Senior leaders on the move - Gymshark, Asda, and more
As the recruitment market for marketing and digital roles continues to move at pace, we are delighted to congratulate the following senior leaders on their new roles and their many years of valuable experience, transforming brands and creatively disrupting their sectors.
A recent study of CMOs found that external hires increased from 37% in 2020 to 45% in 2021, and we can vouch for a further increase in 2022. It is an exciting time for our clients and candidates as they move towards a bright and innovative future.
Carly O’Brien joins Gymshark as VP Marketing, International
After three years as Chief Marketing Officer at Very, Carly has joined Gymshark as their new VP, International. Carly is one of Marketing Week’s ‘2021 Top 100 most effective marketers’. She joined Very in 2019 as Customer Management and Performance Marketing Director before her promotion to Chief Marketing Officer just two years later.
On her new role, Carly says, "I had heard a great deal about the culture at Gymshark, but as soon as I walked through the door, I felt that brilliant blend of pure humility and absolute drive to succeed."
News source: Gymshark poaches Very CMO to lead marketing (marketingweek.com)
Matthew Faulkner promoted to Director of Marketing & Innovation at Canon EMEA
Congratulations to Matthew who has been promoted to Director of Marketing & Innovation at Canon EMEA. He has been with Canon for 10 years, previously holding marketing roles within Canon’s production print business. In this role, he will be responsible for strategic and operational marketing for the wide-printing format business.
Matthew says, “Privileged to be working with some of the best image makers and creatives in the World, and finding new, valuable and exciting ways to use print.”
News source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewfaulkner/
Meghan Farren returns to KFC after transformative role as Chief Customer Officer at Asda
After a year at Asda as their Chief Customer Officer, transforming the brand and working on campaigns such as the ‘Dropped and Locked’ price promotion, Meghan’s return to KFC as General Manager in the UK and Ireland this autumn has been announced.
Sabir Sami, CEO at KFC, says, "“Meg is an exceptional leader, her people-grower capability has inspired and developed the UKI team into a hub for the next generation of leaders at KFC. I am thrilled to welcome Meg back to KFC and excited to see the UK and Ireland business continue to grow under her leadership"
News source: KFC’s former CMO Meg Farren returns as general manager (marketingweek.com)
Margaret Jobling appointed President at ISBA
We were delighted to congratulate Margaret Jobling, Chief Marketing Officer at NatWest, on her appointment as ISBA President. Taking over from Peter Duffy, Chief Executive Officer at Moneysupermarket, Margaret says, “I have worked closely with [ISBA director general] Phil [Smith] and his team over the last few years and seen ISBA transform into a real catalyst for change that is really making an impact. I am really looking forward to making my contribution to this vital organisation,”
Phil says, "Margaret was our first choice as his successor, and I know her passion and experience will bring huge benefit to ISBA."
News source: NatWest CMO Margaret Jobling appointed ISBA president (marketingweek.com)
Lisa Rose, joins Royal Caribbean Group as Director of Marketing at EMEA
Lisa has joined the Royal Caribbean Group to oversee all aspects of brand, marketing, and PR after two years as Senior Director at Expedia. Her appointment follows the launch of their new ship, Celebrity Beyond, and as Royal Caribbean Group deploys six ships in Europe for the first time.
Jo Rzymowska, Regional Vice President and Managing Director, says, "Lisa is joining at an incredibly exciting time. Her long-term vision, strategic thinking and strong leadership align with Celebrity Cruises and our commitment to growth and innovation in the travel industry."
News source: Celebrity Cruises appoints regional marketing chief from Expedia | Travel Weekly
Emma Steeley joins Freedom Finance as Chief Executive Officer
After more than 16 years in senior roles within the consumer finance and fintech sector, Emma joins Freedom Finance as their new Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. She joins from AccountScore, where she held the role of Chief Executive Officer for three years.
Emma says, "I am delighted to be joining Freedom Finance at an exciting, new period of its growth journey and look forward to further strengthening the business’ market position."
News source: Freedom Finance hires Emma Steeley as chief executive | Mortgage Strategy
Sara Bennison steps down as Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Nationwide
After six years at Nationwide, Sara will be stepping down from her role as Chief Product and Marketing Officer. Her career began working agency-side in 1989 before becoming Managing Partner at Grey London, followed by Head of Marketing Communications at BT and then seven years as Chief Marketing Officer at Barclays.
Nationwide commented that Sara worked to, “strengthen Nationwide’s brand, secured its leading position for service and built a highly effective team around her.”
News source: Nationwide CMO Sara Bennison steps down (marketingweek.com)
We wish these senior leaders the very best for the future. If you feel ready to move towards the next stage in your career, please get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
Warmest regards,
the Suzie Walker Executive Search team
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for marketing and digital roles in consumer-facing FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.
