2024 MARKETING LEADERSHIP AWARD

Pioneering CMOs Redefining the Future of Marketing

In a world where change is the only constant, the role of the Chief Marketing Officer has undergone a profound transformation. Amidst unprecedented challenges and a rapidly evolving landscape, a distinguished group of marketing leaders has emerged, not merely navigating uncertainty but harnessing it to drive unparalleled growth and innovation. N2Growth is proud to present the 2024 Marketing Leadership Award, honoring the top 10 CMOs pioneering new frontiers and redefining the future of marketing.

These exceptional leaders have demonstrated remarkable agility, strategic acumen, and a steadfast commitment to delivering value in the face of adversity. They have seamlessly adapted to the post-pandemic reality, embracing cutting-edge technologies, data-driven strategies, and a customer-centric approach to drive meaningful business outcomes.

Marketing Leadership Award 2024 Read Watch Listen

The CMOs recognized by this prestigious award have not only navigated the challenges of the past year but have also laid the foundation for a new era of marketing excellence. They have been at the forefront of leveraging AI, automation, and advanced analytics to deliver highly targeted, personalized campaigns that resonate with customers on a deeper level. They have championed the integration of marketing technology stacks, breaking down silos and enabling seamless, omnichannel experiences that drive engagement and loyalty.

Moreover, these visionary CMOs have demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of balancing short-term commercial objectives with long-term brand building and customer advocacy. They have fostered a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within their organizations, ensuring that marketing is not just a function but a strategic driver of business growth.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, these CMOs have also recognized the critical importance of upskilling their teams and staying ahead of the curve. They have invested in talent development, partnered with industry leaders, and built the capabilities needed to fully harness the potential of emerging technologies and trends.

N2Growth is proud to recognize and applaud the exceptional marketing leaders who are making a difference in their organizations and setting new standards for the industry. We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Marketing Leadership Award. Congratulations to the top 10 Marketing Executives who have earned this prestigious recognition!

These pioneering CMOs embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and leadership that defines marketing excellence in the 21st century. Their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, driving change, and delivering exceptional customer experiences serves as an inspiration to marketing professionals worldwide.

As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded of the pivotal role that marketing plays in driving business success, shaping brands, and creating meaningful connections with customers. The 2024 Marketing Leadership Award not only recognizes the outstanding contributions of these individuals but also sets the stage for a new era of marketing leadership, one defined by agility, innovation, and a relentless focus on delivering value.

At N2Growth, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey, empowering marketing leaders with the insights, strategies, and tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. As we look ahead to the future, we are excited to continue supporting and celebrating the visionaries who are redefining the boundaries of what is possible in marketing.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the exceptional CMOs honored with the 2024 Marketing Leadership Award. Your leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence are an inspiration to us all, and a testament to the boundless potential of marketing to drive change, fuel growth, and shape the future.

Related: Read N2Growth’s Top CHRO List

RankNameTitleCompany
1Antonio LucioAntonio LucioEVP and Global Chief Marketing & Corporate Affairs OfficerHPComputers and Electronics Manufacturing
Antonio Lucio

Antonio Lucio

EVP and Global Chief Marketing & Corporate Affairs Officer

Role Tenure: 4 Months
Ranking: #1 of 10

Antonio Lucio has worked with some of the most recognized companies and iconic brands worldwide. He has held Global Chief Marketing Officer roles for Facebook, HP Inc., and Visa, as well as Chief Innovation and Portfolio Transformation Officer for PepsiCo Inc.

Lucio is a recognized thought leader and global influencer in marketing transformation, known for his compelling vision and commitment to action. Throughout his career, he has successfully driven growth by building businesses, brands, and marketing teams that have withstood the test of time. He is skilled in developing successful strategies that drive revenue by building high-performing teams and marketing ecosystems, infusing deep analytics into effective communication strategies, and driving meaningful innovation throughout the customer’s journey.

He is also known for his inclusive leadership philosophy. For Lucio, diversity is a business imperative. In all his roles, he was able to deliver business results while significantly increasing the representation of women and people of color.

Lucio has regularly appeared on Forbes’s Most Influential CMOs list throughout his career, achieving top five positions in 2017 (#2), 2018 (#4), and 2019 (#3). He has also received numerous Champion of Diversity awards from organizations such as The 3% Conference, ADCOLOR, PR Weekly, and others.

