CMO Corner

Coverage of industry leaders from our journalists

  • A person interacts with a registration desk at Advertising Week
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    Permission granted by Shutterstock
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    Inside Advertising Week’s changes — and a bid for $100M in creator deals

    The show, which starts Monday, is doubling down on topics like creators to differentiate in a crowded events calendar and court more decision-makers.

    By • Oct. 1, 2026
  • An image ofa brick Cava storefront
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    Courtesy of Cava
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    Cava hires Dr. Squatch marketer as CMO to build on growth

    John Ludeke, most recently chief brand officer at the Unilever brand, is tasked with deepening consumer connections to the fast-casual chain.

    By • Sept. 30, 2026
  • Thorne
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    Courtesy of Thorne
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    How Thorne built a brand platform ahead of $3.8B P&G deal — and what’s next

    Chief Growth Officer Mary Beech details how work with brand consultancy Redscout turned consumer insights into campaigns and a communication style.

    By • Sept. 29, 2026
  • business team leader speaking to employees at corporate meeting.
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    Getty Images
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    CMOs must rethink entry-level talent as AI alters marketing needs: Gartner

    Many marketers will be able to eliminate bottom-rung roles by 2030, but the researcher recommends handing new hires greater responsibility instead.

    By • Sept. 29, 2026
  • Subway restaurant in Orlando, Florida
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    Courtesy of Subway
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    Q&A

    Subway’s CMO on finding room to grow between competitors in QSR

    “The challenges are real, which is why we're taking such a big swing now,” Jeff Klein said of the chain’s new brand platform from Martin.

    By • Sept. 28, 2026
  • A person dips a chip in Chili's queso
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    Courtesy of Chili's Grill & Bar
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    How Chili’s marketing works — and why Mexican QSRs are its next target

    Since 2024, the chain has rolled out advertising efforts that turned social media chatter about the high cost of fast food into gains in new categories.

    By • Sept. 22, 2026
  • Kendall Jenner for Beats
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    Courtesy of Beats
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    Beats taps multiple Kendall Jenners to promote customizable headphones

    CMO Chris Thorne explains why Jenner is the right partner for the launch, which includes a campaign spot from Uncommon Creative Studio.

    By • Sept. 22, 2026
  • A Campari Negroni and a classic print ad
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    Courtesy of Campari
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    Why Campari updated a classic ad with Alan Cumming to serve Negronis

    Head of marketing Allison Varone details an effort that riffs on creative from the 1970s that maintained “9 out of every 10,000 Americans prefer a Campari.”

    By • Sept. 21, 2026
  • A person faces a black Hard Button and red Easy Button on a desk.
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    Permission granted by Staples
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    Staples’ CMO on introducing a Hard Button amid bigger B2B push

    A full-funnel campaign focuses on a dark alter ego for the Easy Button that leads to workplace conundrums like misprinted store signs.

    By • Sept. 17, 2026
  • Lowe's
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    Getty Images
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    Why Lowe’s CMO Jen Wilson added digital commerce to her portfolio

    The addition of Lowes.com and Marketplace to a purview that includes retail media, loyalty and personalization speaks to the evolution of the marketer role.

    By • Sept. 15, 2026
  • Carter's campaign imagery for "Watch Them Glow."
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    Courtesy of Carter's
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    How Carter’s is refreshing its brand to reach Gen Z, millennial parents

    An identity overhaul, inclusive of a new logo and revamped social media strategy, is showcased in a campaign that is rooted in self-expression.

    By • Sept. 15, 2026
  • Target chief marketing and guest experience officer Mark Weinstein
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    Courtesy of Target
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    Target hires ex-Hilton CMO as chief marketing and guest experience officer

    Mark Weinstein will be responsible for developing how consumers experience and connect with Target across channels, culture and community.

    By • Sept. 14, 2026
  • Black man in glasses holds a smartphone at a desk as hands offer phones, a tablet, calendar, and paperwork against an orange backdrop.
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    via Shutterstock

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    Sponsored by Blee

    The AI content tsunami: Creation is the easy part

    AI made content creation effortless. Now companies are drowning in what they can't review fast enough.

