CMOs

to Watch
in 2024
 CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Introduction
Three is definitely the magic number, as this, the third edition of CMOs to Watch, is
the biggest yet!
Back for 2024, we’ve drawn together the names recommended by the CMO Alliance
community as marketing leaders who need to be on your radar.

These are the names you need to be paying attention to in the coming year. Drawn from a

range
of organizations and backgrounds, we’re expecting them to do big things in 2024.
Each one is a master of marketing strategy, a dynamo innovator, and an inspiring leader.

And at CMO Alliance, we know that great leaders don’t just inspire their teams, they set an
example for other leaders as well.
Discover what it takes to be an incredible marketing leader, as we profile our CMOs to Watch
in 2024.

N.B. Information correct at time of

publication. Some responses have been
edited for clarity and length.

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Credits
Richard King
Founder of Revenue Marketing Alliance

Bryony Pearce
CMO of CMO Alliance

Will Whitham
Content Lead and Senior Copywriter for CMO Alliance

Lucy Sproule
Graphic Designer

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Contents
5Frida Ahrenby
CMO of GetAccept
44 James Gilbert 81 Matt Lattman
CMO SVP Card Acquisition at Discover Financial Services

8 Dr. Amine Arezki 47 Lori Goode 84 Gareth Mellor

Director of Marketing & Communications at Thales CMO of Index Exchange Vice President of Global Marketing &
Communications at Downtown Music Holdings
14 Amira Barger 52 Jeremy Grinacoff
Executive Vice President of DEI 87 Yahya Mohamed Mao
CMO of CUDDLY
Communications & Advisory at Edelman Head of Marketing &
Communications at Swiss GRC
55 Dr Leeya Hendricks
16 Emmanuelle Benoliel
CMO of Rimm Sustainability
CMO 92 David Moreno
CMO of Virtualware
Adam Boita 60 Eric Herzog
18
CMO of Infinidat 96 Thomas Richards
CMO of Ecologi
CMO of NINJIO
62 Simon Hodgkins
21 Christine Buck
CMO of Healthcare Information and
CMO of Vistatec 98 Rainer Stiller
Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Global CMO of Vertiv
64 Matthew Johnson
Agency Founder and Managing
25 Carolyn Chiang Rosebrough 102 Matt Sutton
Director of dimartec
Chief Brand & Communications Officer at Lime CMO of The Black Tux

68 Eugina Jordan 105 Kim Warne

30 Miruna Dragomir
CMO of Telecom Infra Project (TIP) Senior Vice President & CMO of
CMO of Planable
Wesco International
73 Bronwyn Karaoglu
34 Monica Elgemark Global Vice President of Marketing at Ignition
108 Maya Wasserman
CMO of Oneflow
Director of Marketing, Home and
76 Enobong Kennedy
Drew Fine Personal Entertainment at Sony
38 Director of Marketing at ZOLA Electric
Electronics
Fractional CMO with Rion Aesthetics
Jenny Landin
78
40 Alberto Gerin Global Marketing Director at Fiskars Group
CMO of Modefinance

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Frida Ahrenby
CMO of GetAccept

As GetAccept’s Chief Marketing Officer, Frida Ahrenby is an award-worthy leader accelerating

B2B marketing transformation. She has architected marketing strategies that rapidly increased
GetAccept’s inbound annual recurring revenue by over 50% while pioneering an entirely new
“Digital Salesroom” category.

Within two years, Ahrenby tripled her marketing team to 30 FTEs through an inclusive leadership style
that empowers creativity. Her relentless pursuit of innovation consistently sets bold new benchmarks
across the SaaS industry.

Praised for embracing cutting-edge marketing technologies, Ahrenby applies data-driven precision
alongside out-of-the-box campaigns that captivate audiences. Lauded as a “dynamite strategist”
and “tech wizard,” she emerges as a trailblazer reshaping marketing best practices for the future by
combining analytical rigor with ingenuity. Ahrenby is also an active thought leader, engaging fellow
marketers through speaking events and mentorship.

Propelling GetAccept’s brand and revenue to new heights, Ahrenby’s visionary leadership makes her
richly deserving of 2024’s CMO to Watch honors.

Find out more

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
Starting out in sales early in my career, then product management, business development, and the last
10 years within marketing has definitely shaped me and given me a broad commercial understanding of
how marketing supports overall growth.

I’m proud of having been part of the core team building the fintech/payments company Bambora,
acquired by Ingenico for 1.5 billion euros in 2017. I was part of the management team, but also
responsible for the global marketing strategy and built the marketing team, demand gen, and brand
during my three years there.
At GetAccept, I’m immensely proud of having scaled the marketing team from scratch (three to 20
people in three years). We built the demand gen machinery from scratch where inbound ARR was 15%
when I joined in 2019 and nowadays stands for over 50%. We’ve also built a brand new product category
(Digital Sales Room) and secured ourselves as leaders within that category ever since (a category that
had eight players back in 2021 and now has +50 suppliers within the field!). We’ve built a strong brand
and positioning within the SaaS space at the same time.
I’m very very proud of the team that I’ve managed to recruit, they’re smart, creative, full of initiative, very
results-oriented, and always supportive of each other. I’ve also been lucky to be part of developing 4
amazing marketing leaders within the team that have grown to be very appreciated leaders within
our organization.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
We’re working on some exciting projects, such as further developing our ABM strategy and activities,
teaming up with some amazing external influencers and subject matter experts to further strengthen our
positioning within Digital Sales Room, and also move upmarket to attract larger customers.

We’re also overlooking our content execution to become even better at content for demand making sure
all the content we produce hits right into our ICP with relevance.
Frida Ahrenby
CMO of GetAccept

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What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?

• Be a core player in the executive management team and responsibly drive the company strategy
and growth together with the rest of the C-level.

• Team up with the CFO to carefully drive the marketing agenda cost-efficiently.

• Team up with Sales, and join forces to drive revenue.

• Fully own Revenue Marketing internally, but also educate and evangelize about Revenue Marketing
externally to once and for all make marketing seen as a revenue driver and not a cost center.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Demand Gen Marketers, Product Marketing Managers, Content and SEO wizards, and SDRs.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
We all work in sales! Take the chance to understand sales, and how marketing supports overall growth.
The better business mindset you possess as a CMO, the easier it’s to understand how to drive your
marketing agenda and get the mandate you need. Be a generalist, but have a domain within marketing
that’s your “home turf”, where you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get some real work done!

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
My team, who pushes me, challenges me, makes me a better leader, and constantly puts me out there
to shine on our behalf. Behind every successful CMO, there’s a creative, smart, performance-driven,
“never giving up” kick-ass marketing team, that deserves all the respect and recognition too!

Frida Ahrenby
CMO of GetAccept

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Dr. Amine Arezki

Director of Marketing & Communications at Thales

Dr. Amine Arezki is rightfully a “CMO to Watch in 2024.” His 15+ years in marketing, highlighted by his
work in virtual reality and AI, demonstrate his capacity for innovative leadership. At Thales, he has
notably revamped the branding strategy of their transportation sector, showcasing his ability to
drive transformation in large organizations.

Amine’s diverse background, including living in various countries and fluency in four languages,
enhances his effectiveness in managing global teams. His academic achievements, with a PhD in
Robotics and AI and an Executive MBA, balance his technological and business expertise.

His entrepreneurial ventures, like co-founding MarkaMotion with Joe Foster of Reebok to introduce
virtual advertisements in sports, reflect his innovative spirit. Additionally, Amine’s commitment to
social causes and community service, such as [Link] and fundraising for vulnerable
children, underscores his dedication to societal impact.
As a devoted father in a dual-career family, Amine embodies a multifaceted approach to life,
blending professional success with personal commitment. His comprehensive skill set and impactful
contributions across various aspects of marketing and social responsibility make him a standout
candidate for this accolade.

Find out more

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
Reflecting on my journey as a marketing professional, I’m fortunate to have encountered several
significant highlights that have profoundly shaped my career. These achievements, while remarkable,
are a testament to the collaborative efforts of teams and partners:

Corporate Achievements:
Global B2B Director of Marketing & Value and Branding Officer: Together with my team, we played
a significant role in driving remarkable growth in the global multi-billion Transportation Main Line
Signaling market through implementing strategic marketing initiatives, creating value for customers and
enhancing brand perception through effective communication and market positioning.

Brand Architecture Revitalisation:

Among my proudest accomplishments in recent times is the successful realization of a vision I had
two years ago. I led the revitalization of the brand architecture, encompassing trademark names and
storytelling, within the Main Line signaling sector of the transportation industry. With a history spanning
four decades, this transformation was akin to a revitalizing surge to the nervous system of our railway
portfolio. The outcome is a sustainable and impactful brand architecture that transcends its origins.
Innovative Showroom Launch:
Building on the foundation of the revitalized brand architecture, I introduced an advanced hybrid
showroom in the ground transportation sector. This state-of-the-art facility revolutionized how we
showcase our products, both in person and remotely, thanks to mobile telepresence robots. This
innovation has provided our partners with unique, flexible, and convenient means to experience our
offerings, eliminating the barriers of extensive travel.
Beyond the corporate sphere:
Innovative Virtual Advertising in Sport Events: I’m particularly proud of the invention of a novel approach
to marketing and virtual advertisement in the sports world. This led to the creation of “MarkaMotion,”
a disruptive business model in the field of virtual advertising on sports jerseys. It’s gathered significant
attention within the sports entertainment sector and was highly recognized at major Sports & MediaTech
Dr. Amine Arezki conferences worldwide.
Director of Marketing &
Communications at Thales

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

COVID-19 Response and Non-profit Initiative:

In direct response to the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I collaborated with two
friends from the United States, leveraging my European base, to initiate “aMaskForAll.” This non-profit
initiative involved the development of 3D-printable masks designed to contribute to the fight against
the virus. The impact of this initiative transcended borders, with deployment across five continents and
extensive coverage in over 150 articles.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
In the coming year, I’m excited to embark on several new initiatives:

Launching innovative marketing campaigns that leverage emerging technologies and data analytics to
engage our target audience more effectively and use video games and Augmented Reality to make the
understanding of our offering from the industry more attractive.

In parallel to my corporate activity, I’ll be launching the first version of MarkaMotion (Virtual
Advertisement in Sports) in the market and looking for great and sustainable partnerships from
the sports industry (Clubs, Leagues, Broadcasters) who are looking for growth by disrupting the
advertisement market in sports entertainment and fan engagements.
What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
In 2024, the role of CMOs becomes both captivating and challenging. Their most pivotal responsibility is
to orchestrate a seamless blend of data and technology while nurturing creativity, storytelling, and the
embodiment of company values.
In this era of data-driven marketing, the skill lies in using data and technology to craft engaging stories
that connect with our audience’s emotions and align with the core values of the company. CMOs are the
architects of narratives that breathe life into a company’s values, products, and services, transcending
mere facts and figures.

Dr. Amine Arezki

Director of Marketing &
Communications at Thales

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Staying at the forefront of industry trends is no longer an option; it’s a prerequisite. CMOs must
navigate the waves of change with agility, adapting swiftly to evolving customer behaviors. However,
it’s crucial not only to follow trends but also to create or drive those trends, comprehending their
profound implications.

In essence, the CMOs of 2024 are the conductors of a modern-day orchestra, harmonizing data,
technology, creativity, and company values to compose a symphony that captivates the world.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

To excel in 2024, I’ll rely on several key resources:
Listen and Observe: Firstly, the most fundamental resources we often overlook are our senses – continue
with the ability to listen and observe. These are critical in understanding the environment and making
informed decisions.

Talents: Secondly, a talented and diverse team will be indispensable. Their fresh perspectives and
creativity will energize our campaigns. It’s crucial to inspire and instill confidence in the team, enabling
them to adapt, propose, and drive projects.

Data Analytics: Thirdly, I will be leveraging cutting-edge marketing technology and data analytics
tools. These will provide deeper insights into market behavior and preferences, enabling us to tailor our
strategies effectively.

Partnerships: Lastly, industry partnerships and collaborations will be key. They’ll keep us informed about
emerging trends and technologies, ensuring we stay at the forefront of the industry.

Dr. Amine Arezki

Director of Marketing &
Communications at Thales

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?

Vision and Strategic Planning: Cultivate a visionary mindset and meticulously plan your strategic
moves. Have the ability to rally cross-functional teams, transforming them into a formidable force
capable of delivering tangible and impactful results.

Facilitation and Empowerment: Embrace the role of a facilitator and empower those around you. Foster
an environment of confidence, encouraging individuals to exceed expectations and continuously grow.
Recognize the privilege of mentoring and developing others, and actively seize this opportunity.

Global Perspective and Diversity: Cultivate a global perspective that transcends borders. Embrace
diversity in all its forms, recognizing that it enriches your perspective and those of your team members.
Understand that mentoring and guiding others is a unique privilege that can shape the future of
the industry.
Humble Commitment to Growth: Stay humble on your journey to success. Commit to ongoing
education and skill development to remain at the forefront of industry changes. Recognize that humility
is a powerful trait that paves the way for continuous improvement.

Adaptability and Agility: Embrace change with open arms. In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing,
remain adaptable and agile. Be ready to pivot and adjust strategies as needed to stay ahead of industry
trends and shifts in customer behavior.

Data-Driven Decision-Making: Place data at the core of your decision-making process. Prioritize data-
driven strategies that offer insights into market dynamics and customer preferences. Let data guide your
marketing initiatives to ensure their effectiveness.

Networking and Mentorship: Cultivate a robust professional network by actively engaging with industry
peers and seeking mentorship from seasoned professionals. The wisdom and guidance of experienced
mentors can be invaluable on your journey to success.

Dr. Amine Arezki

Director of Marketing &
Communications at Thales

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family, who has stood by me, supporting and encouraging me
through every challenge I’ve undertaken. Their unwavering belief in my aspirations has been my
greatest motivation.

I’m also immensely thankful for the unwavering dedication of my team members. Their hard work and
commitment have played an integral role in achieving our remarkable marketing milestones.
In addition, I’d like to acknowledge the guidance and support I’ve received from our esteemed
executives and industry colleagues. Their insights and mentorship have been instrumental in my
professional growth and have contributed significantly to the recognition I’ve received as a CMO
to watch.
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the collective support and belief in my abilities
from these remarkable individuals. I’m truly grateful for their contributions to my journey.

Dr. Amine Arezki

Director of Marketing &
Communications at Thales

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Amira Barger
Executive Vice President Head of DEI Communications & Advisory at Edelman

As Edelman’s Executive Vice President and Head of DEI Communications & Advisory, Amira Barger
is an award-worthy pacesetter renowned for spearheading systemic change. Her vision led to the
launch of Edelman’s groundbreaking DEI Advisory practice, now guiding Fortune 500 companies on
embedding equitable values.

With over 18 years as a strategic inclusion driver in government, nonprofit, and private sectors, Barger
lends firms her compassionate yet catalyzing counsel. She co-creates communications addressing
complex societal issues from racial justice to healthcare access by empowering diverse coalitions.
An academic lecturer and contributing media voice on CBS and LinkedIn, Barger models globally
resonant leadership.

Internally, Barger champions a culture of belonging. By advancing professionals of all backgrounds,

she fosters innovation while building trust. Lauded as a “mentor who recognizes potential,” Barger
invites team members into critical conversations once beyond their reach.

Whether directing initiatives tackling adversity or nurturing rising voices, Barger’s passion and
integrity fuel growth. Her embodiment of progress makes this guiding light richly deserving of
2024 honors.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
As Executive Vice President and Head of DEI Communications & Advisory at the world’s largest PR firm,
it’s been a highlight of my career to build a world-class DEI advisory that helps to ensure marketing and
communications for brands all across the world are centered in inclusive principles and design.

