Ad Age Marketer's Brief
Marketer's Brief helps marketers stay ahead of what's changing and decide how to respond. Each episode focuses on the ideas, shifts, and strategic tensions shaping marketing right now, from how leaders are thinking about growth, platforms, and culture to how they're making trade-offs in real time. Conversations led by Ad Age editors and reporters surface patterns worth paying attention to and ways of thinking that can influence decisions at work. Subscribe to sharpen your judgment and spot what matters early.
Episodes
Why retailers should sell experiences, not products, with Macy's CMO
Shoppers don't remember what they bought—they remember the experience around it. Macy's Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer Sharon Otterman explains how the retailer is shifting from one-off transactions to "retailtainment": in-store activations, engraving stations and immersive events tied to moments like prom, Father's Day and an upcoming 50th annual July 4th fireworks. She also breaks down
What brands are missing in sports sponsorship, with Just Women's Sports Founder
Haley Rosen of Just Women's Sports breaks down why the biggest opportunities in women's sports may lie beyond the games themselves. The founder and CEO of the sports-first media company—which reaches 115 million monthly users across social—explains how women's sports audiences are closing in on men's, with the WNBA pulling in 85% of the NBA's viewership on ESPN last season, while advertising dolla
From instinct to evidence: Solving marketing's growth paradox
The volume of creative content has never been higher, and the pressure to prove every piece of it works has never been greater. In this sponsored episode of the Marketer's Brief podcast, Ad Age sits down with Jeff Greenspoon, chief executive officer of the Americas at Kantar, to explore how brands can maximize creative effectiveness in an era of AI-generated content, always-on channels, and explod
CMOs on CMOs: Hippo and Solo Stove on AI and grassroots marketing tactics
Watch this episode and see additional resources for marketers at AdAge.com/cmo. In the first episode of the Ad Age CMOs on CMOs series, Andrea Collins, CMO of Hippo, and Liz Vanzura, CMO of Solo Stove, break down how they're implementing AI into team workflows, and how marketers can start discussing AI implementation with teams mindfully. They also dig into grassroots marketing tactics and the pow
How the Cadillac F1 team is racing to define its brand and fan strategy
Formula 1's newest team is building more than a racing operation as it prepares for Silverstone—it's building a high-speed media company designed to keep fans engaged year-round. Cadillac F1 Chief Marketing Officer Ahmed Iqbal discusses why modern sports teams need to think like content creators, how Cadillac is approaching fan growth as a new entrant to the sport and what marketers can learn from
Evolving a media network to meet growing advertiser demands with Marriott's Chris Norton
Marriott Media Network's Chris Norton discusses how the hotelier is differentiating itself in the crowded field of retail media networks, including through partnerships with United Airlines and Dick's Sporting Goods. The hotel chain's senior VP of marketing capabilities and general manager also talks about Marriott's in-room media channel and why the hotelier is prioritizing measurement. Dig deepe
How agentic AI is reinventing brand customer experience, with Adobe's CMO
Customer experience is changing rapidly in the era of AI, in large part thanks to agentic tools from tech providers like Adobe. Lara Balazs, chief marketing officer of Adobe, is helping major brands—from Dick's Sporting Goods to Xfinity—understand the common pain points in their customer service workflows that can finally be addressed by AI agents. Balazs spoke with Ad Age about the B2B approach a
Why Cannes awards and creativity still matter for CMOs, with Unilever's top marketer
Unilever CMO Leandro Barreto unpacks how he gets the most out of Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity every year and why awards and creativity still matter for CMOs. He also discusses the evolution of Dove's enduring 'Real Beauty' campaign and how it inspires the playbook of other Unilever CPG brands such as Vaseline, which has seen success with its 'Vaseline Verified' campaign.
Capitalizing on the women's sports boom with NWSL CMO Rachel Epstein
Rachel Epstein, the newly named chief marketing officer of the National Women's Soccer League, discusses her strategy to make the most of booming interest in women's sports and soccer in particular. Her strategy involves absorbing new fans created by the summer's FIFA World Cup and following the unique pathways to sports fandom often taken by women. She says bigger investments, better athletes and
Using brand partnerships to market to younger audiences with Netflix VP of global marketing
Netflix VP of global brand marketing and partnerships Magno Herran discusses how the streamer is using brand partnerships and sponsorships to grow its ad business as it heads into the upfronts. He breaks down co-created campaigns with State Farm and other marketers, how Netflix is extending its IP beyond the platform and why reaching younger fans now requires a broader media mix that includes soci
How to go from product-first to culture-led marketing, with Samsonite's VP of marketing
For heritage brands trying to stay relevant with younger consumers, Samsonite's playbook offers a useful case study. On this episode, David Oksman, VP of marketing and direct to consumer at Samsonite, discusses how the 115-year-old luggage company is shifting away from product specs and leaning into more social media-first, culture-led marketing by targeting travelers by psychographic rather than
Creating value marketing that stands out, with Domino's CMO
As pizza's value wars intensify, Domino's is rethinking how to deliver value without blending in. CMO Kate Trumbull discusses the brand's focus on consistent deals, menu choice and "talk value" promotions like Emergency Pizza and You Tip, We Tip. She also discusses making the brand more "craveable" through a recent rebrand.
From impressions to impact: rethinking advertising at scale
The future of advertising is audience-first, and Warner Bros. Discovery is leading the shift. In this sponsored episode of the Marketer's Brief podcast, Ad Age contributing editor Natalie Zfat sits down with Ryan Gould, president of U.S. advertising sales go-to-market at Warner Bros. Discovery, to explore how the company is evolving its approach to deliver both scale and measurable outcomes. Fr
How to maintain loyalty when consumer needs change with Unilever's Axe leader
Head of Axe U.S. Dolores Assalini talks about how the Unilever-owned body spray brand is growing up with its customers through new products designed to lighten usage among teen boys through a more controlled spray. She also discusses why Axe is showing in cultural moments such as the World Cup, and how it is tapping into TikTok's 'fragrance maxxing' trend.
How David's Bridal applied the power of AI to wedding planning and dress shopping
Lisa Horton, chief creative and communications officer at David's Bridal, talks about how the bridal retailer has leaned into AI—from proprietary LLMs and writing press releases, to shopping in ChatGPT and an AI-powered wedding planning platform.
Why Suave is leaning into comedy and social content to drive Gen Z growth
Evermark CMO Rachel Behm unpacks how a recent social-first campaign for Suave is winning new Gen Z customers craving entertainment, including episodic and comedic marketing content. She also discusses the idea of reframing the value of Evermark brands, including ChapStick and Q-tips, as smart luxury in order to capture shoppers eager to trade down to cheaper, drugstore brands amid econo
Turning brand youth into a strength in a luxury category dominated by legacy players, with the CMO of Genesis Motor America.
Genesis CMO Amy Marentic describes how the auto brand took a blank canvas approach to raise awareness in a segment dominated by older brands like BMW and Mercedes. She describes how the marketing department sold a campaign pivot internally. Marentic also dishes some advice on experiential marketing, including how the automaker uses its Genesis House in New York City as a brand equity play channeli
Refreshing a heritage brand for the AI era with Consumer Reports CMO
Consumer Reports CMO Khalid El Khatib explains how the independent nonprofit brand's 90-year history of testing products is creating trust amid AI slop and misinformation, reflected in its recent $3 million "We Never Stop Questioning" campaign. He also discusses how the membership-based organization is adapting its strategy to reach audiences across generations—from boomers spending more time onli
How LinkedIn is preparing for the future of work and AI disruption, with CMO Jessica Jensen
Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Jensen is positioning the platform as a "port in the storm" for job seekers navigating a tough market. She discusses how the message is coming to life in a new campaign from McCann NY. Plus, Jensen describes how LinkedIn is changing its tactics as AI and macroeconomic factors reshape the future of work. She also talks about how LinkedIn is attracting new users, incl
Inside SkyPop's playbook for marketing protein soda to everyday consumers
SkyPop CMO Dave Cohen discusses the protein boom on the beverage aisle, and how the brand uses TikTok and audio sampling in their marketing gameplan. He also discusses how the brand, which formerly went by Don't Quit, positions their protein soda as a product for everyone and not just athletes.
Inside Crunch Fitness' challenger-brand playbook in the GLP-1-era, with CMO Chad Waetzig
Crunch Fitness CMO Chad Waetzig talks about the brand's recent New Year's campaign "Feel More" and how Crunch is promoting itself as a social destination for younger consumers facing post-pandemic loneliness. He also discusses how Crunch is programming around the rise in GLP-1-medication use and helping customers combat "skinny fat."
How AI is reshaping TV advertising, with MNTN's Mark Douglas
TV advertising is increasingly leaning on AI as a prominent tool. Viewers saw this during the Super Bowl with some brands making entirely AI-generated ads. Mark Douglas, president and CEO of MNTN, joins Brandon Doerrer on the Marketer's Brief podcast to discuss AI in TV, misconceptions that first-time TV advertisers often have and how MNTN's AI tools have been a benefit for their business. He also
How brands can revitalize stale marketing, with Columbia Sportswear's Matt Sutton
For the past several years, Columbia Sportswear's marketing was indistinguishable from the rest of the category. It wasn't until August last year that it adopted a much bolder strategy, bringing a distinct edge to all of its campaigns. "Engineered for Whatever" painted a different picture of the great outdoors, positioning it as a cruel and deadly mistress, and Columbia products as armor in a batt
Inside Gatorade's high-stakes brand reinvention
Gatorade has been a top sports drink for more than six decades, with a spot in Super Bowl history as people bet on the color poured on the winning head coach. Gatorade's Chief Marketing Officer Anuj Bhasin talks about how to maintain authority in the space as new brands crowd the category. Bhasin discusses Gatorade's post-Covid reset, relaunching the classic "Is It In You" advertising campaign, an
How American brands can win European audiences on TikTok
Matt Hocken, head of creative at London-based agency mongoose, discusses the subtle difference between American and British consumers and what the sports and entertainment agency is doing for U.K.-based fans on Super Bowl Sunday. He also shares more general, TikTok marketing advice and gives tips on how American brands can curry favor with U.K. audiences.
Reinventing heritage products to appeal to Gen Z with New Balance CMO
New Balance Global Brand President and CMO Chris Davis talks about how fashion partnerships with Sezane and Miu Miu and sports partnerships with the Australian Open and Josh Allen have helped New Balance resonate with everyone from "supermodels in London to dads in Ohio." He also discusses why the brand keeps returning to its 'We' Got Now' brand platform with VML. And he talks about how the sneake
Why retail media's next era is about relevance, not reach
Retail media is moving beyond scale, and Roundel wants marketers to rethink what performance really means. In this sponsored episode of Marketer's Brief, Ad Age's contributing editor, Natalie Zfat, sits down with Matt Drzewicki, senior vice president and general manager of Roundel, Target's retail media network, to discuss how guest-centric strategies, responsible AI and deeper partnerships are re
How CMOs can maintain relevance, with Chime's Vineet Mehra
In December, Vineet Mehra formally added growth officer to his chief marketer remit. He's spent much time thinking about how CMOs can maintain relevance by adding a broader business focus to their role. He joins the Marketer's Brief podcast to discuss these thoughts and offer marketers advice, as the rest of the industry wonders if the CMO role will even still matter by 2030. He also discusses opp
How Outlaw is using marketing and price to disrupt legacy beer brands
Clear consumer targeting and aggressive pricing are helping Outlaw carve out space in a troubled category
Life360 CMO on building brand trust through bold creative
Mike Zeman talks about how marketing is fueling the brand's evolution into a "family super app"
Evidence-based marketing—why reach matters more than loyalty, with Byron Sharp
Byron Sharp, author of "How Brands Grow," and director of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute of Marketing Science, espouses an approach that flies in the face of much modern marketing wisdom about the importance of media targeting, personalization and incentivizing customer loyalty. He explains his views, including why he thinks brands with the most "physical availability" (i.e. broadest retail distribu
Creating better client-agency relationships
Former Mediahub CEO John Moore and former BMW CMO Trudy Hardy on how clients and agencies can work better together, including why CMOs should take some control back from their procurement departments. Hardy and Moore, now both with marketing and agency consultancy Harmonium also weigh in on the Omnicom-IPG merger and share their perspective on what agencies can deliver to clients when it comes to
From insight to impact: How Octagon helps brands win in the sports and entertainment economy
In today's fragmented sports and entertainment economy, brands face unprecedented competition for cultural relevance and authentic fan connection. In this episode, Lou Kovacs, President of Marketing, North America at Octagon, shares how the agency's insight-powered creative approach helps brands break through, shape culture, and unlock new markets around the world. Lou dives into Octagon's evoluti
How to do travel marketing that stands out with Tourism Australia CMO
Susan Coghill, who has been overseeing Australia's tourism marketing since 2019, on how the Come and Say G'day campaign localizes is marketing for the U.S., U.K., China and other countries, including by using local talent. She also updates us on broader tourism trends and how her organization views more people using AI to make travel plans. Plus, how Australia is leveraging wildlife conservationis
CMOs, social media and why AI isn't everything with VaynerX's Avery Akkineni
Avery Akkineni, VaynerX's chief marketing officer, has tips for CMOs riding the social media lightning, and she tells us why VaynerMedia has not followed the whole industry into an AI rebranding.
How LocalX is advancing the local ad-buying ecosystem with its unified data platform
Local advertising is one of the most effective methods for brands of all sizes to reach the audiences that matter most, and platforms like Locality's LocalX are becoming industry leaders by enabling advertisers to plan, buy and measure local broadcast and streaming in one intelligent workflow. LocalX was purpose-built for local advertising, and by using real-time insights and unified data, the pla
Bridging the AI-human gap with Stitch Fix CMO
Debbie Woloshin talks about the brand's generative AI-powered styling tool
Tips on building a beauty brand with former Walgreens CMO
Linh Peters, now CMO at science-backed hair care brand Seen, talks about marketing as a growth engine
Sam's Club new CMO on holidays, Chris Pratt and arriving right after an agency review
Chris Curtin arrived as chief marketing officer of Sam's Club in May just after the retailer, little sibling of Walmart, finished an agency review. But the veteran of Bank of America was familiar with his new agency, Publicis Groupe, from his old job. And he hit the ground running by overseeing a new holiday campaign starring Chris Pratt. Here, Curtin talks about what it's like coming in right aft
Horror marketing 101 with Blumhouse CMO Karen Barragan
Blumhouse CMO Karen Barragan gives tips and tricks for Halloween marketing as well as the value of seasonal fans for expanding Blumhouses reach. She discusses the increasing mainstream attention on horror, beginning with Warner Bros. 2017 "It" campaign, and how brands can lean in. Plus, behind the scenes of the creation of the "Black Phone 2" and "Five Nights at Freddy's 2" marketing campaigns, an
How brands can become emotionally resonant while adapting to new Gen Z behaviors, with Early Warning Services CMO Andrea Gilman
Zelle has tweaked its marketing strategy as it has looked to embrace being an emotionally resonant brand. Last month, it worked with its creative and strategic agency of record Pereira O'Dell to launch "When It Counts," a new brand platform that positions everyday payments as acts of care. It also marks a new level of maturity for the brand, which in 2014 saw Americans send more than $1 trillion a
iRobot CMO on turnaround, 'Shark Tank' secrets, AI and that old Will Smith movie
Athena Kasvikis is managing iRobot amid a turnaround more than 18 months after regulators nixed its acquisition by Amazon. But she's also been an entrepreneur who led Behave Bras to success on "Shark Tank." She brings classical Procter & Gamble marketer training to bear on Roomba, arguably the most iconic brand in robots, as interest in robotics and AI soars, in part thanks to Elon Musk. Here she
Digital advertising best practices with Meta CMO Alex Schultz
Meta's top marketer discusses the latest strategies digital advertisers need to know from search engines to social media. And he weighs in on agencies, automation and AI, in an industry worried about its future.
