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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.
Actum has hired Cecelia Prewett, who was president of DC Public Affairs at SKDK during a nearly 13-year run, as senior managing director in its Washington office.
Franz Paasche, who was most recently EVP for public affairs and communications at Columbia University, will join Verizon as EVP, corporate affairs, effective Nov. 10.
Horizon Family Brands, which includes Horizon Organic and Wallaby Organic yogurt, hires Andrew Springate as CMO... Wake Tech, a Raleigh, NC community college that serves over 70000 adults annually, brings on Lisa Marie Ferrell, who previously led North America communications at Lenovo, as VP of communications and marketing... Golin brings on executive creative director Meg Farquhar in Chicago, and EVPs of strategy Tom Howells (Western Region) and Martin Coomber (New York).
Hotwire Global appoints Burson global chief digital & intelligence officer Grant Toups as global CEO, effective in January.
Bader Rutter, which works with clients in the agriculture, food, beverage and pet care sectors, appoints Demar Anderson as CMO... Acceleration Community of Companies appoints Michael Moschella to lead its new insights division, ACC Intelligence... Luminate, a London-based shop focused on infrastructure and energy sectors, hires Osman Dervish as director—head of development... The Alpine Group promotes Alison Graab to principal from SVP.
