Brand Innovators 40 Under 40

Honoring the Next Generation of Marketing Leaders

Now open through September 7, 2023

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A new generation of marketers is coming. Or really – knowing how much marketing constantly bends to meet the needs and tastes of young consumers – they’re already here. They grew up on the Internet and are early adopters of all things digital. They Tweet, text, shop, and stay connected personally and professionally on their mobile devices all day long. They prefer online video to television. They are diverse and idealistic. They value authenticity and transparency. They are the Brand Innovators 40 Under 40. Don’t blink – they’ll be running your marketing department before you know it. Congratulations to this year’s honorees.

HONOREES

2022 for All Regions
Midwest 2022

Brand Innovators Announces Tenth Annual List Of ’40 Under 40′ Brand Marketers in The Midwest U.S.

Honorees were nominated by the Brand Innovators community which includes more than 25,000 brand side marketers across the US, Canada and UK. Winners were then selected by the Brand Innovators editorial team based on their professional accomplishments, expertise in leveraging digital media and emerging advertising technology platforms and a drive to continually keep their respective brands on the cutting edge of innovation.

Following is the Brand Innovators ’40 Under 40′ Midwest Class of 2022:

  • Molly Madson, Social Media Senior Strategist, 3M
  • Michael Abata, Director Growth Partnerships, CAMP
  • Natalie Gregerson, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, Capitol Bank
  • Alex Birchmeier, Media Strategy Director, Conagra 
  • Zach Berliner, Senior Director, Sponsorships, Lifestyle & Experiential Marketing, Constellation Brands
  • Rae Wang, Director of Treat Marketing, Dairy Queen
  • Mark Messing, Vice President of Digital Experience & Loyalty, Domino's
  • John Hughes, Director of Media, Domino's
  • Andrea Schwenk, Chief Marketing Officer, Egglife Foods
  • Olivia Ross, Senior Digital Marketing Manager, El Pollo Loco
  • Stephanie Maresh, Associate Vice President, Lilly Marketing Institute, Eli Lilly
  • Liz Mella, Senior Brand Manager, Farmer's Fridge
  • Lauren Ruis, Senior Manager, Shopper Strategy & Planning, Ferrara
  • Catherine Berger, Senior Director, Strategic Growth Projects, Ferrara
  • KC Glaser, Senior Manager, Brand Experience, Loyalty, General Mills
  • Chelsea McDonald, Senior Global Media Strategist, Groupon
  • Erica Jones, Senior Manager, Cultural & Inclusive Marketing, Kellogg Company
  • Britt Williams, Director, Portfolio Marketing - Portable Wholesome Snacks - Away from Home, NA, Kellogg Company
  • Jaime Oesch, Director eCommerce Direct to Consumer, Kellogg Company
  • Alan Kleinerman, Marketing Director - Head of North America Disruptive Innovation, The Kraft Heinz Company
  • Eric Mills, Associate Director, Innovation, The Kraft Heinz Company
  • Samantha Mills, Associate Director, Brand Communications, The Kraft Heinz Company
  • Katie Hepler, Director, Office of the CMO, Life Time Inc
  • Drew Brinckerhoff, Marketing Director - Ben’s Orginal, North America, Mars
  • Travis McGlasson, Director eCommerce & Digital Marketing, Maui Jim Sunglasses
  • Bryce Boothby, Director of Global Marketing Technology, McDonald's
  • Jen DelVecchio, Senior Director, Global Campaigns & Alliances, McDonald's
  • Justine Stauffer, Director of Marketing Transformation, Molson Coors
  • Meredith Diehn, Senior Director Equity & Communication, Perfect Snacks 
  • Bryan Waddell, Brand Marketing Manager - Hot Pockets, Nestlé
  • Breanna Kelley, Senior Manager Social Media Marketing, Nestlé
  • Holly Spaeth, Vice President, Corporate Branding & Partnerships, Polaris
  • Erin Griffin, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Riddell
  • Greg Herman, Director of Marketing and Experience, Loyalty (Target Circle), Target
  • Julia Low, Senior Brand Director, Tropicana
  • Cory Sexson, Senior Director, Innovation, Tropicana
  • Eric Acevedo, Digital Product Manager, Ulta Beauty
  • Katie Casey, Director, Brand Marketing, Walgreens
  • Sam Lev, Director, Enterprise Planning, Media and Performance, Walgreens
  • Mitchell Cooper, Brand Manager - KitchenAid Small Appliances, Whirlpool Corporation

Honoring the next generation of leading brand marketers

Michael Abata

Director Growth Partnerships, CAMP

Michael Abata is the director of growth partnerships at the retail experience startup CAMP. He spent 16+ years at Target and Shutterfly in a variety of brand marketing, insights and partnership roles. He is passionate about entrepreneurship in MN and spends his time outside of work as an advisor for Twin Cities Startup Week and working with startups helping them grow. He's active on LinkedIn sharing trends and insights happenings in the retail industry.

Alex Birchmeier

Media Strategy Director, Conagra Brands

Alex leads the Media Strategy for Consumer, Foodservice and International segments at Conagra Brands.  His team is responsible for linking media strategy with activation and has a large focus on planning and measuring all paid activities with links to owned and earned executions. 

Prior to joining Conagra, Alex has worked in a variety of agency and sales side roles including Starcom and Yahoo.  His background has primarily been in the digital, programmatic and social space.

Zach Berliner

Senior Director, Sponsorships, Lifestyle & Experiential Marketing, Constellation Brands

Rae Wang

Director of Treat Marketing, Dairy Queen

Rae Wang is the director of product and brand marketing for treats at American Dairy Queen.

In this role, Rae leads strategy and development of the DQ treat menu, including product innovation and promotion. She leads a team that partners with consumer insights, research and development, operations and other areas of marketing to deliver DQ treats that consumers crave, including new flavors of the iconic DQ BLIZZARD Treat, Shakes, Dipped Cones, DILLY Bar and more. Rae started her career at American Dairy Queen in 2015 as an associate brand manager, was promoted quickly to brand manager, and has held her current role since early 2022.

Rae earned a B.A. in strategic communication from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

John Hughes

Director of Media, Domino’s

John Hughes is the Director of Media at Domino’s, responsible for national media planning, buying, and strategy. He’s been with Domino’s for six years, working in both digital and traditional marketing roles, prior to moving into his current role in late 2021. Before joining the Domino’s team, John worked at Universal McCann on travel, retail, and financial service clients. Early in John’s career, he was a member of Detroit’s Bizdom entrepreneurship accelerator where he developed a passion for technology, innovation, and going deep to creating simple solutions to complex problems.

Andrea Schwenk

Chief Marketing Officer, Egglife Foods

Andrea Schwenk is a brand-builder who works with food & beverage brands to develop consumer insight- driven marketing campaigns and products. A dynamic and strategic marketing leader with experience on the agency, supplier and retailer sides of the business working on several Fortune 500 B2C and B2B brands, she is currently the Chief Marketing Officer for Egglife Foods, a Chicago-based food start-up reimagining the future of food by harnessing the power of eggs to transform traditionally flour-based foods.

Prior to joining Egglife, she served as Director of Beverage Innovation at Buffalo Wild Wings where she led strategic planning, product development, and promotional strategy for the complete Buffalo Wild Wings beverage portfolio. Among her many accomplishments was the implementation of a data-driven location-specific draft beer assortment and marketing strategy.

Schwenk began her career in the advertising world at Wunderman working on the Burger King account and itwas then that her love of food & beverage marketing began. She also spent time at FCB Chicago on the Aramark business where she led the development of a new brand identity and positioning, transforming the brand into a catalyst for innovation.