How Spectrum Reach is redefining CTV advertising through show-level transparency
Spectrum Reach shows how having the right data can drive performance, brand safety and advertiser confidence.
How to balance consistency and agility, with Heaven Hill CMO Matt Blevins
How the owner of Lunazul tequila, Deep Eddy vodka and a high-end bourbon and whiskey portfolio is tapping into fast moving social media and food trends without losing sight of its roots. Blevins also discusses new agency relationships with Mono and Assembly.
Why brands should partner with unexpected creators and vocal critics, with Blizzard Entertainment CMO Monica Austin
Creator marketing is a huge part of Blizzard Entertainment's strategy. As the developer of properties with global appeal, such as World of Warcraft, Overwatch and Diablo, it has no trouble finding fans in all corners of the world, including basketball player Luka Dončić, who plays at one of the highest possible ranks in Overwatch. CMO Monica Austin discusses a recent partnership with Dončić, plus
AI search ads 101—everything marketers need to know, with Asa Hiken
Ad Age technology reporter Asa Hiken breaks down the state of AI search advertising, what ads on ChatGPT may look like, how much they'll cost and the different approaches companies including OpenAI, Google, Meta and Perplexity are taking. Plus, how marketers can strategize for consumers' changing AI habits. YouTube announced new ad tools that will give creators more power to curate sponsorships ac
The power of experiential marketing - Grillo's CMO Mark Luker on the brand's month-long store pop-up
On this episode, Luker also talks about what Grillo's looks for in partnerships.
Inside agency hold co power dynamics, with Ewan Larkin
Ad Age agency reporter Ewan Larkin demystifies the changing power dynamics at agency holding companies such as WPP, Publicis and Omnicom. Global account leads are becoming more important to agency growth, changing the position of regional and agency brand CEOs. Plus, Netflix announced it would make ad inventory available through Amazon's DSP. The partnership is a milestone in both companies' ad jo
Advice on being an NFL sponsor, with the CMO of Little Caesars
Greg Hamilton joins the Marketer's Brief Podcasts to talk about the chain's four years as an NFL sponsor.
Firing your ad agency? Try marriage counseling first, with Lindsay Rittenhouse
Ad Age senior agency reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse goes inside the growing trend of brand-agency marriage counseling. Rather than jumping straight into a costly and time-intensive agency review, consultancies are increasingly suggesting services that evaluate the existing relationship, and potentially improve both the agency and brand's practices. Plus, Group Black is changing its name to Portrait
Using unconventional media strategies and learning from virality, with Manscaped CMO Marcelo Kertesz
Kertesz reflects on three years in the CMO role, including how media placements have become a form of creative messaging and how the DTC-born brand is embracing multichannel marketing. Plus, how the brand's "Send Face Pics Instead" went viral.
Cracker Barrel, American Eagle and surviving social uproar, with Erika Wheless and Gillian Follett
Ad Age reporters Erika Wheless and Gillian Follett break down the brand lessons from the recent Cracker Barrel and American Eagle dramas: How can marketers better prepare for social pushback, what to know about official brand responses and how the brand-consumer relationship is changing on social media. Plus, AI ad networks are beginning to emerge, which place paid content in chatbots such as Chat
How to create loyal Gen Z connections, with Hinge CMO
Jackie Jantos, Hinge's president and CMO, shares tips for winning with Gen Z and how Hinge has been able to see growth when other dating apps are seeing declines
How to create loyal Gen Z connections, with Hinge CMO
Jackie Jantos, Hinge's president and CMO, shares tips for winning with Gen Z and how Hinge has been able to see growth when other dating apps are seeing declines
How CVS Media Exchange connects health-focused shoppers with the right brands
In Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast, CMX's Parbinder Dhariwal shares how CVS connects brands with health-focused shoppers to drive growth.
