TikTok and brands including Volkswagen, Impossible Foods and Big Lots highlighted their new chief marketer appointments. Here’s what we’re tracking this week:
Nelly Kennedy Named Next Volkswagen CMO
Nelly Kennedy, Google’s senior global brand marketing director, will become Volkswagen’s new CMO in February 2023. Kennedy, who has more than 22 years of professional experience, worked as executive director of digital at Conde Nast before moving to Google, where she worked for over seven years. “As the new Chief Marketing Officer, Nelly Kennedy, together with her team, will help turn Volkswagen back into a true people’s brand,” Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer told the outlet.
Kate Jhaveri Appointed Global Marketing Officer At TikTok
Kate Jhaveri, former CMO for the NBA, has been appointed global marketing officer at TikTok. Jhaveri, who has more than 33 years of professional experience, worked previously as CMO and SVP at Twitch before joining the NBA in 2019. Jhaveri will direct brand and consumer marketing as well as platform marketing for the company.
Leslie Sims Named Impossible Foods’ First CMO
Leslie Sims will serve as chief marketing and creative officer for Impossible Foods starting in January 2023. Sims, who has more than 30 years of professional experience, was previously chief creative officer at Deloitte Digital. Sims will direct the company’s efforts to amplify brand awareness and marketing strategy.
Deezer Hires Maria Garrido As CMO
French audio streamer Deezer has named Maria Garrido as its new CMO. Garrido has more than 35 years of professional experience and previously served as SVP for Vivendi. Garrido will execute marketing and brand strategy for the company globally. “I am honored to join Deezer,” Garrido said in a press statement. “It’s an exciting time to become a part of this tech and entertainment gem, as it steers a course towards transformational growth.”
Big Lots Hires New Marketing Leads
Big Lots has named Margarita Giannantonio as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. Giannantonio, who has more than 35 years of professional experience, will direct the brand’s merchandising strategy for all product categories. John Alpaugh, who has more than 35 years of professional experience, has also been appointed senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Alpaugh will manage Big Lot’s brand and marketing strategies as well as strategy executions.
Other recent CMO updates you may have missed:
- Pizza Express hires Stephen Taylor as CMO
- Mud\WTR, a coffee alternative brand, has appointed Mike Fox as its first CMO
- Ruben Desai departs as Dole Sunshine CMO