Prior to that, she worked at Beam Suntory on the better-for-you brand, Skinnygirl Cocktails, where she led the development of the brand’s first global advertising campaign and launched 11 new product innovations in 10 months to secure market leadership.

Throughout these experiences, Andrea has mastered how to transform brand loyalty into brand love by

understanding the consumer journey and cultivating passionate brand advocates.

Schwenk holds degrees in Journalism, Spanish and Business from Iowa State University. A curious foodie and world traveler, she spends most of her free time in the kitchen or planning her next trip with her husband Rick and 3-year-old son Hudson.

Olivia Ross

Senior Digital Marketing Manager, El Pollo Loco

Olivia Ross is an accomplished marketing professional who’s led profitable growth for billon dollar QSR brands through marketing innovation, digital transformation, integrated strategy, and brand positioning. Currently, she’s the Senior Digital Marketing Manager of CRM, E-Commerce, and Loyalty at El Pollo Loco where she leads the organization’s data marketing strategy, digital experiences, and strategic growth. Olivia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Northwood University and recently completed a certification with the Kellogg School of Management. Olivia currently lives in Michigan, where she enjoys spending time with friends, sampling local food, and traveling around the world.

Liz Mella

Senior Brand Manager, Farmer's Fridge

As the Head of Brand at Farmer’s Fridge, Liz Mella leads a multi-functional brand strategy team that spans content, creative, partnerships, PR & events for the rapidly growing fresh food company. She has grown the brand team and marketing capabilities from the ground up and was crucial to launching the ecommerce channel and venturing into retail. This year she is focused on go-to market strategy as the company prepares for national expansion. 

She previously worked at Human Standard, a creative agency where she ran the email and lifecycle programs for Crate and Barrel and CB2. She has a diverse background across email, social media, communications and PR, with a specific focus on consumer brands, with past experience including Stella & Dot and Zuckerberg Media. She graduated from Santa Clara University.

Lauren Ruis

Senior Manager, Shopper Strategy & Planning, Ferrara

Lauren Ruis is the Sr. Manager, Shopper & Planning at Ferrara Candy Company. In this role, she works across Ferrara’s iconic confectionery brands including NERDS, Trolli, SweeTARTS, & Black Forest to drive brand growth by reaching shoppers on the path to purchase with consistent, equity building & commerce-driving communications. She has over thirteen years’ experience working across various disciplines in marketing including brand marketing, consumer promotions, market research and shopper marketing. Lauren has her MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and holds an undergraduate degree from Lehigh University.

KC Glaser

Senior Manager, Brand Experience, Loyalty, General Mills

KC has nearly two decades of experience helping smart people solve big problems in various capacities: traditional marketing, brand marketing, strategy, innovation, loyalty, and more. In each professional role he has been a catalyst for change by focusing on the future, whether it be developing new engagement platforms for Buffalo Wild Wings, literally flipping the DQ Blizzard on its head or shifting a paper-heavy portfolio of coupon tactics to a digitally driven performance marketing engine for General Mills. He has a passion for people, and the two questions that ultimately get him there are “why?” and “How CAN we?”.

Chelsea McDonald

Senior Global Media Strategist, Groupon

Chelsea McDonald is the Sr Global Social Media Strategist at Groupon, where she is responsible for leading social media strategy, establishing, launching, and running the Groupon Groupies influencer program, and managing relationships with all cross-functional teams, vendors, agencies, and platform partners. 

She has 9+ years of marketing experience in both agency and brand roles across multiple industries, including beauty, hospitality, and finance. She has overseen numerous successful cross-channel campaigns, including the recent 2nd annual Groupon Day, has spoken at major marketing conferences like Salesforce Dreamforce, and has run social media bootcamps for Fortune 500 clients. She is passionate about all things brand and lifestyle marketing and is always up to chat about upcoming social trends! Chelsea holds a MSJ in Digital Content Strategy from the University of Kansas.

Erica Jones

Senior Manager, Cultural & Inclusive Marketing, Kellogg Company

Erica Jones has over ten years of marketing and communications experience that spans across the non-profit and corporate sectors.  She is currently Senior Manager, Cultural & Inclusive Marketing at The Kellogg Company.  Her work focuses on embedding Equity, Diversity & Inclusion into the Kellogg North America marketing organization and brand strategies, plans, and innovation.  She partners with internal teams and external creative agencies and industry partners on this important work.  

Prior to her current role, she was a Brand Manager leading marketing innovation on Pop-Tarts.  During her marketing career, she has led campaigns, partnerships, and developed food/product innovation.  This includes managing integrated marketing and communication campaigns for Frosted Mini-Wheats and leading complex and multi-million dollar innovations for brands such as Eggo, MorningStar Farms, Special K, and Pop-Tarts.

Driven by her passion for education, Erica began her career in the non-profit sector at the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA), where she began as a Princeton Project 55 Fellow.  While at NACSA she spearheaded numerous business development, marketing, and communications initiatives.

Outside of work, Erica is an event planner and travel advisor.  She is the founder and creative director of Elevated Occasions, LLC a bespoke event planning and travel design company.  Her work includes producing weddings, milestone celebrations, and culinary experiences.  As a travel advisor, she also helps clients plan memorable travel experiences to domestic and international destinations.

Erica earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and an MBA from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.  She speaks Spanish and enjoys travel.  Erica is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  She has previously served as Secretary of the Princeton Club of Chicago, Chicago Co-Chair of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations, member of the Princeton Project 55 Chicago Committee, and board member of the Association of Black Princeton Alumni.

Britt Williams

Director, Portfolio Marketing - Portable Wholesome Snacks - Away from Home, NA, Kellogg Company

Brittney is the Director of Portfolio Marketing for Portable Wholesome Snack brands at Kellogg Company. Prior to joining Kellogg, Brittney held marketing and commercial roles with companies like Newell Rubbermaid, The Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Hilton Worldwide and Cinnabon. She is currently pursuing an MBA at Duke University. In her spare time, she enjoys serving on the board for PAWS Chicago and watching college football. Please connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Alan Kleinerman

Marketing Director - Head of North America Disruptive Innovation, The Kraft Heinz Company

Alan began his career at Morgan Stanley focused on strategy and portfolio transformation. His key roles centered on driving change in M&A integration, Infrastructure resource allocation and Asset Management portfolio prioritization. He then went to the University of Chicago Booth School of business to transition into a career in marketing. Alan kicked off marketing career at Reckitt Benckiser. Some of his key roles included serving as brand manager leading the creation of the super premium infant nutrition category in the US as well as serving as associate director and P&L owner of the US Enfamil brand. In that role he led complete brand relaunch with new foundations, positioning and comms leading to sales and share growth. To focus further on Innovation, and went to Mars Wrigley and led global innovation and strategy for the Health and Wellness pillar of Mars Wrigley as Senior Director of H&W Innovation & Strategy. Key results included creating a global 5 year innovation pipeline and inorganic growth approach centered around KIND and Nature’s Bakery acquisitions. Currently, Alan serves as head of disruptive innovation at Kraft Heinz. His focus is on creating a new innovation capability and leading the biggest bets across North America.

Eric Mills

Associate Director, Innovation, The Kraft Heinz Company

Eric Mills is an associate director of marketing at the Kraft Heinz Company, where he has experience managing brands across many categories such as coffee, refreshment beverages and sauces. He is currently leading innovation for two iconic brands, Oscar Mayer and Philadelphia. Throughout his career in marketing, consulting & advertising, he has helped drive growth for his brands and lead turnaround efforts by embracing bold ideas and challenging the status quo.

