Marketing Leaders Move: Microsoft AI, Pinterest & More – Jan 23 Roundup

A wave of leadership changes is reshaping the marketing landscape across several prominent companies. These moves, announced during the week ending January 23, span the technology, retail, and creative sectors, signaling potential shifts in strategy and priorities.

Key Leadership Appointments

Microsoft AI (MAI), the tech giant’s newly established AI research lab founded in 2024, has appointed Andréa Mallard as its chief marketing officer (CMO). Mallard joins MAI after seven years at Pinterest, where she recently departed. MAI is led by DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman as CEO.

Pinterest is also undergoing a leadership transition. Claudine Cheever, formerly the global brand and marketing vp at Amazon, will take the helm as CMO. Lee Brown, a veteran of both DoorDash and Spotify, is joining Pinterest as its first chief business officer.

Expanding Roles in Tech and Creativity

Meghan Gendelman, with prior experience at Salesforce and DocuSign, has been named CMO, B2B, at Canva. Gendelman stated her focus will be on establishing Canva as a core platform for organizations. Meanwhile, Natalie King, formerly of Wieden+Kennedy and Accessorize, has been appointed CMO at U.K. footwear retailer Schuh.

Did You Know? Microsoft established its dedicated AI research lab, Microsoft AI (MAI), in 2024, and it is led by DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman.

The changes aren’t limited to new hires. Marissa Jarratt, executive vp and chief marketing and sustainability officer for 7-Eleven, has announced her departure after a seven-year tenure.

Expert Insight: These shifts in marketing leadership often reflect evolving business priorities. The appointment of CMOs at emerging AI-focused entities like Microsoft AI underscores the growing importance of effectively communicating the value of these technologies to a broader audience.

These leadership changes could signal a renewed focus on innovation and market positioning for each of these companies. The creation of a new chief business officer role at Pinterest may indicate a strategy to diversify revenue streams. Canva’s emphasis on the B2B market, as articulated by Gendelman, suggests a push to expand its enterprise offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new CMO of Microsoft AI?

Andréa Mallard is the new chief marketing officer (CMO) of Microsoft AI (MAI).

What new role was created at Pinterest?

Pinterest created the role of chief business officer, which will be filled by Lee Brown.

Where was Marissa Jarratt previously employed?

Marissa Jarratt was previously the executive vp and chief marketing and sustainability officer for 7-Eleven.

How might these leadership changes impact the competitive landscape in their respective industries?