    By Guy Shahar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer • Sept. 14, 2026
  • A model in ‘90s-inspired styling sports Columbia’s Helvetia fleece.
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    Permission granted by Columbia Sportswear
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    Q&A

    How Columbia’s marketing breaks through with fax machines, flat Earth

    Matt Sutton, who’s led the outdoor brand’s marketing for two years, digs into an edgy “Engineered for Whatever” platform that is gaining industry notice.

    By • Sept. 14, 2026
  • A headshot of Mark Weinstein.
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    Courtesy of Hilton
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    Hilton CMO Mark Weinstein steps down

    The global chief marketing officer is leaving the company after 16 years to pursue an opportunity outside of travel, per a spokesperson.

    By Noor Adatia • Sept. 11, 2026
  • Jack Quaid for Bonobos
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    Courtesy of Bonobos
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    Why Bonobos’ fall campaign centers on episodic content with Jack Quaid

    CMO Joe Berean details how the social-first series, “The Weekday Warrior Show,” showcases the retailer’s “wry smile” brand positioning.

    By • Sept. 10, 2026
  • Bottles of Samuel Adams beer are displayed on a shelf at grocery store.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Boston Beer hires tech-savvy CMO to hone data-driven marketing

    Allison Stransky will join the Samuel Adams owner from Samsung Electronics America, where she’s focused on applications of big data and AI.

    By • Sept. 9, 2026
  • Three 7 Brew drinks on a table
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    Courtesy of 7 Brew
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    Q&A

    How 7 Brew’s first CMO is marketing the fastest-growing brand in the US

    Ex-KFC CMO Nick Chavez is building on existing brand love for the beverage chain with culture-hacking campaigns and a loyalty app that is social by design.

    By • Sept. 8, 2026
  • A close up shot of various packages from KFC
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    Permission granted by KFC
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    KFC names first global chief brand officer amid identity overhaul

    The chain created the post as it refreshes iconic assets, including Colonel Sanders, and recenters its menu on offerings like boneless chicken.

    By • Sept. 4, 2026
  • Man holds case of Athletic
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    Courtesy of Athletic Brewing
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    Athletic Brewing appoints new CMO amid marketing push

    The appointment comes as the brand continues to invest heavily in sports sponsorships and is doubling down on its national media spend.

    By • Sept. 2, 2026
  • Domino's
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    Courtesy of Domino's
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    How Domino’s is taking on the Big Mac, Whopper and other fast-food icons

    CMO Kate Trumbull explains why the chain and AOR WorkInProgress chose a hyperbolic, darkly comedic tone for its latest campaign.

    By • Aug. 31, 2026
  • A fan appears in Dr Pepper's Fansville campaign
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    Courtesy of Dr Pepper
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    How Dr Pepper’s ‘Fansville’ campaign stays relevant and drives outcomes

    Keurig Dr Pepper analyzes consumer signals by working with Publicis and retail media partners and using its first-party capabilities and martech stack.

    By • Aug. 27, 2026
  • View of Kohl's storefront with logo
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Kohl’s unites marketing, digital under new chief customer officer role

    The position combines marketing, loyalty, personalization and other functions under one title. CMO Christie Raymond will depart the company next month.

    By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 27, 2026
  • A series of screenshots from Behr's web site depict different paint colors and rooms.
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    Courtesy of Behr
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    How Behr’s digital marketing helps DIYers overcome ‘paint paralysis’

    CMO Andy Lopez shares how a hue-choosing chatbot and influencer campaign are part of the paint brand's renewed digital transformation drive.

    By Danielle McLean • Aug. 27, 2026
  • ESPN host Tyler Fulghum on a United flight
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    Chris Kelly/Marketing Dive
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    Why United helped broadcast ESPN’s fantasy football show live from the sky

    Social media serves as an entry point into ESPN for fans, especially Gen Z ones. The company had a record 1 billion social engagements in February.

    By • Aug. 26, 2026