As a published thought leader for outlets like MSNBC and Fast Company, a notable point in my
career has been the opportunity to shape culture and address the societal issues we all face today, and
ensure every marketer and communicator I come across is equipped with the tools to
advance equity.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the CMO
Alliance community?
I’m excited to work on my next book that’ll aid this community of leaders in challenging the status quo
stories and narratives so many in society easily adopt as truth.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Ask more questions. Inquiry is a powerful to towards more diversity, equity, and inclusion in marketing
and communications.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

My community of fellow marketers and communicators – I’m consistently inspired by the leaders around
me who move with clarity, intention, and integrity. Being surrounded by fellow CMOs makes me better.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
I want to speak to the aspiring CMOs that look like me, a Black woman, my counsel is to take up space.
You belong, you matter, and the world needs your talent. Don’t ask for space, step forward in your power
and take it.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
Amira Barger
Thank you to the team of powerful women who surround me every single day in our advisory practice.
Executive Vice President Head of DEI
Communications & Advisory They hold my arms up and I’m better for knowing them – no one goes it alone and no one wins alone.
at Edelman

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Emmanuelle Benoliel
CMO

As Aircall’s Chief Marketing Officer, Emmanuelle Benoliel has charted a new course that has
fundamentally transformed marketing strategy and execution. Benoliel initially structured Aircall’s
hypergrowth lead generation, helping drive ARR to $100 million while building an integrated 50+
person global marketing team.

As Aircall moved out of start-up mode amid changing economic winds, she spearheaded an agile
pivot from lead gen to an “allbound” approach focused on customer retention, brand building, and
driving efficient expansion.

Renowned as both a marketing visionary and team inspiration, Benoliel has cultivated tight C-suite
and cross-functional partnerships while earning staunch regional loyalty through her humane
leadership style. Her passion for mentoring women has created an inclusive culture where
talent thrives.
Considered an authority on modern marketing dynamics, Benoliel shares insights at prominent tech
events and in women-in-tech forums. With strong results across regions and functions, Benoliel’s
blend of strategic leadership, adaptability, and team care makes her richly deserving of the 2024
CMO to Watch industry honors.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
I drove growth from 20M to 1330M$ ARR at Aircall, while building a team from scratch to a
lead gen engine.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
I’m looking at the future of the CMO role and building a training platform for marketing leaders.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
This year, there’s going to be a big focus on humanity. We need to keep things people-oriented,
particularly people management through any changes that occur.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

The most important parts of my toolset are Pavilion, Reforge, Refine Labs, and of course CMO
Alliance!

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Learning from other marketing leaders is the best way to get ahead. Peer-to-peer learning is the

key! Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
I’d like to thank Julie Fernandez for all her support!

Emmanuelle Benoliel
CMO

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Adam Boita
CMO of Ecologi

As Chief Marketing Officer of climate-tech leader Ecologi, Adam Boita has spearheaded high-
velocity growth through inspirational, data-driven branding and customer acquisition. Having built
marketing programs and secured crowdfunding for the carbon-reduction platform at Ecologi, Boita
has effectively evolved messaging to capture business accounts now numbering over 20,000 SMEs.

Praised for navigating public relations challenges, Boita positioned Ecologi as an authority of trust
and transparency amid industry turmoil. Known for his technical and creative prowess, Boita took
over commercial operations in lean times – providing multifaceted leadership spanning branding,
demand generation, and revenue strategy. As both a culture champion and team developer, his
versatile skills equip Ecologi for environmental impact at scale.

Recognized by his CEO as an “all-star performer”, as well as an innovative “tech wizard, a content
king, and an inspiring leader” Boita leverages EQ and IQ to create better brands and a better world.
His bold leadership merits his consideration as a 2024 CMO to Watch.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
My highlights from each business would be:

PlayStation – Launching PSP, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Network in the UK, some of the biggest
launches in gaming history in terms of revenue and impact.
Pernod Ricard – Launching single biggest limited edition Absolut London bottle with Jamie Hewlett from
Gorillaz as well as increasing volume and value across the spirits portfolio I worked on including Absolut
Vodka, Malibu Rum, Havana Club Rum, and Jameson Whiskey.

National Citizen Service ‘NCS’ – rebranding and new brand platform “No We Can” made by young people
for young people driving both year-on-year increases in signs ups, brand affinity, and impact amongst
teens and parents.

Ecologi – Pivoting the climate action brand from B2C to B2B with Demand Generation and Demand
capture strategy as well as value proposition “All in one climate action platform.” Architecting and
launching our brand platform “For Our Planet” at Ecologi and collaborating with Steven Bartlett and
Cassette Boy for our COP28 campaign. Increasing our lead quality score and attributing 50% of revenue
to the business.

Awards – DRUM digerati two years in a row being part of the UK digital’s best brand marketers and
course being nominated as a CMO to watch in 2024!

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the CMO Alliance
community?
The ROI of marketing, particularly in a start-up to scale-up, creating a reliable marketing engine pre-
series A investment is our core goal. I want to better attribute marketing driving sales revenue directly
further down the funnel rather than being measured on MQLs/SQLs and CPLs.

In B2B (much like B2C) there’s a need to balance short-term sales with long-term brand building. We
know that long-term brand building leads to long-term sustainable growth. This can only be done
Adam Boita by working to educate the 95% of the market who are not yet ready to buy through awareness and
CMO of Ecologi consideration campaigns whilst converting the 5% who are ready to buy.

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What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Every marketing dollar counts. We have to be the integrator, joining the dots across product, sales,
partnerships, and creative’s impact to ensure a consistent red thread across all our comms, product,
and brand experiences to enable sustainable long-term growth. Marketers are uniquely placed to take
on this challenge and succeed in the organizations they work for.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Insights and data that enable us to be culturally relevant and have differentiation and stand out. We can
then leverage this through our Creative (based on customer truths & insights from sales) x Media (based
on customer habits) x Tech (based on customer intent + self/digital attribution) = Long-term brand
success. Of course, this doesn’t happen without brilliant and talented people both on Ecologi’s side and
our agency partners.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Keep learning the craft, keep being curious, and be willing to unlearn what you learned previously, the
title of CMO is not the end game.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
Miriam Jordan Keane, Alice Register, Dimitri Theocharis, Mark Hardy, Alan Duncan, Patrick Venning, Ian
Hambleton, and Mark Choueke!

Adam Boita
CMO of Ecologi

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Christine Buck
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of HIMSS

Christine Buck stands out as a “CMO to Watch in 2024” for her transformative impact in the
digital health industry. Her leadership at HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems
Society)has been pivotal in forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones.

Christine’s approach to digital marketing is innovative and engagement-focused, emphasizing

authentic interaction across various platforms. She has adeptly guided her teams to synergize the
right words, images, channels, ad spend, and technical parameters, effectively turning creativity
into a collaborative effort. Her coaching style has led her teams to notable victories in a traditionally
male-dominated industry.

Under Christine’s leadership, HIMSS has seen transformative results. She inspires her teams to create
moments that not only engage people but also contribute significantly to the organization’s top-line
growth. Her focus on improving transformation, modernization, and outcomes has been influential in
the legacy organization.
Christine’s expertise in building modern global marketing programs is evident. Her efforts have
strengthened HIMSS’s branding, organizational reputation, product strategy, and sales, thereby
ensuring a prosperous future for the organization. Her ability to position HIMSS as a leader in digital
health transformation demonstrates her exceptional skills as a marketing leader and her influence
on her team and the wider industry. Her leadership and strategic vision exemplify why Christine is an
exemplary candidate for recognition in the marketing field.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
During my career, I’ve built global marketing programs, product,s and brand strategies for household
names like Microsoft and Accenture. I have led award-winning marketing teams for tech, SaaS, and
finance giants and pre-IPO start-ups across almost 27 years of B2B marketing experience.

Currently, I’m leading the global marketing and communications team for HIMSS through an acquisition
and a complete reimaging of our brand, content, and digital presence.
My specialty is building global teams that are empowered to innovate, produce world-class creative,
and drive business results. That’s already shown up at HIMSS, where my team’s campaigns drove a
30% growth in conference attendance and a 300% increase in leads year-over-year. It’s a pattern I’m
proud of. Previous teams and projects I led at Morningstar, Accenture, and Hootsuite picked up Effie
Awards, Shorty Awards honors, and coverage in Adweek—while driving serious increases in revenue and
purchase consideration.
I’m most proud of the trust I’ve earned from the teams I’ve led and the clients we support. Leading
marketing professionals is always a thrill, and I’m lucky to work with folks who are curious, smart, and
purpose-driven. Success at scale isn’t possible without strong teams, and the next phase of my career
will be about arming marketers with the resources they need to shine.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
This past year was about change and our own digital transformation, but next year will be about
metamorphosis. Connecting our mission to our core product lines at HIMSS by showing the value of
creating health equity for all people through our digital maturity models, delighting and engaging HIMSS
members who are really the heart of what we do.
Client experience and accessibility are upstream from revenue, so they’ll be our core focus area. This
year, I’ll be leading HIMSS through a complete transformation of our web presence, from the brand
experience down to how we optimize our substantial thought leadership in health tech. We’ll remap
our customer journeys for key product pillars and tie each piece of content to the conversion stage our
Christine Buck
target audiences are at – from social and paid media to case studies and PR campaigns.
Chief Marketing and Communications
Officer of HIMSS

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That means sharper digital activation, conversion-focused paid strategies and strategic content
repurposing across all our channels. It means expanding into new spaces like YouTube Shorts and TikTok,
boosting membership, and organizational partnerships with true-to-life success stories, and codifying
the types of campaigns we provide to all our global events.

Speaking of HIMSS events, we’re already refining our approach to focus on emerging trends like AI
and machine learning. I’m pivoting our global team to focus on industry-leading health content that
educates and engages. Our core differentiators are expertise, depth, and quality of content, and an
expansive community of over 800,000 members, partners, followers, and practitioners.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
CMOs have a few key responsibilities: Building agile teams, creating continuous feedback loops that
improve processes, and helping the C-suite see the value we create. Team-building is the foundation,
of course. In marketing, there’s nothing more valuable than a group of diverse thinkers who are
agile and can lead in times of ambiguity. To build that, CMOs need to create a culture of creativity,
experimentation, and support from the top down.
Executive buy-in is the other piece of the puzzle. As a CMO, you have to position marketing as a business
accelerator, not as a silver bullet. Marketing simply can’t fix bad products or poor customer experiences,
but it can lead organizational change. CMOs should focus on not just building great brands but also
delivering revenue to the organization – and making sure other executives understand your
team’s value.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Data, data, and more data! Analytics, research, and market intelligence are going to be a big focus for
me in 2024 in service to our members and clients. My team and I are already looking carefully at ways
we can leverage emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence) in marketing applications.

Christine Buck
Chief Marketing and Communications
Officer of HIMSS

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build their
status and skills?
Tomorrow’s CMO needs razor-sharp expertise and literacy around data analytics and
visual expression.

Many marketing leaders are too focused on brand-building, but it’s only part of the formula. Being able
to clearly attribute how your marketing efforts build awareness and saliency, nurture leads, and create
paths to revenue is equally important. That’s where data literacy comes in. The CMO must be able to
interpret, analyze, and position all kinds of data and create a story around it that other organizational
leaders understand and trust.

So, if you’re an aspiring or current CMO, think about how to use data to solve the attribution challenge.
Think about how you can prove marketing’s impact, and use analytics to make direct connections
between creative work to revenue. Align yourself with projects that provide growth and exposure across
the organization and talk to your fellow leaders in product and sales to understand customer habits and
journeys. You must understand how your customers buy and purchase and why price matters. Modern
CMOs need to understand the criteria, process, and financial implications.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
There are so many great people who’ve given me the autonomy to grow as a leader. At the executive
level, I owe my biggest thank-you to Linda Gu (SVP of Morningstar) and Maggie Lower (CMO of
Hootsuite), who both played huge roles in the leadership style I practice as a CMO.
To my global team at HIMSS, our success wouldn’t be possible without your talent, creativity, and
dedication. You teach me so much each day. If you’ve ever built and rebuilt a brand, brainstormed, or
strategized with me in a past life, thank you. Your energy and contributions mean the world to me.

Christine Buck
Chief Marketing and Communications
Officer of HIMSS

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Carolyn Chiang Rosebrough

Chief Brand & Communications Officer at Lime

Carolyn Chiang Rosebrough’s expertise in global brand management and marketing is evident
from her impactful work with renowned brands like SoulCycle, JPMorgan Chase, and Johnson &
Johnson. At Lime, she has significantly grown the brand and communications team, enhancing
Lime’s global footprint in the shared electric vehicle market.

Her leadership at Lime is marked by a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, notably
through her role with the Asian and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group “Calamansi” and the
Womxn @ Lime ERG. These roles emphasize her focus on breaking barriers and fostering an inclusive
work culture.
Carolyn’s recognition as an award-winning marketer, including her inclusion in Campaign’s 2023
CMO 50 list, along with Lime’s accolades under her leadership, underscore her strategic and
impactful brand-building capabilities.

Overall, Carolyn Chiang Rosebrough’s blend of global brand expertise, commitment to

diversity and inclusion, and her role in driving Lime’s brand growth make her a standout candidate
for this accolade.

Find out more

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
One of my favorite career highlights happened this past year at Lime – we’ve started picking up cultural
momentum that our brand has never seen before. I like to think that in 2023, my team positioned Lime to
have its “moment” with the stars. From Harry Styles biking around London to Jared Leto pulling up to Paris
Fashion Week on our scooter, to being a featured accessory on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar China, it’s
clear 2023 was a breakthrough year for Lime on a cultural level.

So how did we do it? We launched more than 15 campaigns that localized Lime in 40+ cities in 10+
languages. Our press coverage was up 36% YOY, and our message pull-through in press (which means
the messages we intentionally want out there are showing up) was at 85%, which is 10pp higher than
the goal we’d set at the beginning of the year, and 5pp higher than the year prior. In the latest brand
awareness, attitudes, and usage tracker, our awareness, momentum, and favorability are up in each of
the markets surveyed.
All of this played out in making Lime a cultural phenomenon in many ways. For example, we’re now a
quickfire question in magazines. In the Sunday Times in London, when new authors are interviewed,
there’s a sidebar where they ask quickfire questions – Big Mac or McPlant? Barbie or Oppenheimer? Lime
or Uber? Valentino launched a collection last year with models riding Lime in Paris.
I’m a firm believer that these celebrity sightings, appearances, and cultural moments aren’t coincidental
but rather come about from our team-building brand love each and every day. Every brand wants to be
culturally relevant. It’s 90% intentional work, day in and day out, surrounding our audiences with the right
messages, story, and personality – such that when that 10% serendipity moment arises, notable, visible
people and brands want to be seen alongside us.

I’m really proud that I’m able to bring my experience from previous companies (such as SoulCycle,
General Motors, and Samsung Mobile) to change Lime’s business, the category, and the world.

Carolyn Chiang Rosebrough

Chief Brand & Communications Officer
at Lime

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
While I can’t share too much about our plans for next year, I can say that everything we do, day in and
day out is about bringing life and purpose to the Lime brand. Anything that can and will reinforce that
work is within the realm of possibilities for us in 2024. More specifically, we’ll be focusing on ways to
inspire people to love Lime.

Our mission as a company and our ambition is really pretty cool – we want to build a future where
transportation is shared, affordable, and carbon-free. That means more biking and scooting, more
walking, more public transportation, more space for people… it’s a big, meaty, world-altering mission that
involves changing hearts and minds – and our team is proud to be leading the charge.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
I think one of the biggest expectations of today’s consumers is for brands to relate with them on a deeply
personal level. CMOs have not only a responsibility but an obligation to create a meaningful relationship
with their consumers.
Here at Lime, we are always looking for ways to create personalized conversations with our riders and
prospective riders alike. This past Fall, we launched a global marketing campaign, “It’s Time To Lime”
which drew upon outrageous and organic rider testimonials that underscore Lime’s value as the solution
to everyday stressors. While a global campaign at heart, the content was local at its core playing on
each city’s cultural nuances in an effort to speak directly to hometown communities.

For example, in Paris, ads were placed in subway stations from real rider testimonials that read “Got the
croissant and a French baguette in my Lime basket in Paris. Call me Emily.” The campaign, designed and
produced entirely by Lime’s in-house creative team, showcased how riders around the world use Lime as
an antidote to a chaotic and unpredictable world. Through both routine and outrageous rider moments,
these testimonials brought Lime’s core ethos to life – to build a future where transportation is shared,
affordable, and carbon-free.”

Carolyn Chiang Rosebrough

Chief Brand & Communications Officer
at Lime

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

I’m constantly evaluating where to place bets, how we can best serve the business, and what are
priority areas of expansion that can net us the biggest impact.

My biggest resource for 2024 is continuing to invest in my team. At Lime, we have a company-wide
dedication to doing work in-house. This extends all the way from our vehicle design, and software
development, to our Communications and Brand Marketing teams.

