The first Forbes CMO Next has been revealed—a list of the top 50 CMOs who are “redefining the marketing role and driving its evolution.” Unlike its annual World’s Most Influential CMOs list or 30 Under 30, Forbes’ CMO Next focuses on up-and-comers of all ages who haven’t necessarily become a household name yet.
Those on the list are chief marketing officers, chief brand officers, chief growth officers and chief commercial officers—illustrating a wide range of marketing responsibilities today. They also hail from a variety of business models from young, direct-to-consumer start-ups like Blue Apron, Birchbos and Casper to legacy brands like Fender, NHL and Levi Strauss.
Education varies too, bringing different perspectives to the role. Forbes noted that half of these list makers have earned an MBA and hail from an eclectic list of degrees and areas of study outside of marketing.
While some of those honored have logged years in their respective roles, others are brand new. Regardless of their educational or professional backgrounds, each of the CMO Next list makers has demonstrated a commitment to bridging the gap between brand and consumer.
“Indeed, the 50 CMOs on this list have a near-obsessive focus on their customers, talking about engaging with them in a fully omnichannel world and with a unique respect and allegiance—as if truly, the brand definition, relevance and utility was completely in their hands,” said Forbes.
Among the list makers are
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Ed Macri, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Wayfair
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Melina Engel, CMO, SimpliSafe
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Jackson Jeyanayagam, CMO, Boxed
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Jennifer Sey, CMO Global Brands, Levi Strauss & Co.
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Herbie Calves, CMO, Link AKC
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Leela Srinivasan, CMO, SurveyMonkey
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Jill Cress, CMO, National Geographic Partners
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Jay Livingston, CMO, Bark
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Jeff Brooks, CMO, Casper
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Kellyn Smith Kenny, CMO, Hilton
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Dara Treseder, CMO, GE Ventures and GE Business Innovations
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Kinjil Mathur, CMO, Squarespace
The entire Forbes CMO Next list can be viewed here.