Who it is: Keira Krausz, named EVP and CMO of Nutrisystem.
What’s her role: Krausz will focus on creative development and optimization of sales channels, as well as implementation of more effective e-commerce strategies, to help return the company to a growth position.
Where was she prior: Krausz was most recently VP of Marketing for QSP, a youth fundraising company owned by Time Inc. Before that she was head of new business development at Animated Storyboards and VP and GM of Reader’s Digest’s Books & Music Business.
Why was she appointed: “Throughout her career, Keira has worked in the direct consumer response arena and is adept at identifying new sources of revenue, fixing struggling businesses, and maximizing margins and profitability,” says President and CEO Dawn Zier.
Who it is: Doug Willmarth, appointed CMO of Wingstop, a 550-unit restaurant chain.
What’s his role: He will be responsible for brand positioning, marketing strategy, and advertising execution.
Where was he prior: A former U.S. Navy Aviator, Willmarth most recently served as CMO of Rave Cinemas. He has held senior marketing positions at Pizza Hut, Frito Lay, Brinker International, and Kraft Foods.
Why was he appointed: “Doug has a proven track record of driving growth and building brands,” says CEO Charlie Morrison
Who it is: Shari Bowles Gibbons, named CMO of Woodbury University in Burbank, CA, effective April 1.
What’s her role: She will lead branding, marketing, and communications strategy.
Where was she prior: Gibbons is currently COO of Battery-Biz, a leading distributor of power accessories for consumer electronic devices. She previously held executive positions at Kaplan Medical Licensing, Front Row Films, and Warner Brothers Entertainment.
Why was she appointed: “Shari brings to Woodbury a passion for building high-performance teams. Her commitment to education and lifelong learning has been demonstrated through her work as a board member and past president of the Harvard Business School Alumni Association of Southern California,” says university President Luis Ma . R. Calingo.
Who it is: Irfan Wahab Khan, named CMO of Telenor Pakistan, one of 11 international units of mobile service provider Telenor Group.
What’s his role: To continue the growth rate established by departing CMO Aamir Ibrahim, who took the subscriber base from 24 million to 30 million over the past three years.
Where was he prior: A 20-year veteran of international telecommunications, Khan was a member of the Telenor Pakistan startup team who moved on to senior positions at the company’s divisions in Norway and Thailand.
Who’s talking: “I am delighted for the opportunity to return to the company, which I feel so passionate about,” says Khan. “I am looking forward to working together with a highly talented and dedicated team and take Telenor Pakistan to even greater heights.”
Who it is: Steve Walker, CMO of Sony Mobile, announces he will step down after 17 years with the company. He will leave at the end of March and has not stated where his next stop will be.
What’s his legacy: He led the rebranding of the company after it cast off its Sony Ericsson identity, finishing up his run at the company by leading the launch of the Experia Z Android phone. Sony Mobile is pinning its near future on the device, which is waterproof and has an automatic app shutdown feature that extends battery life.
Who’s taking over: News reports, unconfirmed by the company, say it will be current VP of product management, Jacob Sten.
Who’s talking: Walker is: “The launch of Xperia Z, along with a global marketing campaign of which I am extremely proud, marks the start of the next chapter in the company’s story. Having reached this important milestone, it feels like the natural time for me to move on to new challenges.”