I’ve found that the magic is in building a foundation together, very intentionally- clarifying the mission
of the company, bringing consistency to the brand voice, simplifying ways of working that often
inadvertently become way too complex during rapid growth, and testing scrappy campaigns

together.
Once we’ve established this, we can bring soul into it all, breathe new life into the brand, and continue
to
lead to differentiation for Lime.

We’re currently coming off of our best year in the history of Lime. As a result, as the business continues

to
grow and expand its needs, our marketing team will be there to support, guide, and execute our brand
vision at every turn.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build their
status and skills?
• Act with intention. Strategy is about making the right choices that build upon each other. That’s
what great brands – and careers – are built on.
• Be open to learning all parts of the craft. The best marketers I’ve seen and worked with obviously
have strong suits, but also ultimately are well-versed in all aspects of marketing. So if you’re a
performance marketer, for example, it would always be a great idea to understand the value of
brand marketing to what you do every day.
Carolyn Chiang Rosebrough
• Know that even though you’re early in your career, you can still drive culture on a team. The best
Chief Brand & Communications Officer
work comes from teams that are primed to do great work. And much of that comes from the right
at Lime
team culture.

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
I’m deeply grateful for my team, who conceive of, develop, and execute amazing work. Their output is
at once striking, compelling, and reflects our mission and values at every turn. It’s no accident that
Lime is not just breaking through as a brand, but is now the undisputed leader in our industry with our
eyes set even higher.

Many teams at Lime contributed to getting us to this point, and I’m grateful to our leadership team for
making the right decisions at difficult moments to increase our staying power and differentiate us
from
competitors. We’re now able to build on this foundation, and I’m buoyed by the clarity of vision from

so
many of my dedicated team members that will take us to the next level, helping to inspire people to
love Lime.

Carolyn Chiang Rosebrough

Chief Brand & Communications Officer
at Lime

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Miruna Dragomir
CMO of Planable

Miruna Dragomir is certainly a “CMO to Watch in 2024.” Starting as the second employee at
Planable, she has been instrumental in growing the customer base from 50 to over 5,400. Her
tenure includes valuable experiences at Uber and Oracle, and she’s recognized as a Forbes 30
Under 30 alumni.

Miruna’s success at Planable is attributed to her adept use of Product-Led Growth (PLG) and inbound
marketing strategies, focusing on long-term sustainable growth. Leading a team of 11, she excels in
creating a productive work environment and making data-driven decisions that propel the
company forward.
In an industry that’s constantly evolving, Miruna stands out for her innovative and efficient growth
tactics, making her a trendsetter in the marketing field. Her unique skill in storytelling further enhances
her ability to inspire and lead her team effectively. Her blend of strategic acumen and creative
narrative building positions her as a dynamic leader in marketing, making her a deserving candidate
for the accolade.

Find out more

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
As the first marketing hire at Planable, I’ve contributed to the company’s extraordinary growth from 50
active customers to over 5,500 in the past 5 years. Since then, the marketing team has expanded to 11
dedicated professionals within a total team of over 40, reflecting our commitment to innovation and
excellence in a highly competitive market.

Central to my approach is the establishment of a data-driven team, fostering a culture of rapid

experimentation to identify and implement effective strategies. Planable’s impressive growth trajectory
is supported by our focus on producing valuable content, developing memorable branding, and
continuously enhancing our product to align with the ever-changing needs of the market. One of my
proudest achievements is assembling a team of exceptionally talented individuals who have nearly
tripled our blog’s organic traffic in 2023, built reliable paid channels, and driven successful projects, like
an award-winning commercial.

These initiatives not only reflect Planable’s market presence but also demonstrate our commitment to
delivering quality and innovation in every aspect of our work.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
In 2024, a major focus for our team at Planable will be learning to leverage AI in marketing. Adapting
rapidly to AI evolution is challenging, so we’re nurturing a culture of continuous learning and
collaboration. I’m starting regular meetings and sharing sessions where team members can exchange
insights on their use of AI. These collaborative brainstorming sessions are designed to transform our
processes and outputs by integrating AI more effectively and creatively.

Another priority will be maintaining the uniqueness and expertise of our content in an era increasingly
dominated by AI-generated material. Our commitment has always been to produce content grounded
in the real-world experiences of professionals, rather than merely rehashing existing materials. In 2024,
this approach will become even more crucial, as we strive to stand out with authentic and
Miruna Dragomir expert-driven content.
CMO of Planable

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Additionally, given Planable’s rapid growth in team size and customer base, a key area of focus will be
optimizing our marketing operations. This includes enhancing the efficiency of our data collection and
reporting processes. By streamlining these operations, we aim to support our continued growth while
maintaining the high quality and innovation that Planable is known for.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
When we talk about the year 2024, it’s impossible not to think about AI. As CMOs, it’s our role to guide
our teams in finding the best ways to use AI for growth and adaptation. Often, marketers are so focused
on their daily tasks that they don’t get the chance to step back and rethink old methods. However, with
AI changing things so quickly, we must be prepared to regularly update our approaches and ideas.
Traditional processes are becoming less effective every day, and our understanding of what’s possible in
marketing is constantly evolving.

Our main responsibility as CMOs is to ensure that our teams are continually learning and staying on top
of these changes. We need to keep ourselves informed about the latest developments in AI, share this
knowledge with our team, and encourage them to continuously refine and adapt their tactics. Staying
agile and responsive to these rapid changes is essential for thriving in the fast-paced world
of marketing.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

My biggest resources are the websites, There’s an AI for That, How to SaaS, SaaStr, Gobbledy,
and Reforge.

And of course, the CMO Alliance and Product Marketing Alliance Communities!

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Being a CMO, especially at a startup, is like being a master of understanding yet always being open
to learning more. Your job isn’t to know how to do every single marketing tactic yourself or to get lost
Miruna Dragomir
in the tiny details. Instead, it’s about getting a big-picture view of different marketing strategies –
CMO of Planable
understanding what works, for which type of company, and why.

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

You don’t need to be an expert in executing every tactic, but you should have a good grasp of various
marketing areas. Try to learn a little about each part of marketing. Get a feel for everything from social
media strategies to in-depth analytics. The key is to connect everything you learn back to your business
goals. This way, you can figure out which tactics and channels are worth trying for your company. It’s all
about finding that balance between a wide-ranging understanding and knowing where to focus your
efforts for the best results.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our CEO, Xenia Muntean. Her belief in the power of marketing and
her remarkable ability to identify new opportunities have been pivotal to our success. Xenia’s support
has been instrumental in building a top-notch marketing team — truly the best I could have hoped for.
Her trust and vision have not only empowered our team but have also played a crucial role in shaping
our marketing strategies and achievements.
And of course, the members of our marketing team. They’re brilliant, autonomous, strategic
marketers who never settle. We always push each other to do better and that is what truly stands behind
our growth.

Miruna Dragomir
CMO of Planable

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Monica Elgemark
CMO at Oneflow

Monica Elgemark, the Chief Marketing Officer at Oneflow, is a standout “CMO to Watch in 2024” with
over 20 years of experience in B2B and B2C sectors across SaaS, Finance, and Telecom. Renowned
for her customer-first approach and digital transformation expertise, Monica has been pivotal in
Oneflow’s transition to digital contracts, demonstrating her skill in market disruption
and digitization.

Her leadership at Oneflow is marked by successful scaling in existing and new markets, highlighted
by her role in creating the largest savings event in the Nordics. Monica’s people-centric leadership
style emphasizes trust, accountability, and transparency, fostering a creative and innovative
team environment. Colleagues describe her as an energizing, solution-oriented leader who values
customer and company benefits equally.

Additionally, Monica serves as a Board Executive, strategizing Go-To-Market (GTM) approaches and
business commercialization. Her well-rounded personality, balancing a high-powered career with
active hobbies like skiing and mountain biking, adds to her dynamic leadership in the marketing field.

Find out more

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
When I joined Oneflow as CMO, my primary goal was to establish a marketing department that
seamlessly integrated central and local adoption, aiming to generate both awareness and revenue. As
the overseer of the company’s GTM strategy, it became crucial to ensure the efficient commercialization
of our product. Within a year, we rapidly expanded into several new countries, setting ambitious targets.
The marketing function emerged as a pivotal force in achieving our strategic objectives.

This success is a result of the recruitment of talented marketing colleagues, specializing in brand, growth,
web development, and customer lifecycle management. Covering the entire user journey has proven
instrumental in securing a significant portion of our revenue through marketing efforts.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
Next year will be about harnessing the power of AI. Marketers can move beyond one-size-fits-all
campaigns. This method not only enhances the relevance of content but also fosters a deeper
connection with potential customers, covering the whole funnel from awareness to revenue.

The predictive capabilities of AI ensure that the campaigns presented align seamlessly with the
prospect’s journey, thereby maximizing the impact of marketing efforts. Additionally, the usage of AI will
also enable us to cost-efficiently enter new markets through local and adaptable marketing.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
In 2024, CMOs must prioritize navigating the dynamic marketing landscape with adaptability as the
cornerstone. Leveraging predictive analytics, CMOs anticipate trends by analyzing historical data, AI,
and customer behavior. This data-driven approach not only identifies emerging trends but also lays the
groundwork for strategies that seamlessly align with the evolving market landscape. Adaptability, rooted
in data insights, becomes vital for CMOs to steer their teams effectively through the ever-changing
marketing terrain.

Monica Elgemark
CMO of Oneflow

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Additionally, continuous curiosity and market research are essential in equipping CMOs and marketing
teams with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the evolving landscape. Investing in business
intelligence, analyzing competitors at the forefront of change, and gaining insights from industry thought
leaders, keeps the team ready to respond to changing environments proactively. Using these insights
will give you muscles to test new activities. Set aside a small part of your budget for experimental
campaigns, whilst the major part goes towards already confirmed successful activities.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

In 2024, our success won’t come from one thing alone; it’s about different efforts working together. Our
main goal is to create content that truly matters, making us an appealing brand. We want customers to
love our products, so we’re putting a lot of energy into clever marketing and communication.
A significant part of this involves personalized communication, triggered by what our customers do.
To make all this possible, our marketing team is closely collaborating with both sales and the product
department. By working together, we’re ensuring our message is clear, our brand is attractive, and
people genuinely enjoy using our products. This teamwork is the key to our success in 2024.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Encourage continuous curiosity and prioritize ongoing market research for yourself as CMO as well
as your marketing teams. Equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the evolving
landscape to be able to adjust and adapt based on what’s happening in the environment.

Furthermore, surround yourself with specialists. As a CMO, establish a team of key resources who are
specialists in various areas, creating a collaborative environment where collective expertise contributes
to creating magic. Relying on specialized talents enhances overall proficiency and effectiveness.

Lastly, recognize that marketing operates as a collaborative force, closely integrated with product and
sales teams. This synergy ensures a cohesive strategy aligning with overall business objectives. It is not a
one-man or a one-department show, but rather the combined efforts from all functions.
Monica Elgemark
CMO of Oneflow

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
I’m fortunate to have exceptional marketing leaders on my team who not only challenge me daily but
also impart their expertise, creating the ideal environment for me to thrive as a CMO. Their constant
guidance and shared knowledge significantly contribute to my growth and effectiveness in this role.

Moreover, I extend my gratitude to former colleagues within the marketing sphere. Our ongoing
collaboration, where we jointly tackle challenges and discuss solutions, is invaluable to me. The collective
experience we bring to the table enhances my understanding of the dynamic marketing landscape,
fostering a collaborative environment that goes beyond individual contributions. I appreciate the
continuous support, as it plays a crucial role in my professional journey.

Monica Elgemark
CMO of Oneflow

37
CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Drew Fine
Fractional CMO with Rion Aesthetics

As an award-winning Fractional C-Suite Executive, Drew Fine exemplifies versatile marketing

leadership for an on-demand world. His agility in accelerating a spectrum of brands – from Fortune
500 mainstays to private equity targets and scrappy startups – distinguishes Fine as a multifaceted
growth driver for hire.

Notably, Fine can rapidly infusion-market innovations, having shepherded 13+ FDA product approvals
that generated multimillion-dollar revenue surges. He also specializes in amalgamating SMBs into
PE-fueled industry disrupters, while scaling early-stage skin care ventures 10X. This unpredictable
breadth showcases his adaptable expertise and relentless work ethic.
Fine’s personal passion for fusing “fun, excellence, and learning” creates cultures where talent thrives
at record speed. He has built brands, businesses, and teams from zero to $100 million+ valuations in
months through inspirational, data-driven leadership. Lauded by executives who serially re-enlist his
services, Fine’s creative operational strategies offer a marketing roadmap for the future.
His versatile, high-performance impact makes Fine a fractional growth leader to watch in 2024
and beyond.

Find out more

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
I’ve been fortunate to win a number of awards for launching products, DTC, and industry awards.
I’ve been privileged to be involved with and help lead some iconic brands but the career highlight is
definitely helping people find their own success and do amazing things with their own roles and jobs.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
I’m working on some new ways to better integrate influencers into consumer and professional channels,
figuring out how to better leverage the proliferation of AI tools, and helping launch and scale some
exciting new companies

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Helping teams and companies prioritize work with the explosion of data and all the tools that allow
anyone to be a marketer (or so they believe).

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Based on this year, I would guess this is an ever-evolving question. I’m using tools now that I didn’t use
last January, so I’m going to be open-minded to the best solutions. I would bet that ChatGPT/AI continue
to be big pieces of my resource arsenal and tools to enhance virtual collaboration will continue to grow
with leaps and bounds (love me some [Link], asana, etc.).

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Two things. 1) hire people who know things you don’t know… just make sure you know how to ask the right
questions. It’s key to building a great team. 2) Don’t let data chase you down a rabbit hole of not being
true to your brand. It’s easy to follow your performance marketing info to a place that actually destroys
equity without you even realizing it. I’ve seen this happen to big brands. Make sure you balance strategic
and performance marketing.
Drew Fine Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
Fractional CMO with Rion Aesthetics Alisa Lask has always been a champion for me and I appreciate it! I would also highlight some of the
team members I have hired in the past year. They have taught me more than they even know!

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Alberto Gerin
CMO of Modefinance

Alberto Gerin is recognized as a “CMO to Watch in 2024” due to his innovative and impactful
approach in the marketing realm. With over a decade of experience, Alberto’s non-conventional
educational background has been key in shaping his unique marketing strategies, particularly in
the competitive FinTech sector. He has driven Modefinance’s significant growth, achieving a 35%
year-over-year increase for nine years, and expanding the company’s reach from the EU to the
MENA region.

Alberto’s innovative marketing tactics, influenced by diverse industries, have led to successful
campaigns and new market prospects. His leadership style is notable for its humility and
inclusiveness, fostering a collaborative environment that values stakeholder input. He has built and
mentored a diverse team, emphasizing personal and professional growth.
Recognized among The Drum’s Future 50 Global Brand Marketers in 2019 and the Top 30 Most
Influential Fintech Marketers in 2022, Alberto’s achievements and approach to marketing leadership
make him a deserving candidate for this accolade.

Find out more

40
 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
The team, absolutely!

I’m proud to have built a great team of young talents who proactively face any task with both creativity
and data, even when facing the challenges of internationalization. I like to think that I played a role in
their meteoric growth and in building phenomenal professionals who tackle any problem before we’re
even aware of it: United we stand prepared to offer pragmatic and rapid solutions to an array of
different scenarios.

Having a startup background like mine, I have always been eager to delve deeper into pretty different
industries and businesses with a fresh point of view, bringing technical hands-on knowledge and
matching with specific target markets: Building a company’s communication strategy, brand
positioning, and marketing culture from scratch, and obtaining a market recognition both in Europe and
worldwide, confirmed by the YoY positive numbers (we’re a Credit Rating Agency, after all) I think this is
one of the most satisfying prices.
All this led me to being recognized in 2019 among the Top 50 Global Brand Marketers by The Drum,
and in 2022 as one of the most Influential Fintech Marketers by the Fintech Marketing Hub, for which I’m
extremely grateful.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
Working in different countries and cultures, especially when these are far from our daily interaction, is
something we’re working on: To create a global brand, remaining faithful to our vision and mission, and
adapting to specific markets at the same time, is the 2024 challenge for us.

