Topic: How Two Powerhouse CMOs Are Reinventing Marketing for Growth: A Conversation with Walmart and General Mills
What happens when two of the most powerful marketers in retail and CPG come together to talk strategy? You get a front-row seat to a masterclass in modern marketing. Join Doug Martin (CMO, General Mills) and William White (CMO of Walmart) in conversation with Kathy Hollenhorst, Chief Community Officer of Marketers That Matter, live on Zoom on Wednesday, June 11th at 11:15 am ET | 10:15 am CT | 8:15 am PT.
They will unpack how they are unlocking growth for their legacy brands through innovation, digital-first strategies, culturally relevant creative and strategic collaborations. If you’re a mid-career marketer looking to increase your impact and navigate complex enterprise ecosystems, this conversation is for you as it delivers unfiltered insights and the kind of wisdom you won’t find in textbooks.
What You’ll Learn:
Designed for mid-career marketers ready to lead at a higher level, this episode delivers bold ideas, real-world examples, and leadership insights you won’t find in a textbook.
Doug Martin, Chief Marketing Officer, General Mills
Doug Martin is the chief marketing officer at General Mills, where he leads the company’s global marketing strategy with a focus on building iconic brands through remarkable consumer experiences. In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving marketplace, Martin is committed to strengthening General Mills’ legacy of bold brand building through distinct and enduring brand foundations, culturