10 Black Influential CMOs in Corporate America You Should Know

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Published by Gugulethu Nxumalo at August 29, 2024

Sadé Muhammad: Chief Marketing Officer, TIME

Sadé Muhammad made history as the first Black woman in the 100-year history of TIME to be appointed as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Her appointment in January 2023 marked a significant milestone, not just for TIME but for the media industry at large. Her journey to the role is a testament to her resilience and vision. Before the CMO promotion, Muhammad spearheaded TIME’s inclusion initiatives, working tirelessly to ensure that the brand’s content was as diverse and inclusive as its readers. She also spent seven years at Forbes, ascending to Vice President. Now as CMO, she is tasked with leading the iconic brand and overseeing the brand’s integrated marketing, branded content, communications, customer success, and the new impact division.

Julius W. Robinson: Chief Sales & Marketing Officer & Market Vice President, US and Canada at Marriott International

Julius W. Robinson’s career is a masterclass in climbing the corporate ladder with strategic finesse. In his role at Marriott International, he oversees one of the largest hotel chains. His journey, from starting as a hotel trainee to becoming a top executive, is an inspiring story of hard work, tenacity, ambition, and visionary leadership. Robinson has been instrumental in Marriott’s efforts to diversify their brand portfolio, catering to broader demographics and tastes. He is responsible for top-line revenue and leads the disciplines of Sales, Field Marketing, Franchise Sales and Marketing Support, Continent Revenue Management, Public Relations, and Crisis Communications across all lodging categories (Luxury, Premium, Select, & Extended Stay). Through his efforts, he has increased market share and expanded the competitive advantage of over 5,600 hotels managed by or franchised by Marriott. His role highlights the importance of a customer-centric approach in driving brand loyalty and market expansion.

Courtney Brown Warren: Chief Marketing Officer, Kickstarter

In July 2024, Courtney Brown Warren took the reins as Chief Marketing Officer of Kickstarter, a platform synonymous with innovation and creativity. Warren’s passion for storytelling and her proven marketing expertise spanning over two decades will help Kickstarter’s broader strategy of revitalizing its brand and expanding its reach. Before Kickstarter, she was Twitter’s Global Head of Brand, responsible for the go-to-market brand strategy, brand campaign management, talent, emerging markets, and digital, content, and editorial strategy. Upon starting in the role, she was quoted saying that she was “even more inspired than ever to engage, educate, and empower the community that made us who we are and introduce our brand to a whole new generation of creators and backers.”

Kenny Mitchel: Global Chief Marketing Officer at Levi Strauss & Co.

Kenny Mitchel stands at the helm of one of the most iconic clothing brands, Levi Strauss & Co., popularly known for their Levi’s denim jeans. As Global CMO, Mitchel is responsible for the brand’s international marketing strategies, centered on strengthening its position as a lifestyle brand at the forefront of culture, expanding market share, and building denim leadership equity.

His tenure at Levi’s is distinguished by an emphasis on social justice and sustainability, two themes that are crucial in today’s market. Under his leadership, the brand has positioned itself as a company that represents something more than just fashion by reinforcing its commitment to ethical practices. Thanks to Mitchel’s marketing strategies, Levi’s has become a timeless and relevant brand, capitalizing on the cultural zeitgeist. Prior to Levi’s, Mitchel was at Snapchat, spearheading the business and brand initiatives with a focus on expanding the platform’s base of developers, advertising partners, and the platform’s global community. He was also at Gatorade, NASCAR, and McDonald’s (US).

Maurice Cooper: Chief Customer Officer, Bath & Body Works

Maurice ooper’s role at Bath & Body Works involves much more than just marketing; it is about creating unique customer experiences for the brand’s passionate target market. He does this by executing a comprehensive strategy to elevate the brand through the development of personalized and connected end-to-end customer experiences. Cooper’s strategic vision has been key to the brand’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions, as he is focused on data-driven insights and customer feedback.

Moreover, this has helped the brand stay relevant as a leader in the personal care industry. Before Bath & Body Works, Maurice Cooper was already an award-winning marketer and dynamic leader with a proven track record of driving significant growth for multi-billion dollar brands. At Wingstop, he led impressive same-store sales growth, increased brand awareness, and earned national recognition for his achievements. Previously, at Coca-Cola, he played a pivotal role in the success of Coke Zero, Sprite, and other key brands, launching innovative campaigns and loyalty programs. Cooper’s leadership is a testament to the power of understanding and anticipating customer needs, which he has masterfully translated into compelling marketing strategies that resonate with a broad audience.

Najoh Tita-Reid: Chief Brand and Experience Officer, Mars

Najoh Tita-Reid is an accomplished global marketing leader with over 25 years of experience spanning consumer products, healthcare, and telecommunications. Known for her strategic vision and ability to drive growth, she has held key roles at Logitech, Hero AG, and Bayer, where she led transformative initiatives in brand management, product innovation, and multicultural marketing. At Mars Petcare, as Chief Brand & Experience Officer, she oversees brand strategy and consumer experience across a diverse portfolio. A graduate of Duke University and Spelman College, Najoh has also completed executive leadership programs at Stanford and IMD. She leads with a focus on diversity, innovation, and delivering value within complex global organizations.

Bozoma Saint John: Former CMO, Entrepreneur, and Author

Bozoma Saint John is a trailblazing marketing executive renowned for her impactful roles at major companies like Netflix, Apple, and Uber. Her career began at Spike DDB, and she later excelled at PepsiCo and Apple Music & iTunes before leading global marketing at Uber and Endeavor. Bozoma has earned recognition for her bold, culture-driven approach, earning spots in several industry halls of fame and ranking among Forbes’ top CMOs. Her contributions extend beyond business, including philanthropy with Pencils of Promise and advisory roles for Girls Who Code. Bozoma’s memoir, “The Urgent Life,” was released in 2023, adding to her legacy as a transformative leader and devoted mother.

Dara Treseder: Chief Marketing Officer, Autodesk

Dara Treseder is a dynamic leader in technology marketing, currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer at Autodesk. In her role, she directs global strategies for branding, digital marketing, and communications, helping Autodesk drive innovations in design and sustainability. Before joining Autodesk, Dara held key marketing positions at Peloton, Carbon, and GE Ventures, and contributed to growth strategies at Apple and Goldman Sachs. Her work has earned her accolades including Forbes’ recognition as a top CMO and honors from Adweek and Silicon Valley Business Journal. Dara actively contributes to public health and diversity by chairing the Public Health Institute board and serving on Robinhood’s board. She graduated cum laude from Harvard and holds an MBA from Stanford.

DeLu Jackson: EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, ADT

DeLu Jackson is the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at ADT, where he drives the company’s transformation with over 20 years of experience in marketing and brand leadership. Before ADT, DeLu was Vice President of Precision Marketing at Conagra Brands, overseeing integrated marketing, e-commerce, and brand strategy. His extensive career includes senior positions at Kellogg Company, McDonald’s, Audi, Nissan, and Subaru. DeLu is known for his expertise in global marketing, digital strategies, and customer experience. He holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor’s in Politics from Princeton University. He has focused on growth, innovation, and business transformation throughout his career across various industries.

Esi Eggleston Bracey: Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, Unilever

Esi Eggleston Bracey is at the helm of Unilever’s growth and marketing as Chief Growth and Marketing Officer. Her role involves steering the company’s broad advertising strategies and fostering growth across various brands, including Dove and Shea Moisture. With a career spanning over three decades, Esi has previously led Coty’s Global Consumer Beauty Division and Procter & Gamble’s Global Cosmetics. Her innovative campaigns have made significant waves, notably through Dove’s CROWN Coalition and transformative work with COVERGIRL. Esi’s dynamic leadership and commitment to inclusivity have garnered her several industry awards and recognition.

These leaders are not just shaping the future of marketing; they are redefining what it means to lead in an extremely rapidly changing world. Their stories are a testament to the power of diversity in driving innovation, growth, and sustainability. As more companies recognize the power of inclusive leadership, the contributions of these trailblazers will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders. Whether they are driving brand strategy at global corporations or leading purpose-driven campaigns, these executives exemplify the transformative power of marketing in today’s business landscape.