In the last few years we got ourselves immersed in a fresh new perspective, what I see for 2024 is an even
greater specialization in Product Marketing, to better support the operative and the sales teams around
the world, both internally and within partnerships.

As you say, “The sky’s the limit!”

Alberto Gerin
CMO of Modefinance

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
When thinking about my responsibilities as a CMO, I strongly believe that balancing a commitment to
our customers and the internal development of people and strategy is crucial.

Our very own growth talks about bravery and intelligence, as it requires not only a bold brand and
message but also sharp insights about the audience and a keen instinct about the market’s moves.
To do so, I think that the most important responsibility for a CMO in 2024 is to adopt a culture that
empowers agile decision-making and freedom to learn from one’s very own mistakes with confidence.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Again, my answer will be people as number one! Then, I’ll put tools, processes, and
inter-team communication.

The rise of AI is something we are already testing and implementing, and the next steps within our
strategy will be a wider focus on the adoption of technologies for better product marketing. I do think
that’s the backbone of a successful marketing strategy, through thorough market research, a complete
competitive analysis, and the correct definition of brand message and positioning, we’ll be able to
continuously support and drive business success.

While technology is nothing new (just think of how marketing has embraced tools like SEO support, CRMs,
data analytics, and lead generation instruments in the last 10 years) one of the major focuses is creating
a valid framework, where integrating tools, defining objectives, using data, and communicating. This
alignment will be especially put on with the sales and customer experience departments.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
That’s an interesting and tough one! I’ll try to answer with a simple but fundamental connection: A
renewed and strengthened relationship with the CEO and the board, in which clarity must be key.
Growth doesn’t happen by chance or by accident, and we as CMOs are key to intentionally supporting

Alberto Gerin our CEOs’ creation of a successful strategy towards it, by reclaiming the ownership of the 4 Ps (Product,
Place, Price, Promotion) and reinstating the ability to both develop the market funnel and focus on the
CMO of Modefinance
product’s evolution.

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The advice I can give is to surround yourself with all the different people in your own organization and
outside because communication is key: In a world where marketing sees a strong misalignment and
misperception, we still argue about the effectiveness of our role. Let’s be more communicative, connect
more with the operations, and be very clear when facing the executive committee.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
Oof, like… everyone who crossed my path!
I do want to thank my buddies from my early career, who influenced me to face any challenge from
different perspectives. I’d like to thank Modefinance CEOs for believing in me almost seven years ago,
and for allowing me to make mistakes in the process of creation.

And most of all I want to say thank you to my teams, we do surely face an enormous amount of storms,
and you’re the reason most of them won’t even come to our door.

Alberto Gerin
CMO of Modefinance

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

James Gilbert
CMO

As an experienced high-growth marketing leader, James Gilbert earned multiple CMO to Watch
nominations for accelerating breakout B2B brands. Recruited to extreme revenue challenges,
Gilbert rapidly restructures foundational systems for explosive expansion having built teams from
zero to over 120 employees in past ventures.

At Flip, he led a total overhaul – rebrand, podcast launch, revamped demand gen and campaigns
– to increase pipeline and customer retention by over 90% in months. This follows a storied tenure of
nearly tripling ARR over three years at BusinessNext, decreasing sales cycles from 12 to four months
alongside 300% agency growth. Esteemed for data-driven innovation and passion, Gilbert instituted
new GTM strategies and cultural cornerstones.

Gilbert is an accessibility advocate who ensures inclusive messaging. Renowned by leaders as “the
best CMO I’ve ever worked with” for his caring and creative vision, Gilbert scaled $150M brands for
Cisco, Verizon, and AGCO before leading Mittcom and Gen3 startups to successful exits. Poised to lift
another rocketship, Gilbert’s nomad growth prowess places him squarely as a 2024 CMO to Watch.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
People are willing to follow me places as a leader. I’m proud of mentoring people to be the best
version of themselves and scale the ladders they want to climb.

In my career, I’ve overseen three successful exits. The growth through these stages: $0-$250M &
Seed - Series D at startups. Growth from $300M - $1.2B at Fortune 100 & 500 companies. I’ve led
several
rebrands to great success.

All this, while being a best-selling author and a podcast host times five!

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
I’m continuing to try to bring a little more kindness in all interactions so the world has a little more of it.

I
aim to build others up around me and serve them.
And have a bit of an unconventional approach to campaigns, brand, demand gen, and growth. So, I’ll
continue to focus on that to stand out in a crowded world!

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Efficiently managing the impact of marketing against the full GTM motions that exist within a
business.
I think in 2024 it will be more important than ever for CMOs to prove their value, show they can grow
without all the bells and whistles that existed before, and do it in a way that creates a vision worthy of
following for the organization.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Communities, networking, and LinkedIn!

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
James Gilbert their status and skills?
CMO Be willing to take on more without being asked. Complain less about your current workload and

instead
search for solutions to make it more efficient. Always come to the table with data-backed arguments
and with a potential solution to a problem, this shows you are forward-thinking and strategic. Have a
love for people to help build them up. 45
 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
First, my family. Without their support, I’d be nowhere. Second, my belief system, which empowers
me to be a better human whenever I can. Third, the many people I’ve served in my career as a
CMO and marketing leader. Fourth, the CEOs I’ve worked with and the peers I’ve worked alongside
that help me step up my game. The many, many mentors and friends who always take a call when
I need it.

James Gilbert
CMO

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Lori Goode
CMO at Index Exchange

Lori Goode’s extensive experience in digital advertising and her dynamic role at Index Exchange
underscore her multifaceted leadership skills. Her responsibilities span across brand marketing,
communications, product marketing, and learning initiatives, reflecting her comprehensive
approach to driving business growth and employee development.

At Index Exchange, Lori has led transformative changes, including a brand identity refresh and
revamping of marketing operations. She has implemented strategic go-to-market plans and
educational initiatives like “Index Explains,” an acclaimed series that has established Index as a
thought leader in programmatic advertising.
Lori’s prior success at Amazon Ads, where she significantly expanded her organization and
launched key educational and branding initiatives, highlights her capacity for driving substantial
organizational growth. Additionally, her leadership roles at Facebook and Microsoft add to her
impressive track record.
Beyond professional achievements, Lori is deeply committed to sustainability and diversity, equity,
and inclusion (DE&I) efforts. She actively chairs and collaborates with various committees and
groups, advocating for meaningful progress in these areas.

Moreover, Lori is recognized for her mentorship and advocacy, particularly in supporting women in
the workplace. Her dedication to fostering growth and development in her colleagues and mentees
exemplifies her holistic approach to leadership.

In essence, Lori Goode’s strategic marketing expertise, commitment to learning and development,
and advocacy for critical social issues make her an exceptional candidate for “CMO to Watch
in 2024.” Her influential role at Index Exchange, coupled with her dedication to mentorship and
professional development, showcases her as an inspiring and multifaceted leader.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
With a career spanning nearly 20 years in digital advertising, my experience covers a wide range of
areas including ad operations, media planning, technical account management, sales, training and
development, and in-depth product, brand, and growth marketing.

Before joining Index Exchange, I led the marketing and training organization for Amazon Ads globally.
During my five years at Amazon, I played a pivotal role in the rapid expansion of the advertising business,
growing my team by more than 43 times. I was instrumental in launching Amazon’s first advertising
conference and a global learning console platform, along with introducing advertising certifications. My
leadership was crucial in the comprehensive brand relaunch of the Amazon Ads organization. Before
Amazon, I held significant marketing leadership roles at major tech firms like Meta (formerly Facebook)
and Microsoft. A notable achievement at Meta was coining the term ‘people-based measurement/
marketing’ during the Atlas ad server rebuild and launch under Meta’s ownership.
Under my leadership, Index Exchange has experienced transformative changes, including redefining the
company’s mission, vision, and positioning, a complete brand identity overhaul, revamping of marketing
operations and platforms, and developing the company’s global learning and development platform
and programs. My strategies have repositioned the company’s approach to customer engagement and
industry interaction, focusing on educational initiatives. A key accomplishment was launching ‘Index
Explains,’ an educational video series that demystifies the complexities of programmatic advertising,
featuring experts from Scope3, IAB Tech Lab, and Ad Net Zero. This series has solidified Index’s reputation
as a thought leader in the industry.
Beyond my marketing role, I am deeply committed to sustainability and DEI education in the advertising
sector. I chair Index’s sustainability steering committee and lead our company’s DEI initiatives. Outside
of Index, I collaborate with various sustainability groups like Ad Net Zero, serve on the executive
achievements committee of She Runs It, am a proud board member of BRIDGE—a pioneering DEI trade
group in the global marketing industry—and actively participate in Chief, a network for women executive
leaders. My work in these areas goes beyond formalities; it embodies my dedication to driving significant
Lori Goode progress in areas critical to the future of the advertising ecosystem.

CMO at Index Exchange

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
In the upcoming year, we’re excited to further develop our educational series, ‘Index Explains,’ which we
launched in 2023, designed to demystify complex topics within programmatic advertising. This series,
featuring insights from both Index experts and industry leaders such as Scope3, IAB Tech Lab, and Ad Net
Zero, has been pivotal in educating the market on important subjects like streaming TV, addressability,
and sustainability. Our aim is to continue enriching this platform, providing valuable knowledge and tools
to the digital advertising ecosystem.

Another focus for Index in 2024 is helping our customers navigate the deprecation of third-party cookies
in Chrome. Google’s solution, Privacy Sandbox, is not well understood by the ecosystem, and we will
place emphasis on our own testing and learning alongside partners and customers, and then share our
learnings broadly so the industry navigates this disruptive change together. We’ve started by launching
education through Index Explains, developing a demo and donating it to the IAB Tech Lab’s Privacy
Sandbox taskforce, and building documentation and resources that are publicly available. We will
continue throughout the year to ensure our customers and partners feel supported through this change.
This feels particularly important to call out because it’s not core to Index as a product or service, but we
strongly believe in our responsibility to bring as many industry players along as we collectively face an
incredible challenge.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
A critical responsibility for CMOs in 2024 will be addressing the growing demand for brand accountability,
especially in areas like sustainability and diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation. This shift isn’t
just a trend but an essential aspect of business growth, especially considering the significant spending
power of underrepresented groups, estimated at $5.4 trillion. Brands failing to align with these values risk
being left behind, both from a business and growth perspective, but also in addressing the needs and
concerns of their employees.

Lori Goode Businesses must leverage these practices in their core strategies, as this alignment is now a

CMO at Index Exchange fundamental business imperative. This shift is influencing business-to-business dynamics as well,
evident in how brands assess their suppliers’ practices in sustainability and diversity through RFPs.

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As we head into 2024, I anticipate more public accountability regarding how companies address
diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. This shift isn’t only a positive development but a necessary
one, as it’ll drive real change and hold businesses accountable. It signifies a critical alignment of
business growth with societal values, enabling a significant transformation in business strategy and
consumer expectations.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

In 2024, a key resource that I’ll continue to focus on is the strategic use of data-driven insights. In today’s
rapidly-paced digital landscape with budget constraints and uncertainty, it’s even more critical to apply
data to marketing functions to ensure our investments are well-aligned and can effectively measure
their impact. The use of data enables us to set clear benchmarks, assess the success of various tactics,
and validate that our marketing tactics are intentional and aligned with our broader business objectives.
I’ll also continue to lean into both customers and community. Understanding the changing landscape,
customer challenges and needs, and perception will be critical for keeping a real-time pulse that allows
us to be nimble and ensure we are focusing on the right things. Community has become even more
important and will continue to be in 2024. Building diverse networks and leveraging relationships to learn
best practices, share knowledge, and support each other is an essential part of being able to deliver your
best work, especially when resources are constrained.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Learn, learn, learn. Evaluate the different types of marketing functions and skills required, and actively
seek opportunities to learn more, get practical experience, or hone in on existing skills. Ask for feedback
and to be considered for new projects that may stretch you.

Be open to possibility–if something comes your way, instead of starting with ‘no,’ start with ‘what
would it take?’ It’s simple, but it provides a solution-oriented frame of mind to critically and creatively
approaching challenges.
Lori Goode
Don’t underestimate the power of building a network. Do it in a way that is authentic to you. It sometimes
CMO at Index Exchange
requires pushing outside of your comfort zone, but there is a lot of opportunity, learning, and support that
comes along with a strong network.

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Prioritize leadership qualities that extend beyond just tactical abilities. Emphasize empathy and
transparency in your approach. In times of uncertainty and constant change, it’s crucial to lead with
a sense of humanity and understanding. Recognize and acknowledge that there is a world beyond
the confines of work, and this broader perspective is essential in navigating the challenges and
responsibilities of the CMO role. It not only fosters a more connected and responsive team environment
but also contributes to more thoughtful and effective marketing strategies as customers are navigating
the same challenges.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
I’m incredibly thankful for the unwavering support and guidance I’ve received throughout my career
journey. A special thanks goes to my sponsors – those individuals who not only believed in my potential
but actively championed my career growth. Their guidance, advocacy, and investment in my career
development have been instrumental in my journey.

For the women I include on my ‘personal board.’ These women inspire, push, and believe in me through
every step, and we engage with brutal honesty, vulnerability, and care.
I’m also incredibly thankful for my team at Index Exchange. Their dedication, creativity, and
collaborative spirit have not only enriched my experience as CMO but have also been critical in driving
our collective success.

Lori Goode
CMO at Index Exchange

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Jeremy Grinacoff
CMO of CUDDLY

Jeremy Grinacoff’s expertise blends creative, data-driven marketing with keen business acumen,
driving significant growth at CUDDLY. He has achieved notable successes, including a 20%
increase in new donor acquisition in one month and the development of the company’s three most
successful promotions in history.

Known for his detail-oriented and data-savvy approach, Jeremy excels in understanding market
trends and applying this knowledge effectively. His leadership style is both inspiring and empowering,
encouraging his team to think innovatively and merge data with creative storytelling for
impactful results.
Jeremy’s commitment to his work at CUDDLY is matched by his active involvement in the community
and dedication to his family, including his newborn baby. His ability to balance professional
excellence with personal responsibilities further highlights his dynamic leadership qualities. Overall,
Jeremy’s contributions to CUDDLY’s success and his holistic, data-driven approach to marketing
make him a standout for this accolade. All of this makes him a prime candidate as a CMO to
Watch in 2024.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
1. Career spanning over 16 years developing strategic and tactical marketing initiatives for both
start-ups and large brands as well as a robust career as a consultant.

2. Experience on both the agency side and brand side working with brands in DTC, luxury fashion, and
CPG. Brands include: Brookstone, Hurley, Fender, Louis Vuitton, and SONY, amongst others.
3. Have built high-performing marketing organizations scaling brands from $2 million to $10 million,
$64 million to $200 million, and $150 million to $330 million.
4. Hold an MBA in Global Business Management, Marketing, and Strategy from Pepperdine University. Is

there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
I’m working to deliver high-quality customer experiences across all touchpoints in 2024. I’m also
building the organization’s marketing team with a focus on performance marketing, analytics, and
creative art direction.

At CUDDLY, we support animal rescue partners around the world to raise donations for the animals
in their care. A big initiative for the organization is leaning heavily on our brand storytelling to raise
awareness about why we do what we do.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
I believe the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024 is to be the holistic revenue and growth
driver of the organization. To achieve this, a CMO must embrace a customer-centric mindset, be the
brand storyteller inside and outside of the organization, and build/mentor their teams.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

2024 will bring on a new set of challenges when thinking about business growth, marketing, and team
building. As CMO, I will rely heavily on my team for human creativity and collaboration when

developing
Jeremy Grinacoff
content and specifically, short-form video. I’ve used AI for several marketing tasks, but I feel that true
CMO of CUDDLY
creative power comes from the collective environment and team.

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

I’ll rely on market research tools such as Nielsen, Insider Intelligence, internal data to identify key
customer behaviors, and other publications. I ‘ll also rely on technology to deliver a better, more
personalized user experience and journey.

Finally, proper financial and campaign planning will play a vital role in ensuring marketing initiatives
align with business objectives to drive results.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Whether you’re an aspiring CMO or a current CMO, develop and embrace a mindset of being a life-long
learner, be curious to question the status quo by asking the right questions, and develop a holistic view
of your business – be an executive first, marketer second.

You cannot grow if you do not learn, innovate, and understand the interplay between marketing and
other business functions. Celebrate your wins, learn from your failures.
It’s important to exude an executive presence through strong communication and to articulate the value
that marketing brings to the organization. Be confident in your vision while making data-driven decisions
and be the voice of the customer.

Further, with the constantly evolving landscape, stay current on industry trends to ensure you can adapt
quickly and accurately.
Finally, lead with compassion. Build and set your team up for success. Inspire and empower your team to
collaborate, learn, and grow together while striving for excellence.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
I would like to thank my CUDDLY team for inspiring me to be better every day as a leader and CMO, my
family for their continuous support, my wife for being by my side through the ups and downs that life has
thrown our way, and the CMO alliance for this incredible recognition.
Jeremy Grinacoff
CMO of CUDDLY

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Dr Leeya Hendricks
CMO of Rimm Sustainability

As Rimm Sustainability’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dr. Leeya Hendricks is an award-winning B2B
marketing leader focused on driving business growth through commercial performance and
corporate social responsibility. With vast international expertise across matrixed multinationals
and startups, she provides strategic direction across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Hendricks serves as an Executive Committee member responsible for Rimm’s marketing vision
including brand building, revenue generation, and ecosystem development. Her passion for
education empowers the next generation through university lecturing, nonprofit mentoring, and
elevating women in business.
Recognized as one of 2022’s Top 30 Most Influential Fintech Marketers, Hendricks is a designated
Fellow of Britain’s Chartered Institute of Marketing. She judges leading industry awards and lends
Rimm her fierce advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hendricks’ leadership, versatile
innovation, and bridges across borders make her a Chief Marketing Officer to Watch in 2024.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
1. Elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) in 2024 to
drive modern marketing capabilities that contribute to the strategic growth of CIM and the
broader marketing industry (across sustainability, inclusivity and diversity, technology, and
financial services).
2. Elected to serve as Advisory Board Member for The Fintech Marketing Hub in 2024 to help shape
the vision, and support the growing global fintech marketing community by providing a one-stop
resource for the latest marketing trends and insights in the world of fintech.

3. Completed my PhD in Management (Business Economics) in 2023 focused on B2B Platform

Ecosystem Development and Value Co-Creation, and published a paper on the same contributing
to knowledge in the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing.

4. Judge on a number of global marketing awards forums: B2B Marketing, The Drum, Global Women
in Marketing, offering expertise in judging marketing campaigns with outcomes, that proved their
campaigns have had a measurable effect.

5. Named Top 30 Most Influential Fintech Marketers 2022 by FMH - for the work done in rebranding a
B2B fintech amid crisis and more while at Delta Capita.
6. Lecturing and Supervising students at universities in UK/Europe to share knowledge, enable, grow,
and develop young minds in key marketing areas such as digital marketing, consumer insights,
and customer experience.”

Dr Leeya Hendricks
CMO of Rimm Sustainability

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Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
There are five key pillars I’m focusing on in 2024.

1. Integration of sustainability and inclusion

Strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical marketing, with a focus on environmental, social, and
governance practices, and a push for greater inclusion and diversity in marketing campaigns. While
there has been significantly more focus on environmental and governance practices in sustainability,
more needs to be done on social practices - inclusion and diversity will become a central theme,
affecting how campaigns are designed and executed, giving a platform to historically
marginalized voices.

2. Agile adaptation
Guiding the business in swift, adaptive responses to industry shifts and leveraging opportunities in a
dynamic market.

3. Strategic brand building

Elevating and consolidating the brand’s identity to resonate with evolving consumer expectations and
market dynamics.

4. Digital transformation leadership

Spearheading the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance marketing effectiveness and
customer engagement.

5. Value co-creation and ecosystem development

Board Member and NED in Fintech, Chartered Marketing and Education to shape and impact the highest
levels of marketing - advancing the field of marketing through innovation, growth, diversity and inclusion,
focused on education, technology, sustainability and financial services - aligned with my experience
and expertise.

Dr Leeya Hendricks
CMO of Rimm Sustainability

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What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
All CMOs need to be looking at:

1. Digital innovation leadership

Spearhead the integration of emerging technologies to drive innovative marketing strategies and
enhance customer experience and brand narratives.

2. Strategic brand evolution

Elevate and evolve the brand’s narrative to align with dynamic market trends and resonate with the
evolving consumer landscape.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

For the challenges of 2024, I’m going to be relying on:
1. Cutting-edge technology
Leveraging the latest technological advancements for efficient workflows and data-driven insights.
2. Human capital
Invest in talent development and collaboration, ensuring a skilled and motivated team.
3. Strategic partnerships
Foster alliances with industry leaders to access shared expertise and stay abreast of market trends.
4. Data analytics
Harness the power of robust data analytics tools to drive informed decision-making and
strategic planning.

Dr Leeya Hendricks
CMO of Rimm Sustainability

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Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
For aspiring CMOs, you must strive for a diverse skill set, mastering both traditional and digital
marketing. Seek leadership opportunities to demonstrate strategic thinking and adaptability.

For current CMOs seeking growth, you need to embrace continuous learning in evolving marketing
trends. Foster strong cross-functional collaborations to enhance organizational impact. Stay agile and
data-driven for effective decision-making.”

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
Many thanks to Paul Frampton Celero, Ani Petrova, Farzana Baduel, Colin Bennett, and Asif Choudary.

Dr Leeya Hendricks
CMO of Rimm Sustainability

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Eric Herzog
CMO of Infinidat

Eric Herzog is the Chief Marketing Officer of Infinidat, a data storage company challenging legacy
vendors. With over three decades of technology marketing experience, including storied tenures
at IBM and EMC, Herzog has transformed Infinidat into an award-winning brand. Since joining the
company, Infinidat has earned over 20 prestigious industry awards annually for three consecutive
years, gaining Gartner Magic Quadrant leadership status as the only privately-held company on
the list.

Regarded for his technical prowess and marketing vision, Herzog has pioneered innovative brand,
channel, product, and thought leadership strategies that rapidly accelerated revenue growth. As both
strategist and evangelist, his passion and non-stop drive have ignited the company’s culture while
expanding market visibility and industry impact.
Lauded for developing high-performance teams, Herzog mentors future marketing leaders even
as he sets new competitive benchmarks. Combining Fortune 500 scale with hungry start-up agility,
Herzog’s excellence across metrics led InsightSuccess to name him among the Most Influential CMOs
to Watch in 2022. Both visionary and team motivator, Herzog richly deserves his 2024
CMO to Watch recognition.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
I am the most proud of all the marketing and salespeople who have been on my teams and have
achieved executive/VP level and above roles in their careers. As a former teacher at the University
of California, I believe part of any leadership role is not only managing teams, but forging the next
generation of leaders. The success of my former reports shows how important that is.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
Cross-functional integration with all the marketing functions and the other functions in the company,
particularly product management and all the outbound sales-related functions: sales, sales
engineering, solutions, support etc.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Teamwork and the ability to take technical value and translate that into business value. This is crucial
for companies in the technical and IT sectors.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

A full marketing mix from channel to technical to digital to product to press and analyst relations and
across all the functions of the marketing mix. What helps drive delivery is a powerful set of integrated
marketing messages and tactics.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Teamwork, teamwork, teamwork. That means not just within the marketing function but across all
functions in your company. Being tightly integrated with other teams drives the ultimate success.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
My teams. Be they in my Fortune 500 companies or my start-ups this award is not just about me it is
about my teams and how they deliver.
Eric Herzog
CMO of Infinidat

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Simon Hodgkins
CMO of Vistatec

As Vistatec’s Chief Marketing Officer, Simon Hodgkins is an award-winning visionary renowned

for multidimensional global leadership. His pivotal initiatives advancing international marketing
excellence include founding both the Think Global Forum and Think Global Awards.

With directorships across Europe, the UAE and United States, Hodgkins lends his expansive strategic
perspective to unify global marketing teams. As editor-in-chief of VTQ Magazine and host of the
acclaimed VistaTalks forum, he wields content creation to galvanize industry growth. Hodgkins is also
president of Club CMO, further distinguishing him as the highest-caliber of marketing talent.
Lauded for mentoring future CMOs in complex strategies and AI-driven innovation, Hodgkins models
ethical, sustainable best practices that earn stakeholder trust. He has ranked among the Top 50 Most
Influential Global CMOs and Top 1000 Inspiring Business Leaders in Europe while building Vistatec
revenues through regional partnerships.
Hodgkins’ global pedigree, entrepreneurial foresight and team inspiration make him richly deserving
of 2024 honors as vision-leading chief marketer to watch.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
I’ve received several accolades for which I’m proud of across my career: Top 50 Most Influential
CMO, Top 100 CMO, Business and Finance, and Top 1000 Companies Inspiring Europe, London Stock
Exchange. Other recent awards include 3 x Gold and 1 x Platinum Marketing Department of the Year
Awards, and a Gold Podcast Award.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
New global initiatives are planned for the year ahead, including increased quality content outputs
and a significant uplift in media and event productions. We are also working more significantly on the
commitment to sustainability, aligning with broader social and environmental goals.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
The paramount responsibility of Chief Marketing Officers is to assert the strategic importance of
marketing at the highest echelons of corporate decision-making. This encompasses two critical
aspects: the CMO’s Voice at the Boardroom Table (Strategic Influence/Cross-Departmental Synergy/
Championing Customer-Centricity) and Investment in Brand Building (Long-Term Brand Equity/Digital
Brand Relevance/Brand Investments).

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Learning and leading opportunities. Many aspects of Marketing require investments in time, effort, and
costs. AI and other tools and strategies are areas to lead from in 2024.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Embrace new technologies and methodologies, and foster a culture of innovation within your
teams. Be a CMO committed to excellence, innovation, and meaningful engagement in the dynamic
marketing landscape.
Simon Hodgkins
Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
CMO of Vistatec
Although I am privileged to lead award-winning Marketing Departments, it comes down to the people
and the culture. Working with great people often produces great results.

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Matthew Johnson
Agency Founder and Managing Director of dimartec

What makes Matthew Johnson “CMO to Watch in 2024”? His exceptional leadership in the fintech
sector has led dimartec to remarkable success, especially notable in a challenging economic
climate. With a creative and analytical approach, he has exceeded client expectations and driven
significant growth for fintech startups and scale-ups.

Under Matthew’s guidance, dimartec has adeptly managed smaller budgets to achieve impressive
results, showcasing his strategic resource optimization. He has effectively shaped the company’s
go-to-market strategy and brand identity, proving his expertise in building and leading a high-
performing team. Known for his excellent listening skills and ability to inspire his team, Matthew’s
influence extends beyond business results to creating a positive and productive work environment.
His innovative leadership and impactful results in the fintech marketing domain make him an
exemplary candidate for this accolade.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
The first would be when we hit key milestones for our clients; from reaching the £1m revenue mark for a
product we took from concept, to helping a startup get from 6 to 50 B2B clients in less than 5 months;
almost a year sooner than expected.

The second would have to be on International Boss Day - which I didn’t even know was a thing. I
received some really touching messages from the team about the impact our business has had on
their lives.

Finally, we’ve hired 4 Ukrainian marketers since the war started and they’ve all been phenomenal
despite being displaced or having to work from home in Ukraine. Due to our affiliation with them we’ve
donated a significant amount to charities involved in war aid. This wasn’t something we set out to
achieve when we started, but I am proud to have contributed.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
We’ve really stamped our mark on the FinTech industry in 2023. We’ve achieved some truly impressive
results for our clients and I’m excited to see where the momentum takes us in 2024.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Building a team that tests continuously, adapts quickly and brings new ideas to the table while up-
skilling with an eye on the future. I firmly believe proactivity must be encouraged and incentivised in
2024 to keep pace with technological advancements.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Of course, we’ll be continuing to focus on integrating AI and emerging technology. But perhaps most
critically for me personally, it’ll be various industry and technology newsletters that help me keep pace
with the latest movements.

Matthew Johnson
Agency Founder and Managing Director
of dimartec

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Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Find 10 CMOs who hold positions at impressive companies in the field you’re interested in and reach
out to them via LinkedIn and Email to ask for a 10-min interview. Ask them what excites them in their
role, what they would do differently if they started again, and what they’re concerned about in the
future, etc. Marketers love to talk about themselves and this will give you some real insight!

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
The dimartec team and my business partner, Lukas.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

In 2024, my most invaluable resource will be the network of communities I’m connected to. This
includes both local groups and the expansive networks formed through relationships with investors
and memberships. There is always someone who has seen it or solved a similar challenge, so the
strength of my networks lies in the collective wisdom, the diversity of experiences they encompass, and
the immense potential they hold for collaborative innovation.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Firstly, a big shout-out to those aiming for the CMO/”Head of” role – remember, we were all
once like you!
I’d start by saying it’s essential to really understand what this position involves. There’s often a view
that being a CMO/”Head of” is all about leading the marketing function, but in truth, it’s much more
than that. This role requires a varied skill set and might not always be what you expect. It’s about
getting a real sense of what being a CMO means and then deciding if it’s really what you want. For
those who are eager and ready to take on this challenge, there are several key areas to focus on.

Having a well-rounded business understanding is crucial. It’s not just about marketing; you need to
Matthew Johnson get a grip on finance, operations, and strategy too. Making decisions based on data is the new norm,
Agency Founder and Managing Director and being able to interpret this data to show the real impact of your marketing strategies is vital.
of dimartec Leadership skills are at the heart of the role. It’s all about communicating effectively, empathizing with
your team, and inspiring them to reach new heights.

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Keeping up with the latest marketing trends and understanding consumer behavior is key to staying
ahead in the game. Remember, it’s all about the customer – creating value for them is what drives our
success. Building your personal brand is also part of the journey, reflecting who you are and what you
stand for in the professional world.

Networking is invaluable – it opens doors to new perspectives and opportunities. Embrace continuous
learning; it keeps your skills fresh and relevant. Being agile and able to adapt to changing markets is a
must, and crafting a compelling brand story is essential in connecting with people.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
Huge thank you to those who nominated me! I was quite taken aback. I owe a significant part of my
journey to the supporters who have been with me every step of the way. My leadership team at Ignition
has been instrumental in my growth, providing an environment where innovation and leadership can
thrive. A special thanks to the co-founders of Ignition, Guy Pearson and Dane Thomas, for their support
and trust in me to make positive change.
I am also deeply grateful to co-founders and CEOs I worked with previously like Mike Ford, and Philipp
Liver, and mentors like Dai Williams. Their mentorship and belief in my potential have been invaluable
in shaping my career trajectory.

I’m also hugely grateful to our investors at EVP and JMI. Their continuous trust in me and in our vision at
Ignition is not something I take lightly. It’s their support that fuels our progress and innovation.

Matthew Johnson
Agency Founder and Managing Director
of dimartec

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Eugina Jordan
CMO of Telecom Infra Project (TIP)

Eugina Jordan stands out as a “CMO to Watch in 2024” due to her multifaceted expertise and
impactful leadership. With a background that spans from rebranding global companies to writing
influential books, Eugina’s blend of technical acumen and marketing prowess makes her a dynamic
force in the industry.

Her role at TIP highlights her strategic marketing expertise. Eugina repositioned TIP and successfully
executed the FYUZ event, featuring over 300 speakers and 1200 attendees, marking a significant
achievement in event management and industry influence. She has been instrumental in creating a
new market category for Open RAN, demonstrating her ability to innovate and reshape
industry landscapes.

Eugina’s past achievements include leading Cisco’s 2012 global rebrand and developing the brand
strategy for Parallel Wireless, showcasing her proficiency in crafting narratives that resonate with
diverse audiences. As an author, her book “UNLIMITED” provides valuable insights into achieving
success in challenging environments.
She is also a sought-after speaker and a prolific writer, contributing to publications on topics like
innovation and AI, further establishing her as a knowledgeable industry voice. Holding 12 patents in
technologies like 5G and AI, Eugina uniquely bridges innovation with strategy.

A champion for diversity and inclusion, Eugina’s proactive efforts to address gender diversity in
telecom panels led to significant changes in industry practices, exemplifying her commitment to
positive change. Her journey from secretary to CMO, coupled with her groundbreaking leadership at
TIP and contributions to marketing and diversity, solidifies Eugina Jordan’s status as a transformative
leader and innovator.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
Throughout my 23+ years of dynamic career, starting as a receptionist and working my way up to
the CMO of TIP, I have been a trailblazer in the telecommunications industry, championing diversity,
leadership, and innovation.

I orchestrated Telecom Infra Project’s (TIP’s) inaugural global event, achieving remarkable success
with 1500 attendees, 98% sponsor satisfaction, and extensive media coverage. At Parallel Wireless,
I played a pivotal role in establishing the company as the #1 Open RAN solutions provider globally,
contributing 12 patents and over 100 articles to the telecom industry.
My strategic prowess was evident in steering Cisco’s 2012 global rebrand “Tomorrow Starts Here”, and
I strategically positioned Starent for a $2.9B acquisition through a comprehensive global rebrand and
expanded strategic partnership strategy. Additionally, I orchestrated Starent’s IPO communications
and promotion strategy, including the memorable NASDAQ opening bell event.
Renowned for my outstanding talent in shaping outbound marketing strategies, I utilize my extensive
product knowledge to steer companies towards successful IPOs and market leadership. Under my
guidance, the seamless alignment of product roadmaps, sales strategies, and ecosystem-building
has earned me accolades, notably being recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice for Digital and Product
Marketing. This recognition solidifies my standing as a true B2B2H (Business 2 Business 2 Human)
influencer on the LinkedIn platform.
I initiated two groundbreaking mentorship programs tailored for diverse leaders in
telecommunications, fostering an inclusive environment. Recognizing the importance of
representation, I spearheaded the “No Manels” movement within the industry, ensuring diverse voices
on prominent stages. Additionally, I built a supportive community of executive women, empowering
them to navigate and excel in their careers. My commitment to empowering underrepresented
groups extends to my leadership book, “”UNLIMITED,”” designed to guide women, people of color, and
immigrants in ascending the corporate ladder.

My marketing highlights underscore a career marked by strategic vision, impactful rebranding, and a
Eugina Jordan commitment to diversity and leadership within the telecommunications sector.
CMO of Telecom Infra Project (TIP)

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Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
I’m excited to share some key initiatives and focus areas we have in store for the upcoming year within
the CMO Alliance community:

Membership Relaunch and Community Engagement:

• We’ve recently relaunched our membership program to enhance the overall experience for
our members.

• Our primary focus will be on fostering engagement within our member community, creating a
vibrant space for collaboration and idea exchange to drive innovation in telecom.
• We’re actively working on attracting new members to TIP, aiming to infuse fresh perspectives and
drive innovation in the telecommunications industry.
Promotion of Project Groups through Impactful Campaigns:
• Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, we are committed to showcasing the impactful work
being done within our project groups.

• Look out for comprehensive campaigns that will span digital, PR, social media, and events
channels, effectively highlighting the groundbreaking initiatives and insights emerging from our
project groups.

Execution of Fyuz Event 2023 in Dublin (Nov 11-13):

• Building on the success of previous events, we are thrilled to announce the third edition of the Fyuz
event, scheduled to take place in Dublin from November 11-13.
• This event is designed to provide unparalleled visibility for our sponsors, offering a platform to
showcase their brands.
• Our focus is on curating the most innovative agenda, ensuring the event serves as a premier
networking platform and accelerates knowledge for all attendees.
By aligning these initiatives, we aim to strengthen the bonds within our community, drive innovation in
Eugina Jordan
the telecommunications sector, and deliver valuable experiences for both existing and new members.
CMO of Telecom Infra Project (TIP)
We’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to the continued growth and
success of TIP’s community.

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What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
In the fast-paced landscape of 2024, I see the heart and soul of a CMO’s role as understanding people
– our customers – and making their experiences genuinely valuable. It’s not just about data; it’s about
tapping into the stories and needs that data tells us. As CMOs, we need to weave those insights into
the fabric of our strategies, creating campaigns and interactions that feel personal and authentic.

Let’s think of data not as numbers but as the voice of our customers, guiding us to craft messages
and experiences that truly resonate. So, in 2024, our most vital task is to be the champions of real
connections, shaping a culture that puts people at the center and ensuring our brands are not just
seen but deeply felt.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

In 2024, our key resources are more than just tools; they’re the channels that connect us with people.
With the myriad of martech solutions available, we’re placing a special emphasis on the channels
that truly resonate with our customers. Search and Organic Social, Marketing Automation, SEO, and
Collaboration tools are the backbone of our strategy, helping us meet our audience where they are.

We’re mindful that the heart of it all lies in understanding which channels matter most to our
customers and tailoring our approach accordingly. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about human
connection. By focusing on these channels and being intentional about delivering real value, we’re
ensuring that our resources aren’t just tools but bridges to meaningful interactions.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Absolutely! As someone proudly representing the 12% of women in the C-suite in telco, my advice
echoes a simple truth: the only person who can truly limit you is yourself. Embrace a growth mindset
that thrives on continuous learning – whether it’s exploring new tools, adopting fresh approaches, or
staying attuned to industry shifts.

Eugina Jordan
CMO of Telecom Infra Project (TIP)

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In the dynamic world of marketing, connecting authentically with customers is the secret sauce. It’s not
just about campaigns; it’s about understanding people and weaving their stories into everything you
do. So, to all the aspiring CMOs and my fellow CMOs, let curiosity be your guide, break through those
self-imposed limits, and remember that every interaction is a chance to create something
truly meaningful.

Keep learning, stay genuine, and let your unique voice resonate in the ever-evolving symphony
of marketing.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?

There’s a whole tribe I’m immensely grateful to on this journey!

First and foremost, the incredible TIP community members – your support and collaborative spirit have
been invaluable. A massive shoutout to my boss for believing in me. Of course, my amazing team,
you’re the real heroes behind the scenes, making everything possible.

A heartfelt thank you to my rock, my husband, and my biggest cheerleader, my son, for their support.

And a special nod to my executive women network – your camaraderie and support have been a
source of strength. It truly takes a village, and I’m grateful for every member of mine!

Eugina Jordan
CMO of Telecom Infra Project (TIP)

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Bronwyn Karaoglu
Global Vice President of Marketing at Ignition

As Ignition’s Global Vice President of Marketing, Bronwyn Karaoglu turbocharged growth through
dedicated leadership and visionary strategy. Lauded for tripling annual marketing targets, Karaoglu
has rapidly accelerated performance for the SaaS payments disruptor.

Praised by her team as passionate, supportive and unwavering in the face of challenges, she has
fostered a collaborative culture focused on overachievement. Her integrity and work ethic has won
Bronwyn loyalty across all organizational levels. Adaptive and data-driven, Bronwyn aligns high-
energy inspiration with smart decisions and execution to drive Ignition’s next-level ascent.
Called both an incredible leader and extremely high performer by industry peers, Bronwyn’s team
impact and personal grit put her in rarefied air. Her nomination notes she “has taken their company
to the next league” through pioneering potential. With formidable momentum and influence, Bronwyn
is undoubtedly a Chief Marketing Officer to Watch in 2024.

Find out more

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
Leading the marketing transformation at Ignition, a leading global B2B technology company for
professional services, has been a highlight of my career. Shaping our strategies and driving notable
achievements, like Ignition’s recognition as one of Australia’s fastest-growing B2B tech companies, has
been incredibly rewarding.

I’m proud of the innovative marketing initiatives I’ve spearheaded: the Ignition brand relaunch, the
Women in Accounting Awards, the “Own the Awkward” and “Call for Change” campaigns, all of which
have contributed to positive industry change and significantly boosted our global presence and
customer engagement.
My journey at Ignition has been about collaborative growth. We’ve expanded from a team of seven
to a diverse, global force of 20, fostering a data-driven, high-performance culture. I’m grateful for the
team’s dedication, which has been instrumental in us nearly tripling revenue since my arrival.

Prior to this, I built the marketing capabilities, strategy, and team at SiteMinder, a global B2B travel
technology company that went public, and Genbook, a global B2B scheduling technology company
acquired in 2021 - both of which were also highlights in my career.”

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
One key campaign we’re particularly excited about is centered around leveraging AI and data
analytics to enhance customer experiences. This initiative aims not only to personalize our interactions
across touch points in the customer journey but also to provide insights from those interactions that
can drive greater alignment between our functions - marketing, product, sales, and CX to increase
conversions and enhance the customer experience.

For example, using our sales intelligence platform Gong and its new AI capabilities to tag in
conversation themes and pull those insights into content and personalization across the
customer journey.
Bronwyn Karaoglu
Global Vice President of Marketing at
Ignition

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What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
The CMO’s role in B2B tech in 2024 will need to be the orchestrator of hyper-personalized customer
journeys. We’ll have to move beyond generic campaigns, using data and AI to understand each target
audience’s unique struggles and aspirations.

It will be our responsibility to ensure that the content addresses their pain points directly, offering
interactive tools that let them see the future of their business with the solution in hand, and build
communities where they share success stories and amplify your brand.

This goes beyond mere lead generation; it’s about building quantifiable loyalty and value across the
entire customer lifecycle. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, CMOs in my opinion will need to
master this personalised approach to see their brands rise above the noise and achieve
sustained success.

Bronwyn Karaoglu
Global Vice President of Marketing at
Ignition

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Enobong Kennedy
Director of Marketing at ZOLA Electric

Enobong Kennedy stands out for her significant contributions to marketing in the technology and
renewable energy sectors. With over 14 years of experience, Enobong has been instrumental in
developing strategic brand and digital marketing initiatives across African and emerging markets.
Her expertise in simplifying complex technologies and leveraging market trends has effectively
driven business growth for ZOLA Electric.

Additionally, Enobong’s entrepreneurial venture, co-founding The Platform, a tech freelancing

marketplace in Africa, showcases her innovative spirit and commitment to economic growth in the
region. This platform serves as a vital connection between skilled African professionals and global
clients, emphasizing her role in fostering job creation and talent utilization.
Her diverse skills in growth marketing, business development, and cross-cultural management,
combined with her dedication to lifelong learning in marketing, make her a dynamic and influential
leader in the field. Enobong Kennedy’s impact in renewable energy marketing and her initiative in
establishing The Platform highlight her as a visionary marketer.

Find out more

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
I’m proud to be responsible for managing all ZOLA’s PR efforts and in 2021, we saw 80+ published
media mentions on fundraising announcements & other business news, including Techcrunch & WSJ,
all of which sourced for over 20 speaking engagements for the CEO.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
It is confidential at this point, I’m afraid!

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
In 2024, CMOs will play a vital role in adapting and leading the organization’s marketing strategy
in a dynamic digital landscape. This involves embracing emerging technologies, optimizing data
utilization, and enhancing customer experiences. Prioritizing and optimizing customer experience will
be crucial, and marketing’s influence extends across various aspects of the business, from innovation
to finance and commercial operations.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Harness artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools for data analysis, customer
segmentation, and personalized marketing campaigns.

Utilize predictive analytics platforms to forecast trends, understand customer behavior, and optimize
marketing strategies.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
For aspiring CMOs, diversify your skill set, stay informed about industry trends, cultivate leadership
skills, build a strong network, seek cross-functional experience, embrace data-driven decision-making,
demonstrate results, and cultivate adaptability.

Enobong Kennedy For current CMOs looking to enhance their skills, invest in continuous learning, collaborate across
Director of Marketing at ZOLA Electric departments, measure and optimize, prioritize brand leadership, develop crisis management skills,
prioritize customer experience, and uphold ethical and responsible marketing practices.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
My family!
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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Jenny Landin
Global Marketing Director at Fiskars Group

Jenny Landin stands out due to her impressive blend of leadership skills, international experience,
and a results-driven approach to marketing. Her background showcases significant expertise in
leading cross-functional and culturally diverse teams in both European and global settings.

Jenny’s passion for achieving results has led to a solid track record of building businesses and brands
on a global scale. Her belief that “everything is possible” reflects her optimistic and driven mindset,
essential for thriving in an international business environment. Her ability to motivate and inspire her
team is a key element of her leadership style.
As a nominee, Jenny is recognized for her strong leadership, particularly her focus on people and
business. She possesses a unique ability to merge strategic thinking with operational business,
ensuring long-term success and leveraging the strengths of her team. Her close connection with the
market and her marketing team is a testament to her hands-on approach and understanding of the
dynamics of modern marketing.

Jenny is also noted for her ability to create a positive and engaging work atmosphere. She excels at
celebrating team achievements, making work enjoyable and rewarding for her colleagues. This ability
to acknowledge and celebrate successes contributes to a vibrant and effective team culture under
her guidance.
Jenny’s comprehensive leadership style, combined with her international experience and dedication
to team motivation and success, makes her a strong candidate to be recognized as a “CMO to Watch
in 2024.” Her impact in the marketing field, particularly in fostering a collaborative and results-driven
environment, highlights her as an inspiring figure in the industry.

Find out more

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 CMO: Ones to Watch 2023

What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
My career highlights are always linked to situations where I have experienced successwith my team.
For example, the launch of OREO playful platform in the Nordics where my team and I were awarded
for the best launch of OREO Thins at Mondelez.

Another highlight was entering the homeware industry driving results with effective media buying and
development of the influencer strategy that lead to high growth in the markets. But mostly I think about
the everyday wins that are leading the way forward.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
We will continue the journey of globally owning our creative expression and enhancinge the dialogue
with the consumer supported by the brand-led organization launched in April 2023. This new setup will
enable us to react fast, create amazing campaigns and move into a new direction with our brand.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
CMOs in 2024 will need to even further strengthen their brand identities - the stronger the brand stands
out, the more successful you will be. There has been a development in recent years focusing a lot on
performance marketing but now it is time for the brands to invest in brand building for the future.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Key resources for next year will be focused around creativity and technology. Making sure we add
creativity to everything we do to create qualitative reach and choose the appropriate medias to get
wider reach will be crucial. Technology with AI solutions will help us be more effective and free up time
to achieve creativity and reduce costs.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Be curious and follow the conversations! Our consumers are the most important thing – what do they
Jenny Landin think and feel? We have the opportunity to listen to them with the media mix we have today – let’s
Global Marketing Director at Fiskars utilize it!
Group

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Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?

I have had the benefit of working with very ambitious and skilled professionals throughout my
career, so a big thank you to all my previous and current team members as well as cross-functional
colleagues. My marketing team at Fiskars Group are absolute stars and deserve special thanks for the
resilience shown in the past year’s challenging market environment!

I have also been very fortunate to learn from my managers and get the support needed in all my
positions at different companies. From my time in Mondelez I would like to say thanks to Martin Klauesli
and Alessandro Ursino for always supporting my ideas and pushing me forward. In addition to that I
would like to say thank you to Daniel Driving, Adam Hemming, Christian Bachler and the Fiskars Group
leadership for the ongoing support during my years at Fiskars Group.

Jenny Landin
Global Marketing Director at Fiskars
Group

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

Matt Lattman
SVP Card Acquisition at Discover Financial Services

Matt Lattman’s expertise in data-driven marketing transformation has significantly impacted the
financial services industry. Matt excels in bridging brand performance with direct
marketing, leveraging data to inform strategic investment decisions and optimize full-funnel
marketing performance.

A champion of advanced analytics and MarTech, Matt has been instrumental in developing
machine learning-powered customer models for media and creative optimization. His approach to
omnichannel acquisition marketing, incorporating privacy-enhancing technologies and strategic
partnerships, exemplifies his innovative mindset.
Matt’s leadership fosters a culture of innovation and experimentation, encouraging his team to adapt
to the evolving digital marketing landscape. His active participation in industry roundtables and
panels, along with his commitment to mentoring and nurturing a 70-person organization, highlights
his dedication to marketing excellence.
Matt’s combination of analytical acumen, creative strategy implementation, and impactful
leadership has been pivotal to Discover’s success, making him a deserving candidate for recognition
in the marketing field.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
Leading Credit Card Acquisition for one of the largest issuers in the US is absolutely a highlight!

Prior to that, I helped evolve Discover’s Personal Loans business to become one of the most profitable
products in the space. Before joining Discover, I helped launch Zerocard, a credit card tied to a
checking account that earned high rewards and built credit while offering a debit-style experience. I
also got to lead some amazing marketing teams at another top-10 bank prior to Zero.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
Our goal as marketers is to offer the right product in the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, this
is often easier said than achieved – we’re focusing a lot on our data processes and execution in order
to ensure that we’re setting up our marketers to do amazing things. If marketers need to spend most
of their time “running” marketing rather than “doing” marketing, the work product will suffer; by getting
the operations right, we can shift our focus to creation, testing, and learning.

Additionally, our partners in our Enterprise Marketing function have launched a tremendous campaign
that shows off Discover and all that we offer through the eyes of actress, Jennifer Coolidge. They’re fun
ads and help bring us to the forefront when people are thinking about a new credit card (or a personal
loan, home loan, or deposit account). I’m excited to explore and test new ways to connect to these ads
in our conversion funnel.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Marketing leaders have a responsibility to cultivate authenticity in our organizations and in our
messaging. Not only can we help consumers make great choices, but we can also advocate internally
to ensure that we are putting great products into the world.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

We have an amazing set of partners both internally and on the agency and publisher side. Open
Matt Lattman communication and partnership make us all better!
SVP Card Acquisition at Discover
Financial Services

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Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Marketing is a unique profession as the “how” changes constantly, but the “why” is pretty static: having
a grounding in marketing theory and asking lots of questions of partners about how they will execute
will always ensure that you have a winning strategy.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
I’m honored to have an amazing team (both internally and with our partners) who ensure that great
work is done every day. Additionally, I have to thank two former bosses, John Owens (now at ADT) and
Costanza Tedesco (now retired), for helping me hone bringing the left and right brains together.

Matt Lattman
SVP Card Acquisition at Discover
Financial Services

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Gareth Mellor
Vice President of Global Marketing & Communications at Downtown Music Holdings

Gareth’s extensive experience in brand and artist marketing, partnerships, product, and events has
significantly impacted the music rights and distribution industry.

With over fourteen years in the field, Gareth has demonstrated a proven track record in delivering
award-winning results in various sectors, including SaaS platforms, music-tech, edtech, and
entertainment. At Downtown Music Holdings, he oversees all aspects of B2B and B2C marketing,
including brand positioning, product marketing, content creation, PR, social media, digital marketing,
events, and analytics. His leadership is focused on empowering and amplifying the voices of
independent artists, labels, publishers, and composers.
Prior to joining Downtown Music Holdings, Gareth had significant roles at Kobalt Music Group and
Believe-owned Tunecore. He played a crucial part in the relaunch of AWAL and led global events and
partnership strategies. His role at FUGA, a Downtown-owned company, involved launching a new B2B
marketing department and overseeing brand, press, events, and communications efforts.
Under Gareth’s leadership, significant milestones were achieved at Downtown Music Holdings,
including overseeing marketing and communications for 10 organizations within the group, managing
global events, press releases, award nominations, and brand integrations. He has also been actively
involved in supporting Trans and Queer rights and improving mental health support for musicians
and executives.

Gareth is known for his advocacy in empowering teams and elevating people, evident in his
mentorship roles and his position on the Board of Trustees for Music Minds Matter. His contribution
to the music industry as a marketer and as a voice for important industry initiatives makes him a
standout candidate for this recognition.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
1. In my current role, overseeing the marketing for 10 of the industry’s most revered independent
music brands.

2. Working directly with Zoom, the UN and more than a dozen international artists on a global
COVID-response campaign.
3. Working with Queer membership groups, lawyers and drag legends in the US on a 3-day activation
during Music Biz to support the rights of queer, trans, and drag individuals during the height of
2023’s legislative (and physical) attacks.

4. Invited to join Board of Trustees for Music Minds Matter, the Music Industry’s Mental Health charity.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
Downtown will launch it’s biggest and broadest marketing campaign yet, involving artists, labels and
our own team members worldwide.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Stability: teams around the world have had a rough few years, it’s up to leaders to give them clear
guidance on the way forward and make sure they’re giving and getting the best they can to and from
their teams.
Clear messaging: Every marketplace and every channel is busier and noiser than ever before,
marketing leaders have to make their messaging cut through that while ensuring that it holds more
than shock or short term value.

Education: marketing has changed in every way possible and it’s important to recognise that and
ensure both you and your team are giving the opportunity to continuously learn.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

2024 will be very creative-led, so tools that will help us, plan, execute and review a substantial amount
Gareth Mellor
of visual assets that tell a broad story.
Vice President of Global Marketing
& Communications at Downtown Music
Holdings

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Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
heir status and skills?
Never stop listening to your team! Your experience is an undeniable resource, but so is theirs.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
My team across Downtown for being consistently excellent, and my boss, Molly Neuman, for being an
exception leader herself.

Gareth Mellor
Vice President of Global Marketing
& Communications at Downtown
Music Holdings

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Yahya Mohamed Mao

Head of Marketing & Communications at Swiss GRC

Yahya Mohamed Mao is an exceptional “CMO to Watch in 2024.” His unique blend of marketing
expertise, technological insight, and a multicultural background sets him apart as a leader in
the field. Yahya’s extensive experience includes speaking at international conferences,
contributing to industry publications, and a deep understanding of areas like FinTech, GRC, AI, and
digital marketing.

At Swiss GRC, he has demonstrated strategic leadership, driving growth and adapting to a dynamic
business environment. His commitment to mentoring future talents in marketing highlights his
influence in the industry.

Crucial to his success is Yahya’s personal background. Raised in a multicultural diplomatic family and
fluent in five languages, he possesses a global perspective that enriches his marketing strategies.
This ability to connect with diverse audiences and navigate different cultural contexts makes him a
standout marketing diplomat, adept at addressing global challenges with local relevance.
Yahya’s blend of professional skills and personal experiences renders him an exemplary candidate for
this recognition.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
My career highlights to date have been shaped by a diverse set of experiences and achievements that
I am immensely proud of. Here are some of the key highlights:

1. Multinational experience:

Having lived, worked, and studied in various countries, including Germany, France, England, and
Switzerland, I’ve gained a wealth of international experience. This multicultural perspective has not
only enriched my personal growth but has also enhanced my ability to navigate diverse cultural
landscapes, a skill that has proven invaluable in my career.
2. Contributions to industry insights:

I’ve had the privilege of publishing and contributing to industry reports, books, and publications. My
contributions have covered a range of critical topics in marketing, governance, risk, and compliance
(GRC) as well as artificial intelligence (AI). These contributions reflect my commitment to staying at
the forefront of industry trends and sharing valuable insights.
3. International speaking engagements:

I’ve been honored to speak at prestigious international conferences, including the AIBC Summit in
Malta, DMEA Connecting Digital Health, and Affiliate Grand Slam Dubai. These speaking engagements
have allowed me to share insights on marketing, innovation, and related topics with a global audience,
reinforcing my position as an industry expert.
4. Leadership at Swiss GRC:

In my role as the MarCom leader at Swiss GRC, I’ve successfully advanced our marketing efforts.
I’ve played a pivotal role in strengthening our market position and presence, introducing thought
leadership initiatives, and significantly increasing our media presence. These accomplishments reflect
my ability to drive innovation and growth in a highly competitive landscape.
5. GRC professional certification:

Yahya Mohamed Mao Last but not least, one of my standout achievements is obtaining a GRC (Governance, Risk, and
Compliance) professional certification. This certification represents a unique combination of
Head of Marketing & Communications
at Swiss GRC marketing and GRC that sets me apart in the industry.

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Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
Heading into 2024, my focus is on aligning our marketing strategies with the evolving dynamics of
our industry and the broader business environment. We are pivoting towards a more integrated and
insightful marketing strategy, deeply rooted in the understanding of our unique B2B landscape.

Our primary goal is to not only align with, but also to set the pace for the latest trends in governance,
risk management, and compliance. My focus also is to harness technology and insights to lead in
content and customer experience, while maintaining ethical standards and a commitment to a
collaborative internal culture, and ensuring our marketing efforts reflect our role as a notable player in
the GRC software industry.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
The role of the Chief Marketing Officer has evolved into a multifaceted beacon of strategic leadership
and innovation. In this era of rapid digital transformation, the CMO stands at the forefront, navigating
the confluence of technology, data, and human-centric marketing.
In essence, the CMO of 2024 is a visionary and tech-savvy leader, adept at blending technology with
creativity, steering the brand through the tides of change with grace and determination, and always
placing the customer at the center of every endeavor.

Lastly, a CMO is a mentor, nurturing the growth and development of their team. By cultivating a
landscape of learning and innovation, they empower their team to excel, fostering the next generation
of marketing leaders.

Yahya Mohamed Mao

Head of Marketing & Communications
at Swiss GRC

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What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

My approach for 2024 integrates advanced analytics and AI for deep market and customer insights,
alongside a robust CRM system for enhanced customer engagement. Marketing automation platforms
will streamline our campaigns for efficiency across various channels. The core of our strategy is a
talented marketing team, continually developed to stay ahead in the industry, supported by cutting-
edge content creation tools for impactful communication.

Social media strategies will be refined using analytics tools, and collaboration tools will keep our
team cohesive and aligned, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. This balanced strategy
leverages technology for insight and efficiency while fostering creativity and expertise in our team,
aiming for impactful, customer-centric marketing initiatives.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
In the rapidly evolving marketing landscape, aspiring and current Chief Marketing Officers must
navigate a path defined by continual learning and strategic agility. Central to this journey is the
development of a diverse skill set encompassing digital marketing strategies, brand management,
and customer analytics. Staying abreast of the latest industry trends and technological
advancements, particularly in areas like AI and generative AI (GenAI), is crucial.

A CMO’s effectiveness hinges on their ability to analyze complex data, a task increasingly augmented
by AI tools. These insights are invaluable for developing targeted and effective marketing strategies.
Leadership and communication skills are equally important, enabling CMOs to guide their teams
effectively and articulate their vision both internally and in the broader business community.
Strategic thinking lies at the heart of the CMO role. This involves not just aligning marketing efforts
with business goals but also understanding how emerging technologies can transform marketing
practices. As a result, a CMO’s proficiency with digital tools is increasingly vital. These technologies
offer new ways to engage customers, personalize experiences, and optimize marketing campaigns.
Yahya Mohamed Mao Developing a strong personal brand and staying visible in the industry further enhances a CMO’s

Head of Marketing & Communications influence and credibility.

at Swiss GRC

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Investing in team development is also key. A successful CMO nurtures their team’s growth,
encouraging a culture of learning and innovation. This is particularly important in the context
of rapidly advancing technologies like AI, where staying ahead requires a team that is both skilled
and adaptable.

Ultimately, the role of a CMO is to blend strategic foresight with a commitment to continuous learning,
particularly in emerging fields like AI and GenAI. Understanding customer and market dynamics,
leading a team toward collective success, and staying ahead in an ever-changing marketing
environment define the essence of a successful CMO in the modern era.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family, who has stood by me, supporting and encouraging me
through every challenge I’ve undertaken. Their unwavering belief in my aspirations has been my
greatest motivation.
I’m also immensely thankful for the unwavering dedication of my team members. Their hard work and
commitment have played an integral role in achieving our remarkable marketing milestones.
In addition, I’d like to acknowledge the guidance and support I’ve received from our esteemed
executives and industry colleagues. Their insights and mentorship have been instrumental in my
professional growth and have contributed significantly to the recognition I’ve received as a
CMO to watch.
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the collective support and belief in my abilities
from these remarkable individuals. I’m truly grateful for their contributions to my journey.

Yahya Mohamed Mao

Head of Marketing & Communications
at Swiss GRC

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CMO: Ones to Watch 2024

David Moreno
CMO of Virtualware

David is definitely a standout marketing leader. With a background in computing engineering and
expertise in international business and digital technologies, David has dramatically enhanced
Virtualware’s brand positioning, customer loyalty, and sales internationally.

Despite not having formal training in marketing, David’s 17-year journey at Virtualware showcases
his strengths in creative, data-driven decision-making and adaptability. He is lauded for his ability to
build and lead high-performing teams, fostering an innovative work environment. His strategic vision
in growing Virtualware’s Viroo platform and executing impactful marketing strategies has significantly
contributed to the company’s success in the competitive tech industry.

David’s role extends beyond Virtualware as the Enterprise Committee Co-Chair at the VR AR
Association and an Associate Professor at ICEMD, ESIC Business and Marketing School. His enthusiasm,
professionalism, and genuine personality not only inspire his team but also forge valuable
partnerships, enhancing the company’s global reach and reputation.
In essence, David Moreno’s selection as a top CMO reflects his innovative marketing approaches,
inspirational leadership, and effective team management, making him a highly respected figure in
the marketing and technology sectors.

Furthermore, David is one of our CMO Alliance Ambassadors, on top of being a fantastic CMO to
Watch in 2024!

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
I consider my journey towards becoming a marketing leader in Virtualware to be anything but typical. I
started in the company as a developer, programmer, and UX/UI designer, moved to the business side,
leading the expansion of the company in Latin America, Europe, and the US, and suddenly my career
took some unexpected twists and turns that eventually made me realize I was more than ready to
wear the proverbial CMO hat.

I will only highlight the achievements of my CMO career, although I have a few others from my long
journey at Virtualware. I will sum them up in three:
In 2019 our flagship product VIROO was distinguished as the premier VR solution for businesses, in 2021
Virtualware received the accolade of being the world’s most innovative Virtual Reality company, and
last year, in 2022, we went public on Euronext Paris. All of them are team effort: they reflect the hard
work Virtualware’s marketing team is doing to position and expand our brand and products driving
growth to the company.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
In the year 2024, our focus rests on heightened awareness to propel exponential growth. Our strategic
initiatives involve pioneering marketing endeavors previously unexplored for us, all aimed at ensuring
widespread global recognition for our brand, particularly for our flagship product in the enterprise
Virtual Reality sector.
This endeavor poses both significant challenges and exciting opportunities, emphasizing the
pivotal role of establishing a strong connection with our CEO to effectively navigate and succeed in
this endeavor.

David Moreno
CMO of Virtualware

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What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
In 2024, the emphasis is on driving growth. The potential of marketing to yield substantial business
impact and facilitate growth is frequently underestimated. This year stands as an opportune moment
to showcase and validate this potential.

CMOs serve as linchpins, strategically connecting customers with companies, and harmonizing
disparate departments toward a unified mission. This concerted effort translates the CEO’s vision into
actionable reality. This alignment positions us favorably to steer enduring, long-term success
for businesses.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Time and people. To drive exponential growth, it is essential to prioritize tasks where our contributions
yield the most significant impact, which typically accounts for approximately 20% of our
responsibilities. Delegating the remaining 80% to our proficient team fosters a shift toward prioritizing
quality over quantity.

By providing adequate training and empowering our team to fulfill their roles, it allows us to allocate
more time and attention to our core objectives. I would suggest reading the book titled “10x Is Easier
Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjam
Hardy as a valuable resource in this pursuit.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
I would strongly advise seeking diverse experience across various roles, encompassing both
marketing and roles outside the marketing realm, such as those within business or development.
This multifaceted experience proved pivotal for me in gaining deeper insights into stakeholders’
perspectives, enabling effective alignment of their interests with our customers’ needs and the
overarching vision of the company.

David Moreno Continual learning facilitated by active involvement in CMO communities and participation in industry

CMO of Virtualware events holds significant importance. Additionally, securing a capable mentor can significantly
propel one’s career trajectory. A prime illustration of such mentorship is evident in the CMO Alliance,
emphasizing the value derived from such professionals’ guidance and support.

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Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
Throughout my extensive 17+ years in my professional career, I am deeply appreciative of numerous
individuals who have offered their support, contributing significantly to shaping the CMO I have
become today. However, among these individuals, there are distinctly three whose influence has been
most profound.

Unai Baeza, my professor, mentor, and friend, recognized my potential back in 2006, seeing value in me
long before I recognized it myself, and graciously integrated me into Virtualware. Later Virtualware’s
CEO, Unai Extremo, and Creative Director, Joss Monzon, both planted the seed in my head about one
day becoming a CMO. They saw how I was growing in my career at Virtualware and knew that I was
getting closer and closer to an inflection point.

Joss once said to me, “You have what it takes to be a CMO, but you need to focus on marketing and
do that one thing incredibly well.” Up until that point, I’d never really thought that CMO would ever
be an option for me, but this conversation gave me the confidence to create a roadmap for my
professional future.

David Moreno
CMO of Virtualware

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Thomas Richards
CMO of NINJIO

As NINJIO’s Chief Marketing Officer, Thomas Richards orchestrated an award-worthy turnaround

that rapidly transformed marketing and revenue execution at the cybersecurity awareness training
disruptor. In just two years, Richards delivered 50%+ annual recurring revenue growth through
integrated digital marketing improvements and tactical brand leadership.

