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| Natalie Thigpen |
The Legal Defense Fund, a civil rights law organization that was founded in 1940 under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall, brings on Natalie Thigpen as chief communications and marketing officer. Thigpen most recently served as SVP for culture, engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Summit Health and CityMD. Her previous positions include VP of marketing at Mountainside Medical Center and senior director of integrated marketing at Seton Hall University. “Her extensive experience and proven track record in driving innovative communication strategies make her the ideal candidate to ensure we continue to reach key audiences and give voice to the most pressing issues of racial justice facing our democracy,” said LDF President and DirectorCounsel Janai Nelson.
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| Tiago Pinto |
The Miami Marlins promote VP of marketing Tiago Pinto to the CMO spot. Before joining the Marlins in February 2022, Pinto was CEO of Miami-based BOL Football, which creates products centered around soccer. He has also worked at PepsiCo, where he served as global marketing director for Gatorade and Nike, where he was marketing director. In his new post, Pinto will focus on enhancing the club’s brand presence through marketing and community action. He will oversee social media, game presentation, digital marketing and community engagement. “Tiago has brought exceptional leadership and strategic vision to our organization, and we have full confidence that he will excel in the new role,” said Marlins president of business operations Caroline O’Connor. The Marlins have also upped Robert Gelman, who has been with the organization for four years, to VP, head of partnership development and strategy.
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| Ryan Watson |
Vintage Wine Estates names Ryan Watson as CMO, effective Jan. 16. Watson joins the company from Boston Consulting Group, where he was a partner. His career has also included stints at Amazon, Kraft Heinz and Tesco. At VWE, Watson will lead the effort to drive consumer- and demand-centric thinking across the enterprise with responsibilities for insights, data & analytics, brands, innovation and portfolio management, DTC and digital strategy as well as design, public relations and communications. “Ryan’s significant knowledge in data driven analysis will help to develop capability within the business for deeper understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior and emerging trends,” said VWE president and CEO Seth Kaufman.
Renault Group brings on Paul Michon as corporate communications director, effective Sept. 1. He joins from Kering, the luxury goods marketer.
SKDK makes Loren Riegelhaupt, Michael Czin and Julie Andreeff Jensen agency partners... Coca-Cola Company promotes Gary McElyea to lead its pan-European Public Policy & Government Affairs agenda, and Sophia Chrysopoulou to serve as head of EU public affairs... Rithum, a commerce solutions provider, appoints Kim Miller as CMO and head of global strategy. 
Mara Motherway, who was
Avoq has recruited advertising pro Jillian Goger as senior VP/group creative director in its New York office.
SBM Partners, a Tallahassee-based government affairs firm, brings on Kevin Cleary as a partner. Cleary most recently served as VP of government relations at Allegiant Strategies Group.... WHOOP, which offers a wearable device providing health guidance across sleep, recovery, strain, fitness and longevity, names Dirk-Jan "DJ" van Hameren as CMO.... Dunn Pellier Media, a PR agency working with clients in the health and wellness sector, promotes Erica Gutierrez from account executive to senior account executive.
