Brand Innovators today announced its Brand Innovators ‘40 Under 40 Midwest’ Class of 2015, recognizing the 40 most innovative brand marketers under 40 years old working throughout the Midwestern United States. This year’s were announced today, May 4, at a special ‘40 Under 40′ celebration at Brand Innovators Mega-Trends, hosted by MillerCoors at the company’s Chicago headuarters during the inaugural Brand Innovators Brand Week Chicago.
‘40 Under 40’ Class of 2015 MidWest spotlights the achievements of the most influential marketers in the Midwestern U.S., specifically Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
The 40 industry leaders were selected by Brand Innovators based on their professional accomplishments, ability to leverage digital media and emerging advertising technology platforms (including digital video, social media, mobile, content data and analytics and e-commerce) to implement “best-of-breed” marketing and advertising campaigns.
“The Brand Innovators ’40 Under 40’ List represents the first generation of brand marketers that grew up with digital media as their native language, and therefore have truly embraced digital platforms to engage with consumers. Not only do they get it, they are driving the future of the media and communications industries,” said Marc Sternberg, co-founder of Brand Innovators.
“Brand Innovators searched the country for client-side rock stars who are not only innovating within their organizations but progressing positive change for the industry overall. We are extremely proud to share this list and we look forward to honoring each winner,” added Brand Innovators co-founder, Brandon Gutman.
The marketing sector moves at light speed, and these are the extraordinary individuals shaping its future. Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments. Congratulations Class of 2015 Midwest! For more information visit Brand-Innovators.com/40under40.
1.Karan Arora, Senior Director, Global Marketing, Abbott
2.Georgina Flores, VP Integrated Marketing Communications, Allstate
3.Nora Esposito, Director of Online Marketing, Bath and Body Works
4.Kelly Georgetti, Director, Brand Activation – Vodkas and Skinnygirl Cocktails, Beam Suntory
5.Neil Shah, Senior Brand Manager – Cognac, Beam Suntory
6.Jonathan Lee, Brand Communications Manager, BP
7.Jorge Cabrera, Promotions Manager, Bridgestone
8.Jill Seibert Abbott, VP Marketing, Bucketfeet
9.Brad Boron, Director of Digital Communications, Chicago White Sox
10.Tim McEnery, Founder, Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants
11.Lisa Foley, Director Brand Marketing, Crate & Barrel
12.Jake Lestan, Brand Partnerships, Operations + Media Project Manager, Discover
13.Scott Kelly, U.S. Advertising Manager, Ford Motor Company
14.Amy Halford, Director, Digital Marketing and Media, General Mills
15.Charlotte Blank, Buick Retail Advertising, General Motors
16.Alex Nelson, Director – Digital, Brand & Advertising, GE Transportation
17.Britt Beck, Innovation Architect, Harley-Davidson Motor Company
18.Elizabeth Schultz, Director – Strategy & Innovation, Hyatt Gold Passport, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
19.Gayle Smilanich, Associate Director, KNA Media, Kellogg
20.Ethelbert Williams, Global Director, Brand Experience & Customer Engagement, Kimberly-Clark
21.Sage Wodarz, Associate Director, Content and Social Marketing, Kraft Foods Group
22.Brian Gelb, Brand Manager, Kraft Foods Group
23.Matthew Tennant, Global Director of Social – Global Brand Hub, McDonald’s Corporation
24.Sanjiv Gajiwala, Vice President, Marketing, Mike’s Hard Lemonade
25.Valerie Zanchettin, Senior Brand Manager, Johnsonville Sausage
26.Joshua Wexelbaum,Senior Manager, Digital Marketing, MillerCoors
27. Kathleen Judge, Director, eMarketing, Orbitz
28.Elena Parlatore, Digital Marketing at Quaker, PepsiCo
29.Gina Hardy, Marketing Director, Propel, PepsiCo
30.Lauren Fritts, Director, Global Marketing, PepsiCo-Gatorade
31.Michael Sabbia, Sr. Brand Manager, Global Gillette Strategy, Procter & Gamble
32.Allison MacGregor, Director, Brand Strategy + Marketing, Riddell
33.Dan Marks, Chief Marketing Officer, Sears Holding Corporation
34.Kasey Skala, Head of Digital and Social, Solo Cup
35.Justin Reckamp, Social Media and Brand Development Manager, State Farm
36.Jennifer Burns, Head of Trader Marketing Strategy, TD Ameritrade
37.Jon Dick, Marketing Director, Trunk Club
38.Carlos Faxas, Manager, eCommerce New Technology and Digital Concepts, United Airlines
39.Iskra Dobreva, Social Media Strategist, Verizon
40. Adam Kmiec, Sr. Director, Mobile, Social And Content Marketing, Walgreens