Thomas rallied a newly acquired solution into a category leader by relaunching NINJIO’s brand, story
and market position. He also pioneered sales motions balancing inbound interest with outbound
targeting for accelerated returns. Lauded for implementing “first-to-NINJIO” channel initiatives and
retention tools, Thomas created a modern go-to-market engine that has exponentially increased
partner-derived wins.

Equipped with sophisticated performance analysis and an expanded martech stack, his optimized
marketing strategies quantifiably boosted awareness on par with the top cybersecurity brand. Hailed
by channel veterans as “the best marketer I’ve ever worked with,” Richards’ revenue impact makes
him richly deserving of 2024 CMO to Watch honors.
Beyond marketing, Thomas was one of the first Scout Leaders to launch a troop for girls following
Boy Scouts of America going co-ed, as he recognizes the skills and education as being important for
helping the development of future female leaders.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
Moving NINJIO from a founder-led idea and fledgling business to doubling ARR in 2 years,
integrating an acquisition, and professionalizing a GTM organization for scale.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
Moving my organization from a largely marketing-led GTM motion to one more balanced to include
direct and partner sales-driven scale.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Look much further than the quarter-to-quarter goals to chart a path for where the business needs to
go. If it’s not well defined, take the lead in refining it.

But, you need to keep a keen eye on delivering those quarterly goals! If 2024 proves to be a time of
shifting priorities and market dynamics, the ability to pivot tactically will be crucial to meeting the key
short-term needs of the business.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

My “first team” (executive leadership team), trusted vendors and partners, our world-class product
development team, and channel partners who will help the business scale.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Pivot your thinking from “marketing goals” to “company goals”. Yes, we need all the marketing
outcomes, but if they don’t align with the overall business goals (e.g. growth, exit, market expansion,
etc.) you’re just working in the business, not on the business.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
My CEO, Dr. Shaun McAlmont. A true leader and supporter of my work.
Thomas Richards
CMO of NINJIO

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Rainer Stiller
Global CMO at Vertiv

Rainer Stiller is an outstanding “CMO to Watch in 2024.” His extensive experience in leading
marketing initiatives for Fortune 500 and EURO STOXX 50 corporations has significantly impacted
Vertiv’s global presence. Rainer’s expertise encompasses strategic sales and marketing, brand
development, and digital transformation.

Under his leadership, Vertiv has seen transformative growth, including a tenfold increase in pipeline
and order generation through innovative marketing strategies. Rainer has notably integrated
advanced tools like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, revolutionizing customer interactions and
enhancing the buying experience.
Recognized as the Chief Communications Officer of the Year by PRNews in 2023, Rainer’s visionary
approach and commitment to customer-centric strategies have positioned Vertiv as a leader in
the digital infrastructure industry. His strategic prowess and creative insights have set new industry
benchmarks, marking him as a transformative marketing leader.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
I have enjoyed the challenges of leadership positions in the tech industry for Fortune 500 and EURO
STOXX 50 companies, with roles based in the United States, France, Germany, and Switzerland. After
serving as vice president of global marketing and channel marketing for Vertiv since 2017, I was named
Chief Marketing Officer in 2021.

In this role, I lead a global team of strategic and regional marketing professionals, providing a cohesive
brand experience for customers, partners, investors, and employees. My team has grown to include
portfolio marketing, internal communications, and customer experience, in addition to brand and
campaign marketing, content development, creative services, public relations, analyst relations, social
media, and sales enablement.

Before joining Vertiv, I held global and regional sales and marketing leadership roles at Schneider
Electric for nine years. This included serving as vice president EMEA sales and marketing for secure
power, and global senior vice president for portfolio, performance and field marketing groups. For 11
years at APC, I had various global and regional roles of increasing responsibility in marketing, channel
program management, and sales.

I learned the marketing ropes at BMW corporate headquarters in Germany and graduated summa
cum laude with a double master’s degree in marketing and human resource management from the
Munich University of Applied Sciences.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
The world depends on data that we at Vertiv power and cool. The data center tech industry is
experiencing an unprecedented opportunity to define and support the unique infrastructure needs
that drive the adoption of AI, digital transformation, and the aspiration for global digital equality. Our
company hosted its first investor event at the NYSE in November 2023 and successfully demonstrated
that we are a leader in innovating infrastructure for data center, telecom, commercial and
Rainer Stiller industrial applications.
Global CMO at Vertiv In 2024, we plan to extend our focus on innovation, environmental and social values. This will be a true
team effort, with a global invigorated emphasis on our brand, with alignment in messaging, thought
leadership, content, campaigns, and events. The strategy will reach employees, customers, partners,
investors, media and board members.

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What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
We need to embrace new technologies and tools that enable our teams to be faster, more productive,
more accurate, and more creative – with a shareable, flexible reporting model that can demonstrate
the results of many types of work – all within a sustainable budget.

At the same time, we need to be supportive of adoption and learning curves for this technology, giving
our team members time to learn and appreciate how new processes can improve our organization.
The CMO Alliance in particular stands out here as leading resource to guide and accelerate the path
for my team to reach their top performance and realize their true potential.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

It’s important to build diverse teams that are eager to share knowledge with other individuals
and groups in the company. Taking time to educate and collaborate with others builds a savvier
organization that works better together and is more innovative and creative.
Ideally, the project manager understands the challenges of the product engineer, the content writer
understands the needs of the sales team, and so on. Time and budget are the variables that can help
make or break our objectives.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
A CMO should be a curious listener to customers and a life-long learner. Just make sure you learn
from the best. David Cote’s “Winning now, winning later” is a masterclass in turnaround leadership
and transformation. I’d say to start there. Also one of my absolute favorite quotes i always have at the
ready to deploy, in aprofessional or personal perimeter is, “Say what you think. Do what you say.”
From a functional perspective, the CMO Alliance in particular stands out as a leading resource to guide
and accelerate the path for talents to reach their top performance and realize their true potential.

Rainer Stiller
Global CMO at Vertiv

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Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
First of all, I want to thank our pioneering CEO Rob Johnson for inviting me to join Vertiv in 2017,
promoting me to become CMO in 2021, and his personal trust and charismatic leadership during our
early white-water rafting years developing Vertiv from a start-up of Platinum Equity to going public at
the NYSE.

In January of 2023, Giordano Albertazzi was named Vertiv’s new CEO. Gio is a longtime leader in the
business, and I worked closely with him in his roles as President of Vertiv in the Americas and EMEA. I
would like to thank Gio and his executive leaders for their support of my team, allowing for brand and
campaign creativity, globalization of structures and processes and customer-facing innovation in the
past year.

Big thanks of course to my global team, made of amazing individuals, working hard, having fun and
always hungry to add more tangible value to Vertiv.
Looking back even more I want to thank the industry legend Hans-Juergen Kaemmer at the BMW HQ in
Munich for spotting my talent, challenging me with “big jobs” and relentlessly developing my branding
and campaign development knowledge.

I am deeply grateful for having had the privilege to learn from the unforgotten Aaron L. Davis, the first
CMO at APC and Schneider Electric, who back in 1999 invited me to work with him at the Global APC
HQ in the USA, changing my life and the life of my family forever. He has been the best marketer I have
ever met.

Rainer Stiller
Global CMO at Vertiv

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Matt Sutton
CMO at The Black Tux

Matt Sutton’s leadership, demonstrated in driving significant revenue growth at Framebridge and
The Black Tux, showcases his expertise in modernizing marketing strategies. At Framebridge, he
achieved over 40% YoY revenue growth and expanded the brand’s presence in retail and digital
platforms. As CMO of The Black Tux, he strategically pivoted channel investments, leading to the
company’s most profitable year with notable YOY revenue growth.

Matt’s impact extends beyond revenue success; he has restructured the marketing department,
expanded the team, and successfully launched a new brand, Marke Fine Jewelry. His commitment to
fostering a positive work culture is evident in his approach to team building and mentorship, including
hosting company events and reviving the morale of long-time team members.
Additionally, Matt’s dedication to social responsibility, particularly his active involvement in mentoring
local LGBTQ+ youth, further exemplifies his holistic leadership approach. His innovative marketing
strategies, team leadership, and community involvement make him a standout candidate for
recognition in the marketing field.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
• Growing The Black Tux business double digits YoY while the category and competition
contracted 15%+ due to the post-COVID “engagement gap”

• Helping lead Framebridge through the 2021 supply chain and hiring crisis while growing the
business significantly YoY and doubling the retail footprint.
• Launching Facebook’s global brand campaign “Good Ideas Deserve To Be Found” and helping arm
millions of small businesses around the world with digital skills to survive COVID.
• Creating and marketing the award-winning 3-season TV show and podcast “Boost My Business”
with Tan France and Kevin O’Leary.
• Leading political marketing for Facebook during the 2016 election.

• Helping to launch the iconic “”What’s in Your Wallet”” Samuel L. Jackson campaign for Capital One.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
Continuing to drive business, team, and personal growth.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Balancing investment in short-term growth and quarterly business goals with long-term brand
building and equity.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Internal expertise, external agency partners, and the advice of wiser and more experienced mentors.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
The second you feel content or bored, change your situation. Ask for to take on more work. Tell your
boss you want more responsibility. Show them your ambition and aspirations. Take every opportunity
you have to learn and try new things - especially once you feel like you’ve mastered one area of
Matt Sutton
subject matter expertise. Move on to the next thing once you have!
CMO at The Black Tux

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Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
The list is endless.

Managers who have given me feedback like “what got you here won’t get you there,” or made me
rewrite a creative brief 12 times until they’d approve it.
Mentors whom I met at a coffee shop or in an elevator and are now my good friends.

Executives who have given me a shot after they saw me do some good work.

Finally, I’d like to thank coworkers, friends, and family – all of whom have supported me through my
most challenging times and happiest moments.

Matt Sutton
CMO at The Black Tux

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Kim Warne
Senior Vice President & CMO of Wesco International

With over three decades of experience, Kim Warne has significantly contributed to Wesco’s success,
a Fortune 500 global supply chain solutions provider. She has been pivotal in facilitating Wesco’s
global operations and strategic digital initiatives, showcasing her expertise during complex
corporate mergers, including the significant Wesco and Anixter integration.

Her leadership is marked by strategic vision and operational execution, leading to a unified brand
platform that effectively communicates the value of the new Wesco. This effort resulted in a notable
increase in merger awareness and positive brand perception, driving growth in sales and profitability.

Kim’s impact extends beyond corporate achievements. She is recognized as a Top 100 Corporate
Innovator and a Top 150 Female Business Leader, reflecting her influential role in the industry.
Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and professional development within her team.
Additionally, her commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident through her executive sponsorship
of Wesco’s Pride Business Resource Group, contributing to significant progress in workplace equality.

Kim Warne’s combination of strategic marketing leadership, commitment to team development, and
dedication to diversity and community involvement make her an exemplary marketing executive and
a strong candidate for “CMO to Watch in 2024.”

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
1. Spearheading growth of multiple technology and industrial brands, ranging from start-up, to
turnaround, to reinvention.

2. Helping enable commercial teams to achieve business goals and capitalize on growth initiatives
during periods of complex business transformation and digitization.
3. Most importantly, helping to build teams of passionate, innovative, big-thinking marketing
professionals who have accomplished more than anyone thought possible.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
Over the past three years, following our merger with Anixter, Wesco launched a comprehensive global
rebranding of our company, businesses, and offerings. In 2024, we are focused on fully activating the
Wesco brand to reposition the company and build recognition and relevancy in each of the industries
that we serve.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
Taking advantage of once-in-a-career market opportunities to drive profitable growth in this
unpredictable economic environment.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

The powerful combination of our internal business marketing teams to develop programs that tap into
top growth opportunities and our centralized Centers of Excellence to execute with distinction.

Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
Take advantage of stretch projects and lateral career moves to gain expertise in both corporate
and commercial marketing. Combining front-line business exposure with strategic work in areas like
mergers and acquisitions, investor relations and brand is invaluable. Also, becoming immersed and
Kim Warne active in the industry in which you operate, provides grounding and context, expands your network,
Senior Vice President & CMO of Wesco and increases your value.
International

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Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?

So many folks, starting with the talented marketing teams I’ve been fortunate to work with, including
inspirational leaders who laid out ambitious visions and then trusted their teams to accomplish
great things.

Kim Warne
Senior Vice President & CMO of Wesco
International

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Maya Wasserman
Director of Marketing, Home and Personal Entertainment at Sony Electronics

With over 15 years of experience in marketing, Maya has led the launch of over 100 products during
her 12-year tenure at Sony. She is known for her innovative, results-driven approach to omni-
channel marketing, focusing on creativity, team building, and a data-driven strategy.

Her achievements include spearheading groundbreaking campaigns like the mobile-first launch
of Sony’s LinkBuds, targeting Gen Z and millennials with themes relevant to the digital age, such as
social media, the metaverse, and augmented reality. She also led the launch of the WF-1000XM5
earbuds and the “For The Music” brand platform, collaborating with Grammy-winning artists.
Maya’s leadership extends beyond product launches; she is committed to her team’s growth and is
recognized for her contributions to the marketing community, including speaking engagements at
industry events. Her efforts have earned her the distinction of being one of Sony’s highest-performing
teams and PR Daily’s 2023 Top Woman in Marketing. Maya’s blend of strategic innovation, impactful
leadership, and industry recognition marks her as a dynamic and influential figure in marketing, and
a perfect candidate as a CMO to Watch in 2024.

Find out more

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What are you most proud of from your career as a marketing leader?
1. Expanding from PR to Marketing, working my way up the ladder and often being the only woman
in the room.

2. Developing and launching the FOR THE MUSIC brand for Sony Audio, working with artists like Miguel
and Olivia Rodrigo. This platform pairs our products with the artists by using the product to further
preserve the intent of their music. For example, we let Olivia personally tune her own headphones,
and release them to the world to hear her music the way she intended it.
3. Launching Sony’s first OLED TV in 2007, the XEL-1.

4. Building and developing the best marketing team in the world. Every time I get to promote or
celebrate a team member’s success is a highlight.

Is there anything you’re working on for next year that you’d want to share with the
CMO Alliance community?
I am most excited for year two of the FOR THE MUSIC brand campaign. We are continuing to develop
and grow the campaign, and we will have many exciting media campaigns, experiential campaigns,
and more.

What do you see as the most important responsibility for CMOs in 2024?
The most important responsibility is brand authenticity, and assuring that as a brand, we are staying
authentic to our core values when promoting and marketing to new audiences. Gen Z in particular is
a generation whose values extend beyond any individual product or service and who look for brands
they can trust.

What are the key resources you’re going to rely on in 2024?

Data, data, and more data. We are doing more research than ever, and compiling data from many
different sources, both internal and third-party, to help drive our marketing. We are leveraging first-
party data more than ever and tying many activities to that data. We also are relying on key agency
Maya Wasserman partners to support us so we can scale, get insight into the market, and learn from what other brands

Director of Marketing, Home and are doing.

Personal Entertainment at Sony
Electronics

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Do you have any advice for people aspiring to the CMO role, or for current CMOs looking to build
their status and skills?
The CMO role requires a key mix of art and science – you need a strong creative point of view as well
as the ability to dig into the data. Also, the CMO needs to be able to translate the marketing language,
KPIs, and activities into the business language the C-suite understands. Aspiring CMOs should learn
to move away from just speaking in marketing KPIs and focus more on how to connect marketing
activities and results to the larger business goals the C-Suite is focused on. All of this requires being
persuasive, collaborative, a good listener, and a problem solver. Lastly, the CMO needs to provide a
strong vision and mission for the team to excite and motivate them.

Who would you like to thank for their support in helping you become a CMO to watch?
My team, for turning out work we are all so proud of, every day. Also all my mentors over the years, who
have guided me and given me invaluable advice, and my two children, who are my inspiration every
day to do what I do. And lastly my dad, for always pushing me to work harder and dream bigger.

Maya Wasserman
Director of Marketing, Home and
Personal Entertainment at Sony
Electronics

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Have we missed anyone?

We know that there are many great CMOs out there who deserve recognition,
doing fantastic work that’s an example to others.

Let us know who you think should be on this list on our social channels or the
CMO Alliance Community, and keep your eye out for when nominations open
for the CMOs to watch in 2025 list!

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