Sales Lead: Rivian selected Kjell Gruner, the former Porsche NA president and CEO, as its chief commercial officer and business growth president. Gruner served in his aforementioned prior role at Porsche for almost three years. He brought marketing expertise from positions such as Porsche's global VP and CMO (2010-2020). Now, he reports directly to Rivian's founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe, and leads commercial functions, which includes marketing duties, to fuel the company'...

Sales lead: Get in touch with the new marketing leader for more information about her plans.  Whataburger created a new position in September 2023 by naming Donna Tuttle marketing & communications VP. Tuttle now handles marketing, consumer insights, customer experience, digital, communications, PR, social media, and events.  Tuttle joined the company in 2017 as brand content director. She most recently served as brand communications & culture group director.  Target demograph...

Sales Lead: Carolyn Chiang Rosebrough became the chief brand and communications officer at Lime, effective September 2023. Chiang Rosebrough joined the company in October 2021 as its global brand and communications head. Before this, she had served as the VP and head of SoulCycle's PR, communications, and community impact. She's focused on developing a clearer brand voice, further define its mission, and strengthening the point-of-view on Lime's purposes and values. Th...

Sales Lead: Climate change organization Parley for the Oceans recently selected DDB as its new creative and innovation AOR. The agency will focus on helping Parley continue welcoming people, culture, and businesses to create a better future. DDB will also support brand reach growth and global fundraising initiatives. The company will likely: Target demographic:  B2C: Cause-oriented consumers B2B: Governments, intergovernmental organizations, etc. Organization...

Sales Lead: Domino's will soon team up with IPG's Elephant to rethink its digital ordering ecosystem, concluding a review. The agency will focus on modernizing Domino's ordering process and highlighting its brand personality and innovation. Domino's online ordering covers 80% of its business, so Elephant will focus on getting the new ordering flow to outperform, inspiring a solidity in research and elevation, and doing so through brand personality. Elephant will work closely with Do...

Sales lead: The company will likely ramp up ad spend throughout the NFL season.  State Farm (SF) just launched its 2023 NFL campaign It includes multiple spots featuring Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Tight End Travis Kelce.  The spots will be supported across broadcast, OLV, CTV, social, digital, and audio. We told you about SF's new agency partner, Highdive, in July.  Target demographic: Millennial male football fans  The company wil...

Sales lead: The acquisition may lead to spend & agency roster shifts.  Hostess Brands (HB) has been acquired by The J.M. Smucker Company. The deal is reportedly worth $5.6b, and HB's employees will join J.M. Smucker.  The transaction includes Hostess, Donettes, Twinkies, CupCakes, DingDongs, Zingers, CoffeeCakes, HoHos, Mini Muffins, Fruit Pies, and Voortman.  Target demographic: Millennial parents Now that it is under new ownership, the company will likely: Continue i...

Sales lead: Reach out now to offer ad space & agency assistance.  Zevia hired Kirsten Suarez as CMO, effective September 2023. Suarez is tasked with leading a brand refresh in addition to marketing and growth strategies.  She joins from Nick's, where she held the same title.  Target demographic: Gen-Zers & millennials seeking healthy beverages The company will likely: Return to 2021 spending levels Experiment with additional ad channels Build out its agency roster ...

Sales lead: Keep an eye on this company so that you are prepared to reach out once it hires a new CMO.  Bed Bath & Beyond (BB&B) lost its CMO, Angela Hsu, who stepped down in September 2023. President Dave Nelsen will handle marketing duties during the search.  This closely follows BB&B merging with Overstock, which resulted in a new company operating under the BB&B name. We will be sure to update you as soon as a replacement is announced.  Target demographic: Gen-X & millenn...

Sales Lead: Curaleaf recently debuted a new brand, Zero Proof. Curaleaf is, per Stash, the US's largest cannabis company by market cap. The new product rolled out in IL and will expand into additional markets within the next few weeks. Zero Proof delivers fast-acting alternatives to more well-known edibles; it allows users to feel the effects more quickly and customize their consumption to keep it moderate. This product was launched as younger consumers continue to seek alternativ...