2Alicia TillmanAlicia TillmanChief Marketing OfficerDelta Airlines
Alicia Tillman

Alicia Tillman

Chief Marketing Officer

Role Tenure: 10 Months
Ranking: #2 of 10

Alicia Tillman, an executive leader with more than two decades of experience in global marketing, sales, and strategy, is Delta’s Chief Marketing Officer and a member of the Delta Leadership Committee.

Tillman leads Delta’s brand strategy, overseeing the airline’s world-class global marketing, creative services, and community engagement teams, bringing its story to life and deepening its relationship with customers and the world as a trusted consumer brand. As a member of the DLC, she influences the airline’s vision and strategy.

Tillman’s marketing credentials include leadership experience as the Global Chief Marketing Officer at SAP and an 11-year tenure at American Express, where she led the travel division’s Marketing, Public Affairs, and Business Services. Most recently, she was Chief Revenue Officer of Capitolis, a leading fintech company and one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies.

Tillman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Mass Communication from Lycoming College. She also graduated from the Chief Marketing Officer program at The Kellogg School of Management. Tillman is a board member of Gates Industrial Corporation and RainFocus, and a board trustee and chair of the education committee for The Hun School of Princeton. Forbes has named her one of the Most Influential CMOs in the World.

3Jill KramerJill KramerChief Marketing & Communications OfficerAccentureProfessional Services
Jill Kramer

Jill Kramer

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Role Tenure: 2 Years, 9 MonthsRanking: #3 of 10

Jill Kramer is Accenture’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, leading a global team of approximately 2,000 professionals focused on strengthening the Accenture brand in the marketplace and helping grow the business.
Most recently named one of Forbes’ 50 Most Influential CMOs, she is responsible for brand, advertising, content, digital marketing, social media, corporate and financial communications, industry analyst, media relations and research, insights, and analytics. She is also a member of Accenture’s Global Management Committee.

Previously, Jill led Accenture’s brand and advertising, where she was responsible for the stewardship of the Accenture brand, leading all advertising strategies, creative development, production, media planning, and buying. She also led the creative, media, and communications strategy for the launch of Accenture’s new “Let There Be Change” brand campaign in 2020, the company’s biggest brand move in more than a decade.

Before joining Accenture in 2015, Jill held successive senior leadership roles at BBDO and DDB, two of the world’s most creative agencies, and delivered award-winning core business-to-business brand development, digital marketing, and communications for some of the most iconic brands, including AT&T and ExxonMobil.

Jill serves on the board of directors of the Ad Council and was also named as one of Forbes’ Most Entrepreneurial CMOs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

4Diane HundDiane HundSVP & Chief Marketing OfficerUS FoodsFood and Beverage Services
Diane Hund

Diane Hund

SVP & Chief Marketing Officer

Role Tenure: 7 Years, 4 Months
Ranking: #4 of 10

Diane Hund is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of US Foods, serving in the role since 2018. In this role, Ms. Hund leads US Foods’ corporate, field, and digital marketing activities. This includes all of the elements that enable the US Foods brand promise of “We Help You Make It” to come to life through their various products, programs, and brands.

Ms. Hund joined US Foods as Vice President of Corporate Marketing in 2016 from Essendant, a wholesale distribution company, where she led the marketing efforts for the company’s Business and Facility Essentials Division as Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Brand, serving in the role from 2013 to 2015. Ms. Hund has also held marketing leadership roles with a variety of both B2C and B2B companies, such as Danaher, Boise Cascade (OfficeMax), Rust-Oleum, and Ball Horticultural Company.

5Alex WellerAlex WellerVP, Creative StudioPatagonia

Alex Weller

VP, Creative Studio

Role Tenure: 9 years
Overall Ranking: #5 of 10

As VP, Creative Studio for Patagonia, Alex Weller oversees the creative marketing strategy for the brand. Based at Patagonia’s European Headquarters in Amsterdam, he is responsible for building communities through outdoor sport and environmental activism and amplifying the company’s mission: We’re in business to save our home planet.

Alex is a passionate snowboarder and sits on the board of trustees at Protect Our Winters UK, the UK based climate action charity.

Prior to joining Patagonia, Alex worked for Converse as EMEA Brand Communications Director. He has also held senior marketing roles, both agency-side and at Microsoft.