Katie Hepler

Director, Office of the CMO, Life Time Inc

Katie Hepler’s professional experience encompasses nearly two decades’ worth of marketing expertise. She currently resides in Minneapolis working at Life Time, the athletic country club network, partnering with the company’s CMO and CEO to transform and lead all brand and communication efforts. This includes collaborating with operational program leadership to incorporate the company’s 75+ branded programs into a cohesive brand narrative, and working to continuously capture efficiencies in between creative, content development and channel deployment.

 

Before Life Time, she worked for the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin as a Senior Marketing Director (Madison, WI) where she led development and execution of Consumer Farmer Trust strategy, programming and content. She also directed all non-cheese dairy marketing programs, media and content. Prior to moving back to the Midwest, she spent ten years working in various advertising and PR agencies in New York City. Her work and clients ranged from B2B to B2C, and big to small brands; and touched a swath of industries including CPG, non-profit, professional services, insurance, healthcare, energy and technology.

 

Katie received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Journalism and Mass Communication and French in 2007, and her MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business in May 2015 as part of the Langone working professional program. She is actively involved in UW-Madison alumni activities serving as the Chair of the School of Journalism and Mass Comm’s Board of Visitors and as a member of the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Advisory Council.

 

Finally health and wellness is part of her DNA, which is very on brand for her current role. She loves Sunday night Epsom salt baths, and treating herself to cocktails, dark chocolate and cheese.

Drew Brinckerhoff

Marketing Director - Ben’s Orginal, North America, Mars

With over a decade of marketing experience, Drew Brinckerhoff is a Marketing Director at Mars Food who excels at building actionable brand strategies. Drew believes that the best brands are shaped from clear consumer-centric missions.

 

Drew has helped to transform Mars Food brands into Omni powerhouses for their categories driving accelerated growth through equity building activations, and emerging shopping modalities. Currently, Drew stewards the Ben’s Original™ brand through accelerated growth, a powerful purpose, and exciting new spaces. Most recently, Ben’s Original™ supported 2.5M meals in partnership with No Kid Hungry in an effort to create better access to healthy meals for kids in need.

 

Drew has an extensive background in building digital go-to-market strategies. He has held a number of certifications from Google, Hubspot, and other prominent digital marketing programs. He is currently enrolled in a Marketing Week Mini-MBA program to sharpen his personal development. When not immersing himself in the world of marketing, Drew spends time with his wife, daughter, and dog in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Bryce Boothby

Director of Global Marketing Technology, McDonald's

Bryce Boothby is a transformational leader with a background in developing global, first-to-market, digital customer experiences for Fortune 100 brands. Bryce currently serves as the Director of Global Restaurant Technology at McDonald’s where his team is responsible for developing new digital capabilities used in 40,000 stores globally.

Prior to his current role, Bryce led marketing for the McDonald’s Mobile App and McDonalds.com. Through innovative features and campaigns, Bryce drove the mobile app to the #1 most downloaded app in the Food & Beverage Category in 2020 & 2021. And most notably, he designed the customer experience for McDonald’s Loyalty Program “MyMcDonald’s Rewards” which in its first year has acquired over 30 million users in just the U.S.

Bryce began his career at Ford Motor Company where he was accountable for integrating new technologies into product development for both the Lincoln and Ford vehicle lines.

Jen DelVecchio

Senior Director, Global Campaigns & Alliances, McDonald's

Jennifer DelVecchio is Senior Director, Global Campaigns & Alliances for McDonald’s. In her role, Jennifer leads a team of global marketers and agency partners to maximize the power of the iconic McDonald’s brand through progressive marketing strategies and culturally leading partnerships and campaigns. Jennifer has extensive experience leading brand building and business driving work for some of the world’s most iconic brands. Prior to McDonald’s, Jennifer held leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company in brand strategy, creative strategy, and sport and entertainment marketing. Jennifer started her career at IMG before moving to McCann where she led integrated marketing and advertising for Chevrolet, Cadillac, Oreo, and Hendrick’s Gin. Jennifer was named “5 to Watch” in 2021, an award recognizing top Canadian-born executives under the age of 40. Jennifer lives in Chicago with her husband, Marc, and two daughters, Alison & Nora.

Justine Stauffer

Director of Marketing Transformation, Molson Coors

Justine has been in the beer business for 16 years with experience across a variety of both Sales and several Marketing positions. With an inherent passion for creative problem-solving, building brands, and innovation she has had the pleasure of working on a variety of exciting brands in her career. This includes scaling smaller brands like Batch 19, developing white-space innovation concepts, launching new brands like Arnold Palmer Spiked, leading activation platforms (like Gaming) in sports for Miller Lite, to managing a large portfolio of Economy brands. She also happens to be only 1 of ~150 people who is certified as an Advanced Cicerone in her knowledge of beer. 

Today, she is the Director of Marketing Transformation leveraging her vast experience to help facilitate processes, build new capabilities, and drive culture initiatives across the Molson Coors Marketing Department. Outside of work you can find Justine running on the lakefront path, competing in triathlons, and exploring the restaurant scene here in Chicago with friends and family.

Meredith Diehn

Senior Director Equity & Communication, Perfect Snacks

Meredith has worked in the CPG industry over 15 years across marketing, consumer insights and analytics.  She currently heads the Brand Marketing team at Perfect Snacks, the pioneer of refrigerated protein bars. In her role, Meredith leads all brand building efforts including brand strategy, communications, organic, paid and earned media, influencer marketing and partnerships.  She previously spent 10 years at PepsiCo in various marketing, innovation and insights roles across the Quaker and Tropicana businesses, as well as 5 years at Nielsen on CPG and pharma clients.  Meredith is a lover of all things wellness, and is passionate about fueling the next generation with a healthy lifestyle.  She lives in downtown Chicago with her husband, two toddlers and two dogs.

Bree Kelley

Senior Manager Social Media Marketing, Nestlé

Bree Kelley is a Sr. Social Media and Influencer Marketing Manager at Nestle USA. In her current role, she focuses on driving relevance, engagement, and connection with consumers through digital-first social media and creator content strategies. She has managed social media and influencer marketing at both social media agencies and large corporations across a variety of industries to include, CPG, Food & Beverage, Tourism & Hospitality, and more. Bree resides in Cleveland, OH where she loves to host and entertain friends and family.

Bryan Waddell

Brand Marketing Manager - Hot Pockets, Nestlé

I am a decision-maker and calculated risk taker well-versed in all things CPG, and over the last 15+ years I have focused on getting brands excited about bridging digital and physical worlds through uniquely integrated marketing programs across North America. I specialize in driving brand relevance through a modern mix of techniques and platforms while challenging traditions and norms.

Currently, I serve as the Communications Marketing Manager for the Hot Pockets brand at Nestlé USA. Previously, I served as the Head - Creators, Gaming and Esports within Nestlé’s Center for Marketing Excellence servicing the full brand portfolio at Nestlé USA including Stouffer’s, DiGiorno Pizza, Toll House, Coffee Mate and others. I also lend my industry expertise to Nestlé USA’s companywide innovation directives. Additional positions held were COO for Civitas Marketing (Experiential and Sponsorship Marketing) and, prior to that, was the Creative Technologies Director for Artists with Machines (Design, Fabrication, and Installation) both in Columbus, OH.

Throughout the course of my career, I have worked a wide range of design, retail, digital marketing, and consumer engagement projects/campaigns for some of the world’s largest brands including: Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream, Major League Soccer, REI, Chili’s, Dave & Buster’s, Pizza Hut, Victoria’s Secret, EXPRESS, Bath and Body Works, Red Robin, Kroger and Wendy’s.

