Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast live from Cannes. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Mark Ritson, world-renowned marketing professor and founder of MiniMBA, about his controversial views on brand purpose, the importance of running great ads for years, and why American marketing has lost its edge. Discover Mark's partnership with ADWEEK, his strategy of saying "no" to America for a decade, and why he believes killing brands is more productive than creating them.

What You'll Learn:

• Why Mark Ritson avoided the American market for 10 years and his strategic partnership with ADWEEK
• The uncomfortable truth about brand purpose and why the data doesn't support the hype
• Why running great creative for 2-3 years drives better results than constant campaign changes
• The "pornography of change" and why AI won't transform marketing as quickly as predicted
• Why killing brands is more productive than creating them (Mark's killed 200+ in his career)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"If you're constantly viewed as the ad team, the ad person, I think we lose. I think we're going to continue to struggle to dig out of the relevancy hole."

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Jason Bunge, CMO of Hasbro, in a conversation that challenges traditional notions of marketing leadership and explores the future of play in a digital world.

Jason brings experience from technology companies including Skype, Microsoft, Riot Games, and EA before joining Hasbro two years ago. The conversation explores Hasbro's transformation from a traditional toy company to a diversified entertainment portfolio spanning physical toys, digital gaming, and trading cards through Wizards of the Coast. Jason discusses how the company navigates generational shifts in play patterns and how marketing must adapt to serve different audiences across multiple business lines.

What You'll Learn:

• The evolution of marketing from tactical execution to strategic leadership
• Building marketing credibility within organizations
• Hasbro's transformation across toys, gaming, and trading cards
• Generational shifts in play and consumer behavior
• The challenge of building franchises versus individual brands
• Portfolio marketing strategy for diverse business lines
• The future of physical versus digital play experiences

Jason Bunge serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Hasbro, where he leads marketing strategy across the company's diverse portfolio of toys, games, and entertainment properties. Previously, he held senior marketing roles at EA Games, Riot Games, Microsoft, Trulia, and Skype. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and brings experience across both B2B and consumer marketing in technology and entertainment industries.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could tap into 20 years of authentic consumer conversations to transform your marketing strategy?

In this special Cannes edition of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Roxy Young, CMO of Reddit, to explore the power of community intelligence and why brands need to embrace authentic engagement. From Reddit's evolution as a marketing platform to their groundbreaking AI-powered insights tools, this conversation reveals how marketers can harness the power of genuine community feedback. Tune in to discover why Reddit's unique approach to brand safety, open communities, and real consumer dialogue is driving 60% year-over-year revenue growth and changing the future of marketing.

What You'll Learn:

• How Reddit transformed from 9 people with no space to a marketing powerhouse hosting 4,000+ visitors at Cannes
• Why Reddit is fundamentally different from social media and what that means for your marketing strategy
• The three-layer brand safety approach that protects your brand while maintaining authentic community engagement
• How to turn negative brand conversations into powerful customer wins
• Reddit's game-changing Community Intelligence platform that delivers insights in minutes instead of weeks
• Why being the 6th most searched term on Google makes Reddit conversations crucial for your brand
• The evolution from Don Draper-style messaging to brave community marketing that requires giving up control

Stream the new episode below and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or find it on Spotify

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast live from Cannes. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Mark Kirkham, CMO of PepsiCo Beverages US, about the relentless pace of innovation in the beverage category, the art of balancing core brands with new acquisitions like Poppi, and why every challenge is an opportunity. Discover how PepsiCo continues to cultivate world-class marketing talent, the role of AI in building capabilities versus outsourcing them, and why making "simple special" is the key to success

What You'll Learn:

• Why "if you're not innovating, you die" defines the beverage category and how to balance core brands with new ventures
• The secret behind PepsiCo's legendary talent cultivation system that has produced CMOs across the industry
• How to think about AI as a capability-building tool rather than outsourcing technology
• The "core and more" strategy for growing established brands while pursuing new opportunities
• Why every challenge should be viewed as an opportunity and every opportunity as a challenge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could transform your organization’s approach to AI while building a global brand?

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney speaks with Emily Ketchen, CMO of Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group, live from the Cannes Lions Festival. Together, they explore how to lead AI integration within marketing teams, navigate global brand building across 180 markets, and leverage purpose-driven storytelling for genuine business growth. Whether you're a CMO navigating emerging technologies or a marketing leader seeking to balance global reach with local relevance, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the future of tech-driven marketing.

What You'll Learn:

• How to use AI as a creative catalyst and personal detective for marketers
• Strategies for building AI governance councils and education programs
• The difference between transcreation and translation in global marketing
• Gen Z and Gen Alpha's impact on brand purpose and authenticity
• The evolution of search from SEO to AEO (AI-Optimized Search)
• Lenovo's "Global Might, Local Fight" strategy
• The role of purpose in driving both meaning and business growth

Unlocking the Creator Economy with Awin

Did you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?

Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.

With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.

Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:

• Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.
• Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.
• Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.
• Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approach

Unlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI and creativity are reshaping brand marketing, democratizing access to tools while challenging CMOs to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.