6Brielle CarusoBrielle CarusoChief Marketing OfficerUncle Nearest, Inc.
Brielle Caruso

Brielle Caruso

Chief Marketing Officer

Role Tenure: 1 Year, 4 Months Ranking: #6 of 10
Uncle Nearest

Brielle Caruso has a diverse and extensive work experience in the marketing and branding industry. Brielle currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Uncle Nearest, Inc. since November 2022. Prior to that, they held the same position at SelvaRey Rum from November 2020 to November 2022.

Before their roles as Chief Marketing Officer, Brielle worked at LVMH from 2017 to 2020 as the Hennessy Cognac Brand Director. Prior to that, they founded and served as the CEO of BLC Communications, an integrative consulting firm specializing in marketing strategy and brand building for lifestyle brands and individuals.

Brielle also has experience at Serralles, USA, as the Marketing Director for Agency Brands from 2010 to 2016. Brielle held the position of Global Brand Manager for Belvedere Vodka at LVMH from 2009 to 2010. Additionally, Brielle worked as the Brand Manager for Belvedere Vodka at Moët Hennessy USA (LVMH) from 2008 to 2009 and as the Merchandising Manager for Belvedere Vodka and other brands at Moët Hennessy USA from 2005 to 2007.

Brielle Caruso earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Media Studies from Rutgers University between the years 1999 and 2003. Additionally, they obtained a certification as a Master Practitioner of Integrative Career, Performance, and Finance Coaching from IWA.

7Raja RajamannarRaja RajamannarChief Marketing & Communications OfficerMastercard
Raja Rajamannar

Raja Rajamannar

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Role Tenure: 11 Years, 3 Months
Ranking: #7 of 10

Raja Rajamannar is an accomplished global marketing executive who has served as the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Mastercard for the last six years. He has been recognized globally as a highly innovative and transformational leader in his field, receiving numerous accolades and awards.

Raja has successfully led the company’s marketing transformation, including the integration of the Marketing and Communication functions, the development of its Priceless experiential platforms, and the creation and deployment of cutting-edge marketing-led business models into the core of the company. He has also overseen the successful evolution of Mastercard’s identity for the digital age, pioneering Mastercard’s move to become a symbol brand, and launching its breakthrough sonic brand platform. Raja serves on the boards of PPL Corporation, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Cintrifuse, the ANA, and the New York City Ballet, and regularly delivers keynote speeches at esteemed marketing and business industry events.

8Kristin LemkauKristin LemkauChief Executive OfficerJ.P. Morgan
Kristin Lemkau

Kristin Lemkau

Chief Executive Officer

Role Tenure: 4 Years, 5 Months
Ranking: #8 of 10

Kristin Lemkau is the CEO of J.P. Morgan Wealth Management at JPMorgan Chase. She oversees the U.S. wealth management division, including Chase Wealth Management, J.P. Morgan Advisors, J.P. Morgan Online Investing, and J.P. Morgan Personal Advisors. J.P. Morgan Wealth Management has more than 5,000 advisors across the United States. In 2022, Kristin was named one of Barron’s “10 People to Watch in Wealth Management.” She reports to Jennifer Piepszak, co-CEO of Consumer & Community Banking.

Most recently, Kristin was the Chief Marketing Officer of JPMorgan Chase, where she led a global marketing team of 2,000 people with a $5B+ marketing budget across the firm. In that role, she was responsible for brand, media, sponsorships, data and analytics, performance marketing, and consumer communications. Kristin helped launch several successful products, including Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Banking, and Freedom Unlimited.

Kristin has been recognized as a leader in the industry. In 2022, she was inducted into Forbes’ CMO Hall of Fame. In 2019, she was named “Marketer of the Year” by The Ad Club and ranked #5 in Forbes’ “World’s Most Influential CMOs.” She has also been named to Entrepreneur’s “50 Most Daring” list, Ad Age’s “Power Players,” and Business Insider’s “50 Most Innovative CMOs in the World.” In addition, the International Radio & Television Society (IRTS) named her to their Hall of Mentorship for her work in advancing diversity.

Kristin is on the Leadership Council for the Robin Hood Foundation in New York City and is a co-founder of the Gun Safety Alliance. She also serves on the board of Global Citizen. She graduated from Vanderbilt University and lives with her family in Rye, New York.

