Below is a compilation of WinmoEdge's top decision makers on the move published during the previous week.  Why is it important to track decision makers? DM shifts, especially new hires and first-time CMOs, are the top new business trigger for agency changes, media spending shifts, and new martech investments. New DMs tend to evaluate changes in these areas and start making changes within a 3-12 month window.  All of our decision maker shift reports can also be accessed under “Industry A...

Sales lead: This hire will directly impact the company's marketing strategy & agency relationships.  Stardog hired Sandy Terry as marketing VP in November 2023. Terry most recently served as marketing VP of Lovelytics.  She is now responsible for all of Stardog's marketing operations.  Target demographic: Businesses The company will likely: Ramp digital spend back up Try new marketing channels Build out agency roster Digital and social insights (digital ad spe...

Sales lead: This DM shift will affect the company's ad spend & agency roster.  UPS announced its CMO Kevin Warren is stepping down. The company opted to promote Matt Guffey to the newly-created position of chief commercial & strategy officer, effective January 1st, 2024.  **We are still confirming Guffey's email at the time of publication, but will update Winmo as soon as we know more** Guffey is now responsible for revenue, product management, and marketing.  Target demographi...

Sales lead: Reach out now to offer ad space & agency services.  Ripple Foods (RF) secured $49m in November during a Series F funding round. This brings the company's evaluation to over $274m.  RF raised $57m in 2021 through a Series E funding round.  Target demographic: Gen-X & millennial moms The company will likely: Ramp ad spend back up Try new marketing channels Seek agency partners Broadcast insights (TV ad creative spend, effectiveness, impressions, and ...

Sales lead: This hire will likely lead to higher ad spending & agency appointments.  Huddle House (HH) named Blain Shortreed brand president in December 2023. Shortreed most recently served as CEO of Long John Silver's.  In his new role, Shortreed is responsible for company operations, marketing, and culinary innovation.  Target demographic: Gen-X & millennial parents The company will likely: Ramp digital spend back up Try new marketing channels Seek agency partner...

Media Sales Lead: Goldfish just announced it will launch Goldfish Crisps in January 2024. This is the brand's first-ever product made with potatoes, but of course, Crisps are fish-shaped. The snack comes in three flavors: Sour Cream and Onion, Cheddar, and Salt & Vinegar. Crisps' suggested retail price is $4.79 and will be available nationwide. The brand's DMs believe this will help improve sales and boost brand awareness.  Key Lead Takeaways: Product launches commonly lead to increased ad...

Sales lead: Reach out now to offer ad space & inquire about other agency duties.  Coffee-Mate (CM) named Wieden + Kennedy creative AOR in December 2023. Wieden + Kennedy is responsible for brand strategy, creative development, and social.  The agency is also tasked with retaining existing customers while also attracting new ones.  The first creative work is scheduled for Q2 2024.  Target demographic: Gen-Xers & millennials The brand will likely: Keep ramping up ad sp...

Sales lead: This promotion will affect the company's marketing strategy & agency roster.  Inspire Brands (IB) promoted Scott Murphy to chief brand officer in November.  Murphy spent the past several years as beverage & snacking head and president of Dunkin'.  The brand presidents of Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John's, Sonic, and Baskin-Robbins will all report to Murphy.  This is part of IB's broader corporate restructuring which divided the company between brands, c...

Sales lead: This company signals it is more focused on marketing going forward by creating this position. Fanfix hired Loren Piretra as its first-ever CMO, effective November 2023. Piretra most recently served as creators and marketing VP of Playboy.  As CMO, she is responsible for marketing, media strategy, brand positioning, and engagement. Target demographic: Content creators/influencers & Gen-Zers The company will likely: Start investing in national advertising S...

Sales lead: This hire will likely lead to spend sifts & agency appointments.  Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux (WO) named Laurie Curtis CMO in December 2023. Curtis most recently served as communications and brand integration VP of Denny's.  She will handle brand, field, product development, communications, and insights.  Target demographic: Millennials  The company will likely: Continue increasing digital ad spend Try additional marketing channels Build out agency roste...