In this special Cannes edition of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Mark Weinstein, CMO of Hilton Hotels, to explore the intersection of technology, experience, and authentic brand storytelling. From leveraging AI to democratize creativity to partnering with Paris Hilton and McLaren Racing, discover how to build meaningful experiences that resonate in an uncertain world. Whether you're navigating budget constraints, technological disruption, or cultural pitfalls, this conversation offers essential insights on staying relevant while maintaining authenticity.

What You'll Learn:

• How AI is democratizing creativity and leveling the playing field for all brands
• Why the future involves "agentic AI talking to agentic AI" and what that means for marketers
• How to create experiential activations that scale through content amplification
• The importance of maintaining share of wallet in constrained spending environments
• Why being authentic in today's cultural landscape is more challenging than ever
• How strategic partnerships with celebrities and brands create mutual value
• The evolution of Cannes Lions and what CMOs should focus on at industry events

Unlocking the Creator Economy with Awin

Did you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?

Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.

With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.

Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:

• Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.
• Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.
• Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.
• Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approach

Unlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Toys to Entertainment: How Mattel is Transforming Legacy Brands for Modern Audiences

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer at Mattel, to explore the art and science of managing over 100 active brands. From the billion-dollar success of the Barbie movie to the strategic evolution of Fisher-Price, discover how to make bold brand decisions, lead through purpose, and create positive cultural impact. Whether you're managing heritage brands or building new ones, this conversation offers invaluable insights on taking calculated risks, embracing inclusivity, and transforming your company from a house of brands to a branded house.

What You'll Learn:

• How Mattel balances digital transformation with the enduring value of "analog play" in child development
• The power of diverse voices and perspectives in weighing risky opportunities
• Why leading with positivity creates lasting cultural impact
• How to balance inclusivity with commercial viability across brand portfolios
• The strategic shift from toy company to IP and entertainment powerhouse
• Why co-owning P&L makes marketing a profit center, not a cost center
• How to navigate difficult organizational decisions while maintaining team morale

Unlocking the Creator Economy with Awin

Did you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?

Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.

With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.

Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:

• Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.
• Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.
• Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.
• Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approach

Unlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Kimberly Paige, CMO of BET, to explore the intersection of content, culture, and community in modern media. From judging at Cannes Lions to celebrating BET's 45th anniversary, Paige shares how her extensive experience at P&G, Coca-Cola, and Coty shaped her approach to authentic storytelling and brand evolution. Learn how BET is pioneering change through strategic brand partnerships, streaming innovation, and a commitment to meaningful content that drives both cultural impact and commercial success. A must-listen for marketing leaders seeking to understand how heritage brands can stay relevant while maintaining their core mission.

What You'll Learn:

• How BET transformed from being "the only place" for Black content to a platform focused on changing community outcomes
• Why cultural credibility is the foundation for commercial viability in media and entertainment
• The strategy behind BET's successful entry into streaming as the first Paramount Global brand
• How to modernize a legacy brand while maintaining authentic connections with core audiences
• The principles behind successful brand identity redesign that inspire internal innovation

Unlocking the Creator Economy with Awin

Did you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?

Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.

With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.

Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:

• Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.
• Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.
• Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.
• Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approach

Unlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could transform your marketing leadership journey through purpose and passion?

In this special Cannes edition of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Dara Treseder, CMO of Autodesk, to explore the intersection of purpose-driven marketing and technological innovation. Discover how to build a meaningful career in marketing leadership, navigate the evolving B2B and B2C landscape, and harness AI's potential in creative industries. Whether you're a seasoned CMO or an aspiring marketing leader, this conversation offers invaluable insights on authentic brand building, the importance of believing in your product, and why leading with purpose is crucial for success.

What You'll Learn:

• How to break down B2B vs B2C silos through emotional connection
• The Three P's Framework for making career decisions with purpose
• Why AI skills requirements have exploded 640% since 2022 in marketing
• How to transform from a house of brands to a branded house strategy
• The power of technology to improve human existence globally
• Why "main intern energy" keeps you curious and growing

Unlocking the Creator Economy with Awin

Did you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?

Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.

With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.

Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:

• Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.
• Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.
• Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.
• Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approach

Unlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creative leadership and strategic risk-taking are essential ingredients for building transformative brands in today's marketing landscape.

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Paulie Dery, CMO of AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens), for a masterclass in brand building and creative leadership. Drawing from his impressive journey through R/GA, Uber, and YETI, Paulie shares invaluable insights on why running toward challenges breeds creativity, how to maintain brand authenticity in a rapidly evolving market, and why great products paired with strong storytelling create a lasting impact. Whether you're navigating industry disruption or building community-driven brands, this conversation offers a candid look at how creativity remains the driving force behind successful marketing in today's landscape.

What You'll Learn:

• How to identify brands with great products but underutilized storytelling 
• Why community-first marketing beats performance marketing every time 
• The secret to maintaining creative magic in an AI-driven world 
• How AG1 plans to become one of America's next great brands
• The critical role of CEOs and leadership in enabling creative brand building

Unlocking the Creator Economy with Awin

Did you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?

Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.

With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.

Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:

• Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.
• Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.
• Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.
• Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approach

Unlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.