After over a decade of working with tourism boards, airlines and hotels around the world, I’ve learnt this one thing above all others.
Behind every brand redefining how travel is marketed, a CMO is pushing the boundaries of creativity, data and storytelling.
These five CMOs are leading the change:
1. Kara Wallace, CMO at Royal Caribbean.
After 17 years at the cruise line, Kara was promoted to CMO. She’s been pivotal in the Royal Caribbean’s evolution from a traditional cruise line into a modern, experience-led travel brand. From leading the award-winning “Come Seek” campaign to leading the brand’s following to over 7.5M followers.
2. Caroline Clayton, CMO at American Airlines.
Recently promoted to lead global marketing, digital experience and storytelling for AA’s brand. The challenge Caroline is facing is evolving a legacy airline for the next generation through storytelling, one that they are doing with campaigns like the “Going for Great” campaign and modernising loyalty through AAdvantage.
3. Raja Rajamannar, CMO at Mastercard.
Payments and travel are more integrated than they appear on the surface. Raja’s work connects payments with experiences, showing how travel fits into lifestyle, commerce and culture. BD had the privilege of working with Mastercard recently to deliver a priceless experience in Singapore with Formula One – a very proud moment for us all. I look forward to seeing @Jill Kramer elevate the brand further with her recent appointment to the role.
4. Alex Schellenberger, Chief Brand & Marketing Officer at Mandarin Oriental.
Alex and the team at Mandarin Oriental understand what it means to build an emotional connection with travellers. Every campaign centralises the brand’s sense of calm and craft, all its values that are hard to replicate.
5. Mark Weinstein, CMO at Hilton Worldwide.
Mark is driving Hilton’s evolution through personalised experiences and human storytelling, scaling the individuality of the brand across hundreds of properties and audiences worldwide.
I’d love to hear who you think is leading the evolution in travel marketing, feel free to tag them below so I can check them out 😎
