In his new role, London will be responsible for “all aspects” of marketing to include product, field and brand marketing.
“Josh is a respected and accomplished marketing leader with a strong history of building brand awareness and driving commercial success,” said Reuters president Michael Friedenberg. “His breadth of expertise and experience will add significant value to our team as we work to reset, modernize and grow our organization.”
Former Victoria’s Secret CMO Finds New Home With Green Growth Brands
Cannabis and CBD brand Green Growth Brands has appointed Jann Parish to the role of chief marketing officer. Parish most recently served as CMO for Victoria’s Secret for a year before exiting in October 2018. She has held a number of marketing leadership roles in the fashion retail space including Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.
“As GGB continues rapid expansion in both the CBD and MSO segments, we are delighted to be bringing Jann, a proven consumer marketing expert, onboard,” said Peter Horvath, CEO of Green Growth Brands in a release. “Jann is a master at positioning brands to resonate with consumers. As we scale our portfolio of brands, I am confident that under her leadership we will be differentiated from the competition. We are so pleased to welcome Jann to the team.”
Senté Welcomes New Chief Marketing Officer
Adelle Walker has joined skincare brand Senté as chief marketing officer. Walker brings over 15 years of dermatology and aesthetics brand experience to the role, including US commercial and global marketing positions at Allergan, SkinMedica and Syneron Candela.
“Adelle has an incredible track record of challenging the status quo and turning insights into new opportunities and markets,” said Laurent Combredet, president and chief executive officer of Senté. “Adelle is a tremendous addition to Senté and I look forward to partnering with her as we further build Senté position in the exciting physician-dispensed skin care market.”
Beam Suntory Eliminates CMO Role, Hires ‘President of Brands’
Alcohol marketer Beam Suntory has restructured its team following the exit of its CMO for Uber. The traditional role of chief marketing officer has been eliminated and replaced by Jessica Spence as its first president of brands. Spence joins the company after serving seven years as executive VP and chief commercial officer of Carlsberg.
Spence will have “end to end” oversight over Beam Suntory’s Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Hornitos tequila and Effen vodka brands, including P&L responsibilities.
This week’s executive shifts include a chief marketing officer for Beats, Wendy’s promotes from within for CMO roles and Helen Keller Services names a new CEO, formerly of Goodwill.
Beats Appoints Chief Marketing Officer
Chris Thorne has been appointed chief marketing officer of Apple’s Beats headphone brand. He joins the brand with over 15 years of marketing and business experience, including a CMO role at The Honest Company and global vice president of marketing, media and mobile at Electronic Arts (EA).
In his new role as CMO, Thorne will oversee global marketing efforts related to customer acquisition, engagement and loyalty.
“It’s an exciting time at Beats,” said Beats president Luke Wood in a release. “With our highest quality product portfolio to date, our team continues to grow rapidly across the globe. In his career, Chris has shouldered an extensive roster of brands that amplify his invaluable experience in marketing, business management, brand growth and creative development. I’m thrilled we have found a marketing leader who will continue to drive Beats as an industry changemaker and look forward to working closely with him.”
Wendy’s Promotes CMO to International President; Brand Marketing VP to CMO
Wendy’s appointed a new chief marketing officer from within its ranks. Carl Loredo, vice president of brand marketing, has been promoted to chief marketing officer. Loredo held this position since 2016.
Prior to Wendy’s, Loredo served as vice president of The Marketing Arm, where he worked on consumer products such as Bud Light, Dannon Yogurt, Lay’s, L’Oréal and Ruffles.
“For the last three and a half years, Carl has been a champion of our brand and mission, driving forward Wendy’s brand voice and the authentic connections we make with our customers,” said newly promoted US president and chief commercial officer Kurt Kane, to whom Loredo will report. “I have no doubt that Carl will continue to push Wendy’s marketing to new heights in his elevated role.”
Helen Keller Services Taps Goodwill CMO For President, CEO Position
Kimberly Zimmer has joined Helen Keller Services as president and CEO after 11 years as
Check out our careers section for executive job openings and to post your own staffing needs.
Editor’s Note: Our weekly careers post is updated daily. This installment is updated until Friday, June 28. Have a new hire tip? We’re looking for senior executive role changes in marketing and media. Let us know at editorial@alistdaily.com.
Job Vacancies
| Chief Marketing Officer | SharkNinja | Needham, MA |
| Vice President, Film Marketing | New York University | Brooklyn, NY |
| Chief, Marketing And Communications Officer | SCRRA/Metrolink | Los Angeles, CA |
| Vice President, Marketing | Houlihan Lokey | Los Angeles, CA |
| Vice President, Marketing Analytics | SiriusXM | New York, NY |
| Vice President of Marketing | Belkin | Playa Vista, CA |
Make sure to check back for updates on our Careers page.
