Who it is: Andy Gibson, named Chief Marketing Officer of Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held spirits company.
What’s his role: He will be responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the Company’s premium spirits brands, which include Dewar’s and Grey Goose, as well as Bacardi.
Where was he prior: Gibson arrives at Bacardi from the CMO post at Carlton United Brewers, Australia’s largest brewing company. He previously worked for 13 years at Diageo in a series of general management and marketing leadership positions spanning five continents.
Why was he appointed: “Andy’s proven track record of accomplishment is based on a great marketing and brand-building foundation,” says President and CEO Ed Shirley.
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Who it is: Jeffrey Vail, appointed CMO of Quintiq, a provider of supply chain optimization platforms.
What’s his role: Vail will oversee all aspects of marketing for the company, including digital marketing, demand generation, brand management, social media, and communications.
Where was he prior: He most recently served as SVP of Global Corporate Marketing for Siemens Enterprise Communications and previously held senior marketing positions with SAP and Unisys.
Why was he appointed: “Jeffrey is a big player in technology B2B marketing, and his decision to join Quintiq is another sign of our momentum and market opportunity,” says CEO Victor Allis.
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Who it is: Matt Steward, named CMO of Axia Technology Partners, a provider of communications solutions including call center, Internet networking, and data co-location services.
What’s his role: Along with managing all marketing activities, Steward will nurture the company’s newly formed education and government sales verticals.
Where was he prior: Most recently a partner in Westcomm Inc., he was named by ex-Governor Mitch Daneies to be Indiana’s first director of motorsports development and before that served on the staff of former Indianapolis mayor Stephen Goldsmith.
Why was he appointed: “Matt will add significantly to our internal human infrastructure as we set out to maintain and strengthen our existing customer relationships and seize exciting new opportunities,” says managing partner Josh Ross.
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Who it is: Paul Macaluso, promoted to CMO of Moe’s Southwest Grill, a 400-plus-unit chain of restaurants owned by Focus Brands.
What’s his role: He will oversee marketing and public relations functions, as well as catering and creative services.
Where was he prior: Formerly VP of marketing at Moe’s, Macaluso is the company’s first CMO. He previously held senior product marketing positions at Burger King and Sonic Corp.
Why was he appointed: “He has strengthened our brand positioning, identified key growth drivers, and developed his team, leading the brand to significant increases in comp sales,” says Moe’s president Paul Damico.
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Who it is: Alan Cohen, appointed CMO of LifeProof, a marketer of protective cases for smartphones and tablets.
What’s his role: He will be responsible for directing marketing strategy, product marketing, trade marketing, advertising, digital marketing, events, and public relations.
Where was he prior: Cohen was most recently CMO at Westfield, a global real estate investment trust that operates one of the world’s largest shopping center portfolios. He previously held the CMO title at both Gemstar-TV Guide and Napster.
Why was he appointed: “His strong mix of ROI-focused digital marketing and brand building experience will benefit LifeProof greatly and strengthen our management team,” says CEO Gary Rayner.