I hold an MA in Emergent Digital Practices from the University of Denver and a BFA in Studio Arts from Kent State University.

Holly Spaeth

Vice President, Corporate Branding & Partnerships, Polaris

Holly is a seasoned marketing leader with an extensive background ranging from digital strategy to brand transformation. Early in her career, she honed her craft at various advertising agencies, where she established numerous social media departments but truly touched all things digital. During this portion of her career, she had the honor of working on brands like Carmex, General Motors, Hills Pet, GoGirl, and beyond. Holly eventually grabbed a helmet and joined Polaris. In her 10 years with the organization, she built a social media practice that increased consumer engagements by a triple-digit percentage, led a 45- person global content team that decreased publishing costs by 10X, helped establish and launch the ‘Geared For Good’ corporate responsibility platform and ESG framework, strategized unique partnerships and activations with entities like Battlefield and the Minnesota Vikings, and led the company’s global brand transformation inclusive of writing the company tagline, THINK OUTSIDE.

Holly and her work have been recognized by Forrester, Holmes Report, DMNews, The CLIO Awards,

PRSA, AdFed, The Telly Awards, Mogul, and The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. While she would describe her passion as work, in her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband, Carl, and their two dogs, Dixie and Otis. She would also say she is happiest on a boat or traveling to a new place.

Erin Griffin

Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Riddell

Erin Griffin serves as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Riddell, which is the senior-most position for these functions within the organization. Her responsibilities include leading the company’s integrated marketing efforts and all aspects of communications. She is a member of Riddell’s executive leadership team and reports to the President and CEO, Dan Arment. Griffin is also Vice President of Corporate Communications for Riddell's parent company, BRG Sports.

Throughout her over 10 years with Riddell, Griffin has played an integral role in navigating communications and marketing challenges associated with the brand and sport of football. Under Griffin’s leadership, Riddell has been further positioned as the industry leader in football innovation, generated favorable media coverage and consumer sentiment, transformed into a more customer-centric brand, and built goodwill within the football community. Notable accomplishments include securing the company’s first-ever brand ambassador, Peyton Manning, supporting the successful launch of the Axiom and SpeedFlex helmets, the introduction of Precision-Fit, Diamond, and InSite technologies, leading the company’s partnership with the NFL’s football development team, and instituting Riddell’s grassroots giveback program Smarter Football.

Griffin joined Riddell in 2012 as the media relations manager and advanced swiftly, having held a number of leadership positions within the communications and marketing functions. Today, Griffin is on the executive team reporting to the CEO and leads communications efforts for Riddell’s parent company, BRG Sports. 

Previously, Griffin was an account director for Burson Cohn & Wolfe multinational integrated communications agency serving clients including Nike, Dell, Corner Bakery Cafe, and others. She began her career leading team public and community relations for the Arena Football League’s Austin Wranglers. While with the Wranglers, Griffin also managed publicity for team part-owner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.

Griffin has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and communications, with a focus on marketing and PR, from Aquinas College, where she played collegiate soccer and was named an academic All-American. 

Griffin is on the board of Special Spectators and is involved with the National Football Foundation. Outside work, she enjoys sports, traveling, and fitness, and is an avid dog lover. Griffin resides in Chicago and is married to Jean-Baptiste Jean, a bonus mom to Madison (14), and a mom to dog Lucky.

Cory Sexson

Senior Director, Innovation, Tropicana 

Cory currently leads the innovation team at Tropicana Brands Group, charged with building and executing innovation for a portfolio of some of the world’s most iconic juice brands including Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, and Dole. Since joining Tropicana Brands Group, Cory has been credited with transforming the company’s approach to innovation with a focus on speed to market and agility. As a result, Cory and his team have built a robust pipeline of innovation with impressive results, including the most recent launch of Tropicana Premium Drinks recognized by IRI as a top ten breakthrough beverage brand.

Prior to joining Tropicana Brands Group, Cory spent four years at PepsiCo working on a variety of brands such as Quaker, Pearl Milling Company, and Health Warrior, and another four years at Tyson Foods working on storied brands such as Jimmy Dean and Tyson. When he’s not in the office, Cory can be found playing soccer at the local pitch, hanging out at the beach (Lake Michigan has beaches!) with his family, or sneaking up to Wisconsin for a weekend cabin trip.

Sam Lev

Director, Enterprise Planning, Media and Performance, Walgreens

Sam is the Director of Enterprise Planning, Media and Performance at Walgreens, focused on growing Walgreens’ Enterprise approach to annual planning, media strategy, partnerships and media measurement. She has a decade of experience on both the client and agency side working across the retail, insurance, CPG and QSR industries on brands like McDonald’s, State Farm and PepsiCo. Samantha has deep experience in driving transformative cross-channel strategies across national and local media and a passion for connecting trends, data and insights to drive meaningful results.

Mitchell Cooper

Brand Manager - KitchenAid Small Appliances, Whirlpool Corporation

Mitchell Cooper is a brand marketing professional based in Chicago, IL with 10+ years of global marketing experience. He is a consumer-obsessed marketing strategist with experience in FMCG Shelf-Stable and Fresh Products, Beverage/Alcohol, and Consumer Electronics/Appliances.

Currently at Whirlpool Corporation, Mitchell is the brand communications lead for KitchenAid Small Appliances in the United States, overseeing full-funnel campaign strategy, content strategy & creative development, media planning across traditional and emerging channels, social media, PR and influencer marketing, and experiential marketing. Always a change agent, Mitchell brings his consumer-first approach to Whirlpool Corporation where he launched the #MadeWithKitchenAid campaign, bridging humanity and user-acquisition by authentically featuring real consumers in KitchenAid advertising showing their brand love by doing what they do best-- by making.

Prior to joining the KitchenAid brand team, Mitchell held brand leadership positions at Mizkan America, where he led the Angostura bitters business in the US, Canada, and Mexico, at Smithfield Foods, leading regional and national deli and packaged meat brands, and at Trusted Media Brands (fka Reader’s Digest Association).

2021 for All Regions
West Coast 2021

Brand Innovators Announces Ninth Annual List Of ’40 Under 40′ Brand Marketers in The West Coast U.S.

Honorees were nominated by the Brand Innovators community which includes more than 25,000 brand side marketers across the US, Canada and UK. Winners were then selected by the Brand Innovators editorial team based on their professional accomplishments, expertise in leveraging digital media and emerging advertising technology platforms and a drive to continually keep their respective brands on the cutting edge of innovation.

