P.F. Chang’s names new CMO on tails of brand platform launch

Holly Smith replaces Sonika Patel, who lasted less than a year in the role but oversaw the launch of a “Light the Fire” campaign around the holidays. 

By Peter Adams • Jan. 30, 2026

Campaign Trail: Dove finds real beauty in ‘Bridgerton’

The Unilever brand and agency Mythology used a masquerade ball in the style of the Netflix hit to boost long-running work around self-confidence.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 30, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Multichannel Optimization

There’s greater urgency around the need to optimize multichannel marketing efforts and unite channels including retail media, social media and others.

By Marketing Dive staff

How Pepsi is taking the fight to Coca-Cola at the Super Bowl and beyond

The marketer is continuing a revived Pepsi Challenge around its Pepsi Zero Sugar brand, and its big game ad features an icon from Coke’s advertising.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 29, 2026

Unpacking the marketing industry trends forecast for 2026

Marketers must remain resilient as they navigate ongoing challenges, including an uncertain economic backdrop and the advancement of AI.

By Marketing Dive staff • Jan. 29, 2026

Crocs puts self-expression over algorithmic sameness with new platform

Agency Flower Shop handled creative on “Wonderfully Unordinary,” a platform that centers on self-expression and real-world experiences.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 28, 2026

How Applebee’s Date Night Pass builds on the chain’s marketing-led success

CMO Michelle Chin details the return of the fan-favorite offer and the lessons she’s learned in her first few months at the Dine Brands chain.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 28, 2026

Heinz taps into Super Bowl snack culture with novelty ketchup keg

Developed by internal agency The Kitchen, the KegChup plays on data showing 84% of consumers make their own snacks for the big game.

By Sara Karlovitch • Jan. 28, 2026

Coke’s World Cup campaign taps into unifying power of fan emotions

The effort includes ads set to a cover of Van Halen’s “Jump” and QR codes on packaging that can be scanned to enter for the chance to win prizes.

By Peter Adams • Updated Jan. 29, 2026

How Campari is staking a claim in the low-alcohol market

Allison Varone, head of marketing for Campari America, explains how the maker of Aperol and Crodino is attempting to resonate with younger drinkers.

By Sara Karlovitch • Jan. 27, 2026

Retailers look beyond social feeds for brand storytelling in 2026

Marketers are experimenting more with channels like Substack as they focus on human-powered brand building in the age of algorithms and AI.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 27, 2026

How Dollar Shave Club is calling out B.S. after a Super Bowl stiff arm

The DTC disruptor brand pivoted after its latest edgy campaign was rejected for the big game for using profanity.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 26, 2026

Chipotle’s new CMO on how the brand’s latest ad meets consumer trends

“Choices” contrasts daily prep at the fast-casual Mexican chain with images of nuggets in fryer baskets and frozen burger patties on a conveyor belt.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 26, 2026

CMO-plus roles more prominent as marketing needs diversify: report

CMO churn can mean leaving for more responsibilities, including CEO posts, but representation has seen little progress, Spencer Stuart found.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 26, 2026

P&G prioritizes data, AI to tackle fragmented ‘new media reality’

As it looks to deliver sharper marketing and capitalize on channels like retail media, the CPG giant is emphasizing data as an industry advantage. 

By Peter Adams • Jan. 23, 2026

Honda takes modular approach to Winter Olympics campaign creative

The official automotive partner of Team USA will be able to mix and match assets like athlete footage to suit different media channels and verticals.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 22, 2026

How Macy’s is flexing its Style Crew affiliate program beyond social media

The department store recently experimented with its Style Crew of over 600 influencers by integrating them into in-person events and direct mailers.

By Jessica Hammers • Jan. 22, 2026

Dave’s Hot Chicken CMO on building on organic growth as brand levels up

Brandon Rhoten spent years leading creative and social strategy at Wendy’s at a time when the chain rewrote the rules for fast-food advertising.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 22, 2026

Jeep goes extreme with enhanced X Games partnership

As viewership grows for the X Games, Jeep is expanding its relationship with the event to span on-site, broadcast, streaming and social media channels.

By Sara Karlovitch • Jan. 21, 2026

Choice Hotels hones in on value in latest global marketing campaign

Featuring entertainer Keegan-Michael Key, the ad spots highlight how Choice offers guests unique experiences and more value across its brand portfolio.

By Jenna Graber • Jan. 21, 2026

Why Hershey’s first major campaign in 8 years comes ahead of the Olympics

The brand partnered with The Martin Agency for a new platform that utilizes MiltonOne, a bespoke Publicis Groupe solution.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 21, 2026

YouTube revamps visual identity amid shifting entertainment landscape

A new typeface and illustration style are complemented by the Google-owned platform’s first motion identity, which mimics the feel of creator content.

By Peter Adams • Updated Jan. 22, 2026

How brands can assert control as AI rewrites advertising’s playbook

As promises of one-stop, AI-powered solutions proliferate, marketers will need to navigate the changed ecosystem and separate reality from hype.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 20, 2026

Coke creates chief digital officer role to keep pace with tech demands

Sedef Salingan Sahin will lead digital transformation efforts, including in marketing, while CMO Manolo Arroyo’s remit will expand.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 16, 2026

Why Dos Equis revived the Most Interesting Man amid category headwinds

Alison Payne, CMO for parent company Heineken USA, explains how the iconic character is being reimagined for the social-digital world.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 16, 2026

Campaign Trail: Equinox uses AI to contrast fitness with digital fakery

Created with agency Angry Gods, “Question Everything But Yourself” tackles an age of unreality that is being exacerbated by the meteoric rise of AI.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 16, 2026