From Burger King to Bumble, These Brands are Currently Without a CMO

There is always activity in the chief marketing executive (CMO) role, and some big moves have been made over the last 12 months. Where OpenAI hired its first marketing chief, other brands such as Starbucks, Adobe, and McDonald’s said goodbye to execs and either promoted or welcomed new ones in their place.

There have also been several big departures this year which have left the CMO role vacant at major brands.

For some, whether they’ll be replaced like-for-like remains to be seen. However, in the meantime, ADWEEK has rounded up the brands, which are currently without a confirmed global or regional CMO following a big departure.

Here are four advertisers without CMOs, presented alphabetically. Each was approached by ADWEEK for an update on how they plan to fill the position.

Burger King (CMO, US and Canada)

After two years with the business, Burger King CMO Pat O’Toole left last month to join Unleashed Brands.

While at the QSR giant, OToole helped grow traffic, accelerated sales growth, and made changes to enhance the guest experience as part of the chain’s “Reclaim the Flame” turnaround strategy.

Burger King has not shared replacement plans for O’Toole.

Bumble (CMO)

Bumble’s CMO Selby Drummond left the dating app in January after four years in the role.

“Selby has been an outstanding steward of Bumble’s iconic brand over the last four years,” chief executive Lidiane Jones said in a statement. “Under her leadership, the Bumble brand has become well-known and respected around the globe. Selby’s many contributions leave us with a strong brand and foundation to build upon for years to come.”

Along with Drummond’s exit, Bumble appointed former Slack chief operating officer Neil Shah to the new role of chief business officer.

Bumble has not shared plans for how it will replace the CMO role.

Colgate (CMO, North America)

Diana Haussling, Colgate’s senior vp, general manager, consumer experience and growth, and CMO for North America, left in Feb.

She stayed within the group to take on the position of CEO at Hello, a startup acquired by Colgate in 2020 which sells “naturally friendly” toothpaste, mouth rinse, toothbrushes, and floss.

The marketer recently spearheaded Colgate’s “My Smile Is My Superpower” campaign, designed to empower young adults to embrace their smiles in all “shapes, sizes, and shades.”

Colgate has not confirmed how it plans to replace the position left vacant by Haussling.

Geico (CMO)

Geico CMO Damon Burrell left in January after nearly three years as the insurance giant’s top marketer.

In a memo obtained by ADWEEK, Geico CEO Todd Combs lauded Damon for leading Geico’s marketing organization through big changes.

Combs told staff in November, before Burrell’s departure, that the search for a successor had already begun. “During the transition, the Marketing leadership team will report to me.”

Since then, there’s been no update from the business.