Following is the Brand Innovators ’40 Under 40′ West Coast Class of 2021:

  • Kennedy Reynolds, Vice President, Brand and Content, Acorns
  • Angelic Vendette, VP Marketing, Alo Yoga
  • Kayla Nocket, Media Execution Lead, Apple
  • Dani Ingram, Director, Applebee's Brand Marketing, Applebee's
  • Alissa Norby, VP, Digital Content and Strategy, BRON Studios
  • Kim Caldbeck, Chief Marketing Officer, Coursera
  • Emily Sly, VP, Global Marketing, Crocs, Inc.
  • Ashley Cartwright, Vice President, Media Planning & Strategy, Disney
  • Gayitri Budhraja, VP of Brand, e.l.f. Beauty, e.l.f. Beauty
  • Laurel Stark, Creative Director, The Sims, EA
  • Elle McCarthy, VP, EA Brand, EA
  • Patrick Benson, Senior Manager Social, El Pollo Loco
  • Diana Wolff, Global Head of Social Marketing, Facebook for Business, Facebook
  • Austin Ratner, Senior Partnerships Marketing Manager, Freshly
  • Bailey Mobley, Social Media Manager, Guess?
  • Shray Joshi, Head of Digital and Growth, Health-Ade
  • Lou Dubois, Director of Global Editorial Content, Hilton
  • Crystal Vinesse Thomas, Global Brand Leader Lifestyle/Luxury Brands, Hyatt Hotels
  • Michelle Grieco, Marketing Director, Icelandic Glacial
  • Erin Dress, Director Retail Marketing, Impossible Foods
  • Hannah Son, Director User Acquisition, JibJab
  • Meredith Lavery, Vice President, Marketing - Colorado Avalanche, KSE - Colorado Avalanche
  • Justis Kao, Chief Communications Officer / Head of Music, Loop Media, Inc.
  • Bryna Corcoran, Director of Social Media, Lyft
  • Christine Lustig, Lead, Media Investment, Meta
  • Katie Jokipii, VP, Growth and Retention Marketing, MeUndies
  • Meagan Yip, Director of Growth Marketing, MeUndies
  • Colleen Stauffer, Global Head of Creator Marketing, Pinterest
  • Josh Culver, Executive Director of Integrated Marketing, RE/MAX, LLC
  • Katharine Davis, Director of Communications, RE/MAX, LLC
  • Jenny Latz, Director of Shopper Marketing, Red Bull
  • Chelsie Arvizu, Director of eCommerce, Ripple Foods
  • Kara Richmond, Sr. Director of brand marketing, Tailored Brands
  • Jessica Wong, Global Director of Innovations + Development, TikTok
  • Alivia Birdwell, Global Lead, Creative & Content Strategy at Tile, Tile
  • Sandra Cordero, Senior Manager, Customer Messaging, Torrid
  • Sebastien Reyes, Vice President, Communications, U-Haul International
  • Itay Rahat, VP Product, Audiences & Marketing Technology, Warner Music Group
  • Michael Ribero, Chief Subscription Officer, WashPost
  • Kim Freer, CMO, CMO, Wetzel’s Pretzels
South 2021

Brand Innovators Announces Ninth Annual List Of ’40 Under 40′ Brand Marketers in The South U.S.

Honorees were nominated by the Brand Innovators community which includes more than 25,000 brand side marketers across the US, Canada and UK. Winners were then selected by the Brand Innovators editorial team based on their professional accomplishments, expertise in leveraging digital media and emerging advertising technology platforms and a drive to continually keep their respective brands on the cutting edge of innovation.

Following is the Brand Innovators ’40 Under 40′ South Class of 2021:

  • Amy Craven, Director, Brand & Advertising, American Airlines
  • Ryan Luckey, AVP, Corporate Brand Marketing, AT&T
  • Jorge Almeida, Senior Digital Marketing Manager, Avocados from Mexico
  • Gabriela McCoy, Director of Grey Goose, Patron & Agave Portfolio, Bacardi
  • Dave Levin, VP of Marketing, CareerBuilder
  • Jordan Lalor, Manger Creative Strategy & Content, Coca-Cola
  • Michael Pittman, Global Director, Next Generation Social Media Capabilities, Coca-Cola
  • Jeff Haynes, Brand Manager of Innovation, Cox Communications
  • Shannon Womack, General Manager, Brand Communications, Delta Airlines
  • Luis Martinez, Director, Marketing Intelligence and CRM, Denny's
  • Sarah Groves, Senior Director, Global Integrated Communications, ExxonMobil 
  • Emily Allen, Omnichannel Marketing Grocery Lead, Georgia-Pacific
  • Teresa Bossong, Senior Director, Content/Agency Strategy, Georgia-Pacific
  • Kristi Gole, VP, Head of Transformation, Global Hotel Alliance
  • Arianna Orpello Lewko, Head of Marketing, Consumer Bank/Marcus, Goldman Sachs
  • Brittany Clauss, Director of Media Strategy and Planning, Hilton
  • Lisa Copeland, Director, Customer Acquisition and Activation, Hilton
  • Adwoa Frimpong, Program Director, Global Marketing, IBM
  • Shermika Anglin, Senior Channel Marketing Manager, Kimberly-Clark
  • Bailey Surrett, Director of Brand Advertising, Lowe's Companies, Inc.
  • Christine Kettmer, Senior Director, Global Enterprise Insight & Strategy, Marriott International
  • Holly Waisanen-Hatipoglu, Vice President, Loyalty and Card Analytics, Marriott International
  • Sam Niburg, Global Digital Innovation Director, McCormick & Co.
  • Keri Richardson, AMG Product / Brand Manager, Mercedes-Benz USA
  • Cedric Brown, Director of Digital Programs, Miami Heat
  • Sebastian Saldarriaga, Group Director, Social Media, Neiman Marcus Group
  • Sarah Holley, Marketing Manager, Nestle USA
  • Whitney Magnuson, Senior Director, Social Marketing, Northwestern Mutual
  • James Clarke, Sr. Director, Digital and Social, PepsiCo
  • Courtney Vogel, Chief Transformation Officer, Pizza Hut International
  • Yvette Davis, Associate Director, Category Brand Marketing, Sam's Club
  • Hassan Anjum, Director, Product Marketing and Strategy, Samsung Electronics America
  • Casey Terrell, Sr. Director of Marketing, Schlotzsky's
  • Kimberley Hickman, Senior Manager, Integrated Campaign Management, Southwest Airlines
  • Anne Stringer, Brand Director: PORTER-CABLE, Stanley Black & Decker
  • LeJeanne Thomas, Media Strategy Manager, The Home Depot
  • Allie Wester, Director, Marketing Communications, Tito’s Handmade Vodka
  • Amanda Bailey, Vice President, CRM & Loyalty, Marketing, Tory Burch
  • Christiana DiMattesa, Senior Director, Americas DTC Marketing, Under Armour
  • Andrew Kim, Director, Media & Analytics, Walker & Co
  • Taiya Ryan, Director, Global Brand Marketing, Pizza Hut, Yum! Brands
Midwest 2021

Brand Innovators Announces Ninth Annual List Of ’40 Under 40′ Brand Marketers in The Midwest U.S.

Honorees were nominated by the Brand Innovators community which includes more than 25,000 brand side marketers across the US, Canada and UK. Winners were then selected by the Brand Innovators editorial team based on their professional accomplishments, expertise in leveraging digital media and emerging advertising technology platforms and a drive to continually keep their respective brands on the cutting edge of innovation.