2025 marketing trends: AI, experiential and Walton Goggins, with Tim Nudd
Ad Age Creativity Editor Tim Nudd reveals the creativity trends of 2025 so far, including the impact of AI on brand marketing, the resurgence of experiential activations and the secret to an effective modern Super Bowl campaign. Plus, data reveals the impact of AI search on brand's website visits—some categories are seeing a lift while others are staying flat. Dig deeper into the differentiators.
LA28 playbook—Olympics marketing strategy, AI and Dungeons & Dragons, with Honda's Ed Beadle
Ed Beadle, Honda VP of digital services and marketing, reveals how the automaker is getting more efficient with its marketing and how his background as a media strategist and Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master shapes his approach and leadership style.
Avocados from Mexico CEO on the history of the brand jingle and focusing on football
Alvaro Luque talks tariffs, media mix and his guacamole recipe
How Cash App finds the right talent for its short films—including a Timothée Chalamet campaign
Cash App targeted movie theaters for its recent campaign starring Timothée Chalamet
Behind the playful branding and charitable spirit of Montucky Cold Snacks
How the free-spirited light beer brand became Gallo's first beer investment
How drug safety brand Overdrive Defense is marketing itself
Creative Director Ryan Weaver talks about removing the stigma and increasing accessibility
Why Savage X Fenty is focused on 'bold inclusivity' when others are pulling back
CMO Vanessa Wallace talks about her 'fun, fast, furious first year' at the lingerie brand
Mars Global CMO on global flavors and faster meals
Matt Graham talks AI and food and flavor trends on the latest episode of the Marketer's Brief Podcast
Why the transaction moment is the new frontline for performance marketing
Rokt's Sophie Donoghue shares how AI and real-time targeting at the transaction moment help brands drive growth and performance in 2025
Nissan's marketing challenge
Nissan's U.S. CMO Allyson Witherspoon on the brand's comeback attempt and how she deals with burnout.
Why Instacart's new 90s nostalgia campaign is resonating and what's ahead
CMO Laura Jones talks about 90s-era prices, Super Bowl advertising and in-house agencies
Snap's new CMO on building a better ad platform
Snap CMO Grace Kao talks sponsored snaps, AI and Cannes on the Marketer's Brief.
Marketing job market trends
We take the temperature on the marketing job market with Michael Wright, founder of executive search firm Taligence. What industries are hiring? What is the future of the CMO role? Why are companies not hiring agency execs as CMOs? We cover that and more.
How Maesa Beauty builds beauty and wellness brands
The company just debuted its first intimate care line
How Surfside is riding the vodka tea wave
Stateside Brands President Matt Quigley discusses the fast-growing ready-to-drink brand.
How phone company Nothing relies on viral moments and earned media to build its brand
Nothing's Hollie Bishop joins the Marketer's Brief podcast to discuss the importance of earned media when marketing its new phones.
How Xochitl tortilla chips plan to grow brand awareness
CEO Jolie Weber joins the Marketer's Brief podcast to discuss the brand's partnerships and new look
Roblox's CMO on how the platform targets gamers, creators, developers and brands—all at once
Jerret West talks targeting, how the platform decides when to leverage cultural moments and the likelihood it will pursue a movie a la Minecraft.
How Roundel is leading retail media 3.0 with data, scale and shopper trust
Roundel's Monique Perlmutter on scaling retail media through omnichannel strategy and trust.
From Method to Dropps, Dorward looks to repeat success
CEO of Dropps was also CEO of Method during its early rise and looks to repeat success in green household products as the brand moves into retail stores.
How Rowan grew from piercing ears at Target to operating its own shops
CMO Robin Page talks about how Rowan has disrupted the in-person piercing experience
How Nordstrom's retail media network has evolved and what's next
VP Aaron Dunford talks about moving from transactional to experiential
What's next for Athletic Brewing
CMO Andrew Katz on expanding availability and withstanding new competition
How footwear brand HeyDude is using parent Crocs marketing playbook
CMO Paul Nugent talks about new initiatives including a campaign with Sydney Sweeney
