August is usually quiet in marketing circles. This year? Far from it. The last month saw an extraordinary volume of new hires, promotions, and CEO appointments that will shape global marketing strategies for the months ahead. Here’s a snapshot of the brands, CMOs, and trends you need to know about.

Over 7,750 New Marketing Hires

Even in the dog days of summer, companies kept their growth engines running. These appointments represent immediate opportunities for agencies and marketing tech providers, as new leaders review strategy, agencies, and technology stacks. A few key hires include:

• Nasuni: Anthony Miller, Chief Marketing Officer
• W London: Ben Foster, Director of Marketing
• MSD Animal Health UK Ltd: Laura Moore, Global Marketing Director – Digital Commerce Performance & Acceleration Lead
• Avenga: Michael Coden, Global VP of Marketing
• DAZN: Connor Boulter, VP Marketing Procurement
• Premier Foods: Catherine Lloyd, Chief Marketing Officer
• Frontier Developments: Jo Cooke, Chief Marketing Officer
• Nvidia Corporation: Yasmin Brooks, Director Corporate Communications EMEA
• Versace: Jodie Chan, VP Marketing & Communications, North America

…and senior marketing leaders at Adzuna, VetPartners, Dorchester Collection, Nutanix, Symetri Europe, and more.

2,235 Promotions Driving Strategic Change

Internal talent is stepping up across global brands, signalling potential shifts in budgets, strategy, and external partnerships:

• Mars: Katie Griffiths, Global Brand VP – WHISKAS
• Hilton Worldwide: John Rogers, SVP Brand Management EMEA & APAC
• PepsiCo: Justin Song, Senior Marketing Director – Lipton Europe
• Molson Coors: Debbie Mack, Marketing & Strategy Director
• Sailpoint: Joe Doyle, Senior Director, EMEA Marketing
• TT Electronics: Stacey Vinther, VP Global Marketing

Promotions like these often indicate a renewed focus on brand positioning, campaigns, and agency collaboration.

444 New CEOs – Strategic Marketing Directions Ahead

Leadership changes at the top are set to impact global marketing plans, tech stacks, and agency relationships:

• GXO Logistics: Patrick Kelleher, CEO
• Ben & Jerry’s: Jochanan Senf, CEO
• Athleta: Maggie Gauger, President & CEO
• Club Car: Craig Scanlon, President & CEO
• DHL Supply Chain Europe: Rainer Haag, CEO
• O2 Daisy: Jo Bertam, CEO
• Pizza Pilgrims: Gavin Smith, CEO

Every CEO change is an opportunity for marketing agencies and tech providers to offer fresh perspectives and support the execution of new strategies.

Funding Signals = Increased Marketing Budgets

August also brought a wave of companies receiving funding or expanding headcount, often translating into bigger marketing spends:

• 254 funded companies (potential marketing growth opportunities)
• 1,205 companies increasing headcount (sign of scaling teams and campaigns)

Sector Insights & Key Conversations

Our research team spent the summer diving into the marketing strategies and leadership of some key target sectors including:

• Pet Food Delivery Companies: 38 companies profiled
• Global Data Hosting Companies: 76 companies profiled
• ‍Global Airlines: 163 companies profiled
• ‍Independent Beauty Brands: 20 companies profiled
• Global & US Tourism Boards: 198 companies profiled

Tracking these sectors gives agencies a heads-up on where new marketing campaigns, partnerships, and tech adoption are likely.

Honch’s Essential Insights – August 2025

Honch’s continuous tracking reveals opportunities to engage marketing decision-makers at the right moment:

• New Marketing Hires & Promotions: Fresh leaders reviewing strategy
• CEO Appointments: Companies recalibrating marketing vision and tech
• Funding & Growth Signals: Identify companies likely to expand marketing spend
• Sector Activity: Target fast-moving or sponsorship-focused industries
• 6,114 companies discussing sponsorships (active marketing and brand investment)

August was supposed to be quiet. In reality, it was a hotbed of marketing activity – and a goldmine of opportunity for agencies and marketing tech providers.