Following is the Brand Innovators ’40 Under 40′ Midwest Class of 2021:

  • Lisa Woodward, Director of Sponsorships, Anheuser-Busch
  • Jason Pirock, VP of Marketing, Aparium Hotel Group
  • Rachael Dillon, Executive Director, Global Communications and Influencer Relations, Aveda
  • Thomas McShane, Chief Marketing Officer, City Electric Supply Co
  • Erin Levzow, Vice President of Marketing Technology, Del Taco Restaurant
  • Christopher Thomas-Moore, Vice President, Media, Digital Marketing & Product, Domino's
  • Kate Trumbull, Vice President Advertising & Hispanic Marketing, Domino's
  • Sarindee Patel, Head of Event Production, Retail & Events Americas @ Dyson, Dyso
  • Lainey Johnson, Head of Paid Media, Ernst & Young
  • Sheila Conlon, Director of Digital Marketing, Evereve
  • Kathleen Murphy, Director, Digital Strategy, GivingTuesday
  • Kelli Nicolson, Director Global Brand Marketing & Social Media, Groupon
  • Andy Martinson, Sr Marketing Manager, Media & Strategy, H&R Block
  • Lauren Dubnow, Sr. Manager of Global Media, Measurement & Partnerships, Kellogg Company
  • Shannon Loritz, Senior Manager - Experience Planning, Influencer Strategy, Social Strategy, Kellogg Company
  • Laurel May, Associate Director, Ecommerce Marketing, Kraft Heinz Company
  • Emily Hartmann, Director, Brand Building, Kroger
  • Alex Tokatlian, Director Brand Marketing, Marco's Pizza
  • Ashley Findlay, Marketing Director, Ben's Original, Mars Food
  • Mary Vrancic, Director, Digital Marketing, McDonald's
  • Guillaume Huin, Director Social Media, McDonald's USA
  • Bill Cramblit, Sr Mgr Mkting Analytics and Optimization, Molson Coors Beverage Company
  • Megan Sullivan, Director, Global Digital Strategy & Prioritization, McDonald's USA
  • Eric Wellinghoff, CMO, Nehemiah Manufacturing Company
  • Kelsey Postal, Director Brand Marketing, Panera
  • Michelle McAlister, Senior Director, Brand Marketing, PepsiCo
  • Ally Schnitzer, Manager, Real Time Optimization NA Media, PepsiCo
  • Dani Soper, Brand Manager, Perrigo
  • Collett Mazula, Senior Manager, Slingshot Marketing, Polaris
  • Steve St-Germain, Media and Digital Media Manager, Stellantis
  • Flora Ekpe-Idang, Senior Marketing Manager, Target
  • Jennifer Strecker, Social Campaign Manager, U.S. Bank
  • Katie Berry, Director, Agency Relations, U.S. Bank
  • Derek Russell, Manager - Global Sponsorship Activation, United Airlines
  • Melinda Frias, Sr. Director, Digital Insights and Strategy, UnitedHealth Group
  • Priyanka Rathore, Brand Manager - Kitchenaid, Whirlpool Corporation
  • Marie Cottrell, Brand Manager, White Castle System, Inc.
  • Emily Josephson, Associate Director of Marketing, Whole Earth Brands
  • Mandy Gove, Marketing Lead, Brand & Lead Generation, Ziebart
Northeast 2021

Brand Innovators Announces Ninth Annual List Of ’40 Under 40′ Brand Marketers in The Northeast U.S.

Honorees were nominated by the Brand Innovators community which includes more than 25,000 brand side marketers across the US, Canada and UK. Winners were then selected by the Brand Innovators editorial team based on their professional accomplishments, expertise in leveraging digital media and emerging advertising technology platforms and a drive to continually keep their respective brands on the cutting edge of innovation.

Following is the Brand Innovators ’40 Under 40′ Northeast Class of 2021:

  • Sara Resnick, Vice President, Enterprise SEO & Partnerships, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.
  • Robert Hagemann, Chief Marketing Officer, Aether Diamonds
  • Ashley Schapiro, VP MARKETING, MEDIA, PERFORMANCE & ENGAGEMENT, American Eagle
  • Arielle Isackson, Director, Digital Marketing, Augustinus Bader
  • Adrian Molina, Senior Brand Marketing Manager, Aviation Gin
  • Stephanie Linker, Head of Retirement Marketing, BlackRock
  • Chris Marino, Global Head of Performance Marketing & Media, Bloomberg Media
  • Anne Marie Gianutsos, Chief Marketing Officer, Drone Racing League
  • Tiara Puglisi, Director, Brand Marketing, Sims & Skate, EA
  • Deepa Sen, Head of Strategy, Marcom, EA Games, EA
  • Miguel Zorrilla, Brand Director – Butterfinger, Ferrero
  • Sandra Pope, VP of Marketing, fresh&co
  • Rachel Mansfield, VP of Marketing, Getaway
  • Obehi Remi-John, Brand Director, GSK
  • Michelle Frank, Director of Global eCommerce, Harman International Industries, Inc.
  • Sarah Madey, Director - Global Franchise Strategy & Management, Hasbro Inc.
  • Jessica David, Product Brand Manager, Intel
  • Tracy Ann Lim, Chief Media Officer, JPMorgan Chase
  • Bridget Nelson, Head of Brand Performance, Mass Mutual
  • Morgan Ferrarotti, Head of Strategic Marketing Activations for Stanley Black and Decker
  • Chandra Cooks, Marketing Director, Mented Cosmetics
  • Andrew Fried, SVP, Direct to Consumer, Mint Mobile
  • Jackie Porazzi, Social Media Content Manager, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment
  • Sally Barton, Marketing Excellence Lead, Mondelēz
  • Tim Southerland, Manager, Media Strategy, NBA
  • Lauren Gamsey, VP, Marketing, NBC News
  • Maurice Jennings, Sr Director, Brand & Influencer Marketing, NFL
  • Gilbertson Cuffy, Marketing Director - Pepsi TM, PepsiCo
  • Zach Harris, VP of Marketing, Water Portfolio, PepsiCo Beverages North America
  • Angelica Scibilio, Director of Communications & Content, The Glenlivet, Pernod Ricard
  • Devaunshi Mahadevia, Brand Director, Pernod Ricard
  • Rahul Chowdhury, Chief Marketing Officer, Qunol
  • Courtney Anzalone, Director, Digital Marketing, Reebok
  • Len Maldonado, Director of Media, SIMON
  • Arianna Orpello Lewko, Head of Marketing, Consumer Bank/Marcus, Goldman Sachs
  • Jen (Hayes) Lee, Head of Marketing, The Bump (The Knot Worldwide)
  • Eden Zeilo, Director of Global Brand Marketing, Unilever
  • Sasha Lucas, Head of Digital, Verizon
  • Ciji-Danielle Robinson, Senior Director, Growth Marketing Strategy, ViacomCBS
  • Kara Cassella, Director, Audience Strategy - HBO/HBO Max, Warner Media
2019 for All Regions
Southeast 2019

Brand Innovators Announces Seventh Annual List Of ’40 Under 40′ Brand Marketers in The Southeast U.S.

Honorees were nominated by the Brand Innovators community which includes more than 25,000 brand side marketers across the US, Canada and UK. Winners were then selected by the Brand Innovators editorial team based on their professional accomplishments, expertise in leveraging digital media and emerging advertising technology platforms and a drive to continually keep their respective brands on the cutting edge of innovation.

Following is the Brand Innovators ’40 Under 40′ Southeast Class of 2019:

  • Amy Craven, Director, Brand Advertising, American Airlines
  • Zoe Glade, Vice President, Digital Marketing, American Cancer Society
  • John Stancliffe, Manager, Social Media, AT&T
  • Amber Dugan, Associate Director, TV & Internet Offers Merchandising, Strategy & Execution, AT&T
  • Erika Treto, Associate Director eCommerce, AT&T
  • Shirley Zhang, Sr. Creative Director, Atlanta Hawks
  • Annabelle Bower, Manager, Advertising & Promotions, Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena
  • Sarah Kate, Noftsinger, Head of Marketing & Engagement, Atlanta United
  • David Rule, Vice President, Marketing, Austin Eastciders
  • Matt Hudson, Mobile Delivery Manager, Belk
  • Jessica Snyder, Brand Manager, Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Dustin Britt, Director, Media, Chick-fil-A
  • Alan Magee, Vice President, Digital Marketing & Technology, Church's Chicken
  • Rafael Lopez, Head of Media and Digital - LATAM, Coty
  • Heather Hudgins, Brand Communications Strategist, Delta Air Lines
  • Jocelyn Merisca, Customer Engagement & Loyalty Manager, Delta Air Lines
  • Mario Suffern, Global Marketing Manager, Focus Brands
  • Tia Cummings, Global Director, Brand and Commercial Performance, Holiday Inn Express, IHG
  • Shivram Vaidesswaran Chief Marketing Officer Jamba Juice
  • Mitsi Portwood, Senior Manager, Brand Marketing, Krystal
  • Joe Artime, VP Marketing - Perkin's Restaurant
  • Jordan Lalor, Senior Social Media Specialist, Mercedes-Benz USA
  • Jenny Williams, Marketing Director, Moe's Southwest Grill
  • Carson Hornsby, Senior Brand and Marketing Specialist, NASCO
  • Jonathan Stephen, Senior Manager of Mobile Strategy & Digital Engagement, Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Maritza McLendon, Senior Marketing Manager, OshKosh B'Gosh
  • Mogul Maegan, Brand Partner Portfolio Manager, Porsche Cars North America
  • Jessica Black, Luxury Travel Manager, Porsche Cars North America
  • Stephanie Wicky, Group Director, Marketing Supply Chain & Dedicated Transportation Solutions, Ryder System
  • Ashley Mackel, Regional Marketing Manager, Shake Shack
  • Brooks Thomas, Social Business, Senior Advisor, Southwest Airlines
  • Nicole Pierre-Louis, Brand Marketing Manager, The Clorox Company
  • Allie Blaylock, Digital Engagement Manager, Digital Platforms & Innovation, The Coca-Cola Company
  • Lauren Forbes Couch, Senior Manager, Digital Platforms & Innovation, The Coca-Cola Company
  • Laisha Washington, Manager, Connections Investment & Performance The Coca-Cola Company
  • Jessica Gibson, Senior Manager, Loyalty Strategy, The Home Depot
  • Tim Ziga, Product Development Manager, The Honey Baked Ham Company
Midwest 2019

Brand Innovators Announces Seventh Annual List Of ’40 Under 40′ Brand Marketers in The Midwestern U.S.

Reception for the Class of 2019 and their guests was held at a Rooftop Event at Wrigley Field during Brand Innovators BrandFest Chicago.

in the Midwestern U.S. The group was honored during a VIP reception at MillerCoors, on the evening of Wednesday, June 6, during the 4th annual Brand Marketing Week Chicago, June 5-7.

CHICAGO, June 24, 2019– Brand Innovators has announced its seventh annual list of “40 Under 40” brand marketers in the Midwestern U.S. The group was honored during a VIP reception at Wrigley Field at a Rooftop Event, on the evening of Wednesday, June 5, during the 5th annual Brand Innovators BrandFest Chicago, June 4-6.

“These outstanding young marketing professionals are operating at extremely high levels of performance, ideating and leading some of the world’s most compelling innovations in marketing, amidst the backdrop of an extremely complex consumer media environment,” said Brandon Gutman, co-founder of Brand Innovators.

“We’re thrilled to honor these talented marketing executives; whose work is among the most innovative in the world. Through them, we’re getting a first look at how brand marketing is likely to be done for years to come,” added Marc Sternberg, co-founder of Brand Innovators.

Honorees were nominated by the Brand Innovators community which includes more than 25,000 brand side marketers across the US, Canada and UK. Winners were then selected by the Brand Innovators editorial team based on their professional accomplishments, expertise in leveraging digital media and emerging advertising technology platforms and a drive to continually keep their respective brands on the cutting edge of innovation.

Following is the Brand Innovators ’40 Under 40′ Midwest Class of 2019:

  • Dalia Adler, Associate Director of Marketing – Heinz, The Kraft Heinz Company
  • Thomas Allen, Director, Digital & CRM, Bridgestone
  • Courtney Ballantini, Sr. Director Media & Consumer Engagement, Tyson Foods
  • Sarah Bierig, Marketing Director, Head of Media & Digital Capabilities, PepsiCo
  • Talia Brookshire, Vice President, Marketing and Community Outreach, Sky Zone Indiana
  • Brandon Broxey, Director Brand Marketing, Best Buy
  • Erik Brust, CEO, Jonny Pops
  • Alfredo Carigga, Director of Store Systems & Enterprise Mobility, ULTA Beauty
  • Michelle Chirco, Marketing Lead – Customer Relationship Management, Ziebart International Corporation
  • Rachael Dillon, Executive Director, Global Communications and Influencer Relations, Aveda
  • Ashley Dudzik, Senior Brand Manager, Morningstar
  • Nora Esposito, AVP Digital Marketing, Bath & Body Works
  • Spencer Fivelson, Brand Director, Protein Snacks, Conagra Brands
  • Ryan Foley, Head of Brand, Senior Director of Marketing, Groupon
  • Erin Gulden, VP, Director of Inbound Marketing, U.S. Bank
  • Kathleen Judge, Senior Director, Digital Marketing, Orbitz Worldwide
  • Scott Kegley, Executive Director of Digital Media & Innovation, Minnesota Vikings
  • Claudia Klug, Executive Director, Consumer Insights, Aveda
  • Cameron Koslow, Senior Marketing Manager, Empire Today
  • Andy Leapaldt, Director Digital Strategy & E-commerce, SuperValu
  • Nathan Louer, Director, Consumer Engagement, Jimmy John’s
  • Ryan Meyers, Director of Social Media & Digital Platforms, Cresco Labs
  • Elly Moody, Digital Communications Manager, McDonald’s Corporation
  • Troy Neidermire, Senior Director – Digital Media, Search/Email/Affiliate Marketing, Target
  • Robert Nelson, Sr. Marketing Director – Jim Beam, Beam Suntory
  • Charlie Newberger, Senior Director Of Marketing, McDonald’s Corporation
  • Aaron Newhouse, Director, Shopper Marketing, Conagra Brands
  • Elena Parlatore, Director Ecommerce, PepsiCo
  • Julia Reardon, Brand Manager, RTD and Refreshment, Beam Suntory
  • Cory Rothschild, Head of Brand Marketing, Cresco Labs
  • Claire Schaul, Director, Personal Loans Marketing, Discover Financial Services
  • Scott Schraufnagel, Director of Integrated Marketing Communications – Purina, Land O’Lakes
  • Jessica Soddy, Marketing Manager, State Farm
  • Jeff Stender, Sr. Manager, Global Digital Transformation , 3M
  • Thu Teesdale, Manager Product Marketing, Robert Bosch
  • Jess Vultaggio, Head of Marketing – Oscar Mayer, The Kraft Heinz Company
  • Gary Weintrab, Director, Drugstore Class of Trade, SC Johnson
  • Ethelbert Williams, Head of eCommerce, The Boston Beer Company
  • Katie Wong, Brand Experience Senior Manager, Partnerships, General Mills
  • Laura Yarbrough, Senior Manager Ecommerce, Nestle
Northeast 2019

Brand Innovators Announces Seventh Annual List Of ’40 Under 40′ Brand Marketers in The Northeast U.S.

Honorees were nominated by the Brand Innovators community which includes more than 25,000 brand side marketers across the US, Canada and UK. Winners were then selected by the Brand Innovators editorial team based on their professional accomplishments, expertise in leveraging digital media and emerging advertising technology platforms and a drive to continually keep their respective brands on the cutting edge of innovation.

Following is the Brand Innovators ’40 Under 40′ Northeast Class of 2019:

  • Stephanie Miller, Director, Digital & Emerging Media, Verizon
  • Will Carafello, Director, Social Media, New York Mets
  • Vinny Rinaldi, Head of Addressable Media and Technology, The Hershey Company
  • Allison Stadd, VP Marketing, Bark
  • Vivian Chang, VP Growth, Nutranext DTC, Clorox
  • Rachael Wolfson, Director, Global Media, Consumer Engagement, Estée Lauder Companies Inc
  • Nina Alexander Hurst, Senior Director, Brand Marketing – Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, Hilton
  • Stephen McDonagh, Director, Digital Marketing and Growth Brands, 1800 Flowers
  • Ashley Harding, Managing Director, Growth & Engagement Marketing, The New York Times
  • Janis Huang, Executive Director, Marketing & Media Strategy, The New York Times
  • Jessica Burns, VP Brand Marketing & Creative, Grubhub / Seamless
  • Judd Pratt-Heaney, Senior Director, Global Sales & Marketing, WWE
  • Spencer Gordon, Sr. Director, Digital, Anheuser Busch
  • Nabeel Alamgir, Chief Marketing Officer, Bareburger
  • Eddie Revis, Vice President, Brand Marketing & Media Chobani
  • Blair Aires, Senior Director Communications, Chobani
  • Anne Balestrieri, Media Manager, Heineken
  • Amy Marino, Vice President, Global Social Media, Content & Talent Strategy American Express
  • Brad Blondes, Vice President of Brand Creative and Design, MetLife
  • Matt Fantazier, Director, Digital Strategy, Johnson & Johnson
  • Jessica Redler Director, Digital Media & Content Shiseido Americas Corporation
  • Bette Ann Schlossberg, Director, Influencer Marketing, Lyft
  • Janna Zagari Director, Audience Engagement SiriusXM
  • Alphonzo Terrell Director, Digital and Social Marketing HBO
  • Melissa Hughes, Global Marketing Director, L’Oreal
  • HL Ray, VP, Marketing, Brand Experience & Business Development, Samsung Electronics America
  • Heather Fresco, Senior Manager, Digital Customer Experience, Avis Budget Group
  • Paul Gelb Head of Social & Programmatic, Bayer
  • Taylor Foxman, Director of External Communications and Customer Success, Pernod Ricard USA
  • Jacob Messina, Senior Director eCommerce & Performance Marketing, Loews Hotels
  • Kathy Azeez, VP – Digital Experience & Marketing, American Express
  • Nathan James, Director, North America Media & Analytics, PepsiCo
  • Dana Flax, VP Digital Marketing & Content, HBO
  • Ryan Curran, Director, Brand Marketing, Peleton
  • Bhalla Pankaj, Brand Director, P&G
  • Walter Frye, VP Global Brand Engagement, American Express
  • Sophia Viridaud, Senior Brand Marketing Manager, Schwarzkopf, Henkel
  • Selena Kalvaria, SVP Brand, Away
  • Brian Magida, Senior Director, Performance Marketing, Warby Parker
  • Eva Valerio, Director, Global Digital, Social and CRM The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Northwest 2019

Brand Innovators Announces Seventh Annual List Of ’40 Under 40′ Brand Marketers in The Northwestern U.S.

Reception for the Class of 2019 and their guests was held at the Battery Club during Brand Innovators BrandFest San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, June 24, 2019– Brand Innovators has announced its seventh annual list of “40 Under 40” brand marketers in the Northwest U.S. The group was honored during a VIP reception at the Battery Club, on the evening of Monday, June 24, during the 4th annual Brand Innovators BrandFest San Francisco, June 24-26.

“These outstanding young marketing professionals are operating at extremely high levels of performance, ideating and leading some of the world’s most compelling innovations in marketing, amidst the backdrop of an extremely complex consumer media environment,” said Brandon Gutman, co-founder of Brand Innovators.

“We’re thrilled to honor these talented marketing executives; whose work is among the most innovative in the world. Through them, we’re getting a first look at how brand marketing is likely to be done for years to come,” added Marc Sternberg, co-founder of Brand Innovators.

Honorees were nominated by the Brand Innovators community which includes more than 25,000 brand side marketers across the US, Canada and UK. Winners were then selected by the Brand Innovators editorial team based on their professional accomplishments, expertise in leveraging digital media and emerging advertising technology platforms and a drive to continually keep their respective brands on the cutting edge of innovation.


Following is the Brand Innovators Northwest Class of 2019:

  • Desi Wiese, Marketing & Customer Acquisition, 23andMe
  • David Gee, Senior Manager, User Acquisition Marketing, HotelTonight, Airbnb
  • Elliott Pesut, Director, Marketing, Alaska Airlines
  • Alma Salazar, Director, Consumer Marketing | Invisalign®, North America, Teen, Align Technology
  • Lindsay Chastain, Senior Director, Global Digital Marketing, Ancestry
  • Abigail Flora, Senior Director of Marketing, Athleta
  • Jen Tank, Head of Creative and Brand Strategy, Brandless
  • Robecta Ma, Vice President of Marketing, Airbnb
  • Beau Vasquez, Sr. Director, Integrated Marketing, DocuSign
  • Peter Michaelian, Director, Product Experiences, Dolby Laboratories
  • David Bornoff, Head of Brand and Creative DoorDash
  • Christine Hunt, Director of Acquisition, e.l.f. Cosmetics
  • Victoria Ekwenuke, Global Brand Manager, eBay
  • Doug Thielen, Integrated Brand Marketing and Content Strategy, Filson
  • Bryan Strauss, Sr. Director, Performance Media, Golden State Warriors
  • Kayla Glanville, Head of Growth, Hill City
  • Guillaume McIntyre, Head of Acquisition Marketing, Instacart
  • Kim Tanimoto, Global Media Manager, Intel
  • George Olexa, Director of Global Social Media, Intel
  • Michelle Taite, Global Brand Marketing Director (Quickbooks), Intuit
  • Fahad Khawaja, Global Head of Marketing, Johnson & Johnson
  • Charlotte Ronemus, Director, Global Social Media & Influencer, Marketing Kendo Brands
  • Brooke Shapiro, Brand Engagement Manager, Channel, The Clorox Company 
  • Monica Ohara, Head of Acquisition and Growth Media, Lyft
  • Benjamin Lord, Executive Director, Global Omnichannel Marketing, CRM & Loyalty, NARS
  • Orchid Bertelsen, Digital Innovation Lead, Nestle
  • Desmond Marzette, Director of Global Advertising at Nike / Jordan Brand, Nike
  • Zach Riggar, Global Digital Brand Director, Jordan Nike
  • Jennifer Liu Andrews, Director of Marketing, Nordstrom
  • John Della Bona, Marketing Manager, AI and Machine Learning, NVIDIA
  • Hedy Payghambari, Director of Marketing, Media, Papa Murphy's International
  • Lorena Hathaway, Marketing Director, Demand Generation, Americas, Pitney Bowes
  • James Schwartz, Vice President of Marketing and Media Strategies, RE/MAX, LLC
  • Sachin Puri, Head of Global Performance Marketing & Customer Acquisition, Stubhub
  • Meg Ciarallo, Senior Director of Brand Marketing, StubHub
  • Saquib Pasha, Director, Digital Media & Marketing, Norton & LiveLock, Symantec
  • Jennifer Reilly, Associate Director, Brand Engagement, The Clorox Company
  • Nicole Chang Manager, Global Brand, Sponsorships and Innovation Marketing, Visa
  • Tina So, Brand Management - Private Brands, Walmart E-Commerce
  • Greg Comolli, Director, Digital Advertising and Strategy, Wells Fargo

Northwest 2019
Midwest 2019
Northwest List 2019
Northeast 2019
2018 for All Regions
No items found.
Midwest 2018
Northeast 2018
Southeast 2018

NOMINATION  FORM

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