CELEBRATING THE MARKETERS BEHIND THE BRANDS

40 Visionaries. One Global Standard for Marketing Excellence.

From bold brand reinvention to fearless innovation, this year’s Internationalists of the Year represent the marketing leaders who are shaping the future-- today.

Thanks to an outpouring of passionate nominations from across the globe, The Internationalist is proud to spotlight 40 dynamic individuals who are redefining what marketing can do for business, brands, and the world.

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These standout professionals span industries, continents, and career paths—but they share one powerful trait: a commitment to pushing boundaries and championing meaningful, results-driven change. Whether revitalizing legacy organizations, launching purpose-led ventures, or elevating marketing to new heights within the C-suite, these leaders are driving impact with insight, creativity, and courage.

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Since 2004, over 1,000 marketers have been honored as Internationalists—trailblazers recognized by their peers for challenging convention, inspiring teams, and delivering real results in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Described as “leading lights” by their colleagues, these innovators rise above today’s complexity with purpose, passion, and vision. We’re thrilled to welcome this new class of Internationalists to a growing community that continues to ignite progress across our industry.

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Meet The 2025 INTERNATIONALISTS of the YEAR!

• Ally Financial – Bridget Sponsky, Executive Director - Brand Marketing (Detroit, USA)
• Better Not Younger – Sonsoles Gonzalez, CEO/Founder (Miami, USA)
• British Heart Foundation – Claire Sadler, Chief Marketing Officer (UK)
• CADDIS – Tim Parr, Founder (USA)
• Calvin Klein – Jonathan Bottomley, CMO (New York, USA)
• Cathay Pacific Airways – Edward Bell, General Manager, Brand, Insights and Marketing Communications (Hong Kong)
• CBRE (Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis) – Benji Baer, Chief Marketing Officer (New York/Dallas, USA)
• CEC Entertainment – David McKillips, President and Chief Executive Officer (Dallas, USA)
• Citi – Alex Craddock, Chief Marketing and Content Officer (New York, USA)
• Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits – Daniel Kleinman, Chief Brand Officer (Connecticut, USA)
• Discover Financial Services – Jennifer Murillo, SVP/Chief Marketing Officer (Chicago, USA)
• e.l.f. Beauty – Kory Marchisotto, Chief Marketing Officer (San Francisco, USA)
• EOS Products – Soyoung Kang, Chief Marketing Officer (New York, USA)
• GE HealthCare – Cynthia Mahoney White, Brand Operations Manager (Chicago, USA)
• General Motors – Shenan Reed, Global Chief Media Officer (Detroit/New York, USA)
• Glanbia Performance Nutrition – Colin Westcott-Pitt, Global Chief Brand Officer (Ireland)
• Habitat for Humanity International – Amy Dunham, Chief Communications Officer (Atlanta, USA)
• Hello Products – Diana Haussling, CEO (New York, USA)
• IBM – Joseph Prota, Global Director of Brand Marketing (New York, USA)
• Kenvue – Adam Benaroya, Senior Director, Global Media Excellence (New Jersey, USA)
• KraftHeinz – Danielle Spikener, Head of Inclusive Marketing (Chicago, USA)
• Levi Strauss & Co. – Kenneth Mitchell, Global Chief Marketing Officer (San Francisco, USA)
• The LEGO Group – Julia Goldin, Chief Product and Marketing Officer (UK)
• L’Oréal Groupe – Asmita Dubey, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer (France)
• Marchon Eyewear Inc. – Thomas Burkhardt, President (New York, USA)
• Mars Incorporated – Gülen Bengi, Lead CMO & Chief Growth Officer, Mars Snacking (Chicago, USA)
• Marriott International – Terri DaSilva, VP, Global Head of Portfolio, Brand and Content Marketing (Maryland, USA)
• Mattel – Nancy Molenda, Vice President, Global Corporate Events and Philanthropy (California, USA)
• McCormick & Company – Melanie Sifuentes, VP of Global Brand Marketing (Maryland, USA)
• Mint Mobile – Aron North, Chief Marketing Officer (California, USA)
• Newell Brands – Melanie Huet, Chief Marketing Officer (Atlanta, USA)
• OKTA – Kerry Ok, Chief Marketing Officer (San Francisco, USA)
• PayPal – Geoff Seeley, CMO (San Francisco, USA)
• PENNY & REWE Group Media – Dr. Jan Flemming, Head of Marketing (Cologne, Germany)
• SEAT Cupra | Volkswagen – Giuseppe Fiordispina, Marketing Director (Frankfurt, Germany)
• The Hershey Company – Charlie Chappell, Vice President Innovation (Pennsylvania, USA)
• True Religion – Kristin D’Arcy, Chief Marketing Officer (Los Angeles, USA)
• Unilever US – Casey DePalma McCartney, Chief Brand Communications Officer
• Union Pacific – Clarissa Beyah, Chief Communications Officer (Nebraska, USA)
• Visit Sweden - Nils Persson, Chief Marketing Officer, Brand & Marketing (Stockholm, Sweden)

There may be no more exciting or daunting time to be a marketing leader.

The Internationalist proudly honors exceptional marketers from around the world whose bold initiatives are redefining the role of marketing in business and society. These visionaries inspire us all.



ABOUT THE INTERNATIONALISTS OF THE YEAR:

Celebrating the People Behind the Brands

In a fast-paced, always-on world, Internationalists of the Year stand out as the marketers driving real change. They earn trust, spark engagement, lead with data, and deliver meaningful brand experiences—often at remarkable speed. From different industries and corners of the globe, these individuals share a common thread: they are true brand champions, redefining what it means to lead in marketing and business today.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONALIST:

The Internationalist began as a global marketing trade magazine and has evolved into a dynamic, marketer-led platform dedicated to reinventing marketing for a changing world. Now in its 22nd year, it connects “people and ideas” worldwide through original content, insights, case studies, peer-to-peer Think Tanks, Awards, and Summits. Founded by Deborah Malone, a former executive at Ad Age and CNBC, The Internationalist is particularly proud of its Marketing Makes a World of Difference™ initiative and its long-standing alliance with the ANA.