9Ciara AnfieldCiara AnfieldSVP and Chief Member & Marketing OfficerSam’s Club
Ciara Anfield

Ciara Anfield

SVP and Chief Member & Marketing Officer

Role Tenure: 2 Years, 2 Months
Ranking: #9 of 10
Sam's Club

Ciara Anfield serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Member and Marketing Officer for Sam’s Club. In this role, Ciara oversees a broad portfolio of responsibilities that collectively comprise Sam’s Club’s end-to-end member strategy, including Membership, Marketing, and Member Experience.

Ciara joined Walmart in 2008 and has built a broad-ranging career with experience in marketing, strategy, and field operations. In 2013, she transitioned from Marketing to Walmart’s Leverage Strategy team, where she completed a two-year rotational program focused on expanding her view of the Walmart enterprise. Following the program, Ciara transitioned to Market Manager of Walmart Neighborhood Markets in North Alabama, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the Chattanooga, Tennessee metro area, where she successfully opened eight new stores, including one new-to-company omni-channel format, Pickup with Fuel.

Ciara returned to Marketing in 2018 as Senior Director of Retail Experience with a transformed view of the company. This enabled her to effectively implement marketing strategies that immersed the customer in Walmart’s products and brands, including Walmart’s first Black Friday Retailtainment event and various Visual Merchandising, Demo, Associate Engagement, and In-Store Media programs. Following that role, she served as Vice President of Retail Marketing for Walmart U.S., where she led cross-category and seasonal strategic marketing.

Ciara joined Sam’s Club in 2020 as Vice President of Marketing, where her team developed and executed cross-channel strategies designed to build passion for Sam’s Club. She helped elevate the Sam’s Club brand through a variety of innovative programs and events, including Sam’s Club’s first-ever Big Game spot. Earlier in her career, Ciara worked at JPMorgan Chase & Company.

10Fiona CarterFiona CarterChief Marketing OfficerGoldman Sach’s
Fiona Carter

Fiona Carter

Chief Marketing Officer

Role Tenure: 3 Years, 6 Months
Ranking: #10 of 10

Fiona Carter, a trailblazer in marketing, boasts an illustrious career spanning two decades. As the former Chief Brand Officer at a Fortune 500 company, she orchestrated groundbreaking campaigns recognized with numerous industry accolades, including Cannes Lions, Effie Awards, and a Clio.

Carter’s strategic prowess and creative vision have earned her widespread acclaim, culminating in her induction into the Marketing Hall of Fame. With a commitment to innovation and authenticity, she continues to redefine brand storytelling, inspiring both her peers and the next generation of marketers.

The Top 10 CMOs Shaping Leadership Demonstrate the Following Competencies:

  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Champions the value of fostering and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout their organizations and marketing efforts.
  • Empathy: They have the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of others. They drive improved communications, increased engagement, and greater internal and external collaboration.
  • Trust: A trusted advisor, consistent and influential leader throughout the organization, inspiring and empowering their people with the resources needed for successfully creating positive change.
  • Sustainability Champion: Proactively assessing their carbon footprint and advocating ESG-informed marketing strategies both internally and externally.
  • Self Awareness: They engage and learn from others to gain a deep, real-time understanding of their target consumers’ current and evolving needs and values, which they use to influence brand strategy and messaging.
  • Learning Agility: Up to date on the latest technologies and trends in AI, digital marketing, and advertising. They are creative problem solvers, constantly striving to increase their knowledge and skills in this area by remaining curious and resourceful. They are capable of thinking outside the box, and they aren’t afraid to test and learn, leading to novel marketing solutions.

Areas of Expertise

Executive Search Firm | Board, CEO & C-Suite Executive Recruitment - N2Growth

EXECUTIVE SEARCH

Our search practice focuses on Marketing Executives, board and C-Suite searches. The world’s leading brands seek our counsel to build best-in-class leadership teams, to manage performance, and for succession planning.

Find Leaders
Executive coaching, leadership development and assessments - N2Growth

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Our broad portfolio of executive coaching & leadership development services pushes companies and teams to greatness, whether through 1:1 executive coaching or enterprise-wide leadership advisory. There actually is a silver bullet in business – it’s called great leadership.

Develop Leaders