Focus Brands hires Jimmy John’s vet as Jamba chief brand officer

Nathan Louer, who has held marketing positions at the chain for nearly 17 years, brings knowledge of brand strategy, digital, marketing, product development and operations to his new position. 

By Julie Littman • May 17, 2023

Dunkin’s CMO on bringing the brand’s vision into focus — and those buzzy Ben Affleck ads

Jill McVicar Nelson detailed a “fewer, bigger, better” ethos that is helping to balance brand and performance marketing at a transitional point for QSRs.

By Peter Adams • May 10, 2023

ANA: In-house agency trend continues to gain steam

Creative services for digital and traditional media are the areas most frequently taken in-house among the 82% of marketers with internal shops.

By Aaron Baar • May 8, 2023

Inside Chipotle’s record-breaking Twitter promotion

A National Burrito Day giveaway earned the brand its second highest digital sales day of all time and its highest one-day volume on social media.

By Jessica Deyo • May 4, 2023

Papa Johns taps fast casual veteran as CMO

Mark Shambura joins the brand after a stint at the fast-growing chain Mod Pizza and was praised for his digital- and analytics-led approach.

By Chris Kelly • May 3, 2023

CMOs face even shorter tenures but some move on to bigger roles

The only positions with shorter tenure than CMOs are chief sustainability officers, chief operating officers and chief inclusion and diversity officers.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 3, 2023

WPP CEO praises AI, GroupM success in positive Q1 results

The holding company saw year-over-year organic revenue growth of 2.9% and reaffirmed its guidance of 3-5% growth for the year.

By Aaron Baar • May 1, 2023

AB InBev puts 2 execs on leave after furor over transgender influencer

Marketing executives Alissa Heinerscheid and Daniel Blake oversaw a controversial collaboration with Dylan Mulvaney.

By Chris Kelly • April 24, 2023

SeaWorld names Marisa Thalberg CMO to strengthen conservation position

Thalberg has developed a reputation as a brand purpose maven thanks to buzz-generating work at companies including Taco Bell and Lowe’s.

By Peter Adams • April 14, 2023

Disney names first chief brand officer at transitional point

One of Asad Ayaz’s first big tasks is overseeing a centennial celebration campaign, a moment CEO Bob Iger described as “noteworthy and consequential.”

By Peter Adams • April 7, 2023

Pepsi embraces maximalism for first visual overhaul in 14 years

Muted tones are out while electric colors and a new “pulse” motif are in as the brand prepares for its next chapter of digital marketing.

By Peter Adams • March 28, 2023

Why PepsiCo’s women’s soccer sponsorship is about more than signage

Mark Kirkham, senior vice president and CMO of international beverages, discussed why sponsors should invest in ways that elevate the sport.

By Aaron Baar • March 23, 2023

CMOs struggle to balance first-party data needs with value creation

New Gartner research challenges some conventional wisdom, including the belief that managing fewer channels leads to more effective data acquisition.

By Peter Adams • March 22, 2023

General Motors CMO Deborah Wahl to retire

Along with helping GM navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Wahl has helped lead the automaker’s move toward an all-electric future.

By Chris Kelly • March 15, 2023

Star CMO Machado jumps from Activision Blizzard to food tech startup

The well-decorated exec is joining AI-focused NotCo as the firm deepens relationships with major CPG marketers including Kraft Heinz.

By Peter Adams • March 13, 2023

Molson Coors taps CMO Michelle St. Jacques to fill new chief commercial officer role

The exec will lead a new function that unites sales, marketing, innovation and digital capabilities in the Americas as the company looks to accelerate growth.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 1, 2023

Why Kind keeps it simple in latest wellness-focused marketing play

“I See Almonds” represents not only the brand’s first commercial in over a year, but also the first under Global CMO Kelly Solomon.

By Jessica Deyo • Feb. 27, 2023

P&G’s Pritchard says AI, algorithms are improving ad effectiveness

With more sophisticated in-house teams and the marketer saving millions, Pritchard said agencies will need to “see around corners” more than ever.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 17, 2023

Blockchain, metaverse continue to command CMO interest despite snags

Just 10% of surveyed marketers think the metaverse isn’t relevant to their industry while 41% plan to use blockchain in 2023, per Deloitte.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 26, 2023

Starbucks marketing exec exits after 14 years

The company will immediately conduct an internal and external search for a successor to Jen Quotson, who leaves the VP of global creative studios post.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 20, 2023

9 marketing trends to watch as 2023 tests transformation bets

Pivots to ad-supported streaming, alternative measurement currencies and new social platforms all face challenges as consumers simplify their choices. 

By Peter Adams , Jessica Deyo , Sara Karlovitch • Jan. 18, 2023

Denny’s taps CEC Entertainment exec as CMO

Sherri Landry will be tasked with growing the chain’s sales and amplifying its cultural relevance.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 10, 2023

Burger King taps longtime PepsiCo veteran as CMO

Most recently CMO of Mountain Dew, Pat O'Toole will help grow traffic, accelerate sales and support the chain's Reclaim the Flame plan.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 10, 2023

McDonald’s prepares for corporate restructuring, staff cuts

Morgan Flatley, the chain’s global chief marketing officer, has been promoted to EVP, global chief marketing officer and new business ventures.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 9, 2023

Gartner: Uncertainty clouds CMO prospects for 2023

Marketers might need to defend their independence internally as a cross-functional focus eats away at budgets that have struggled to bounce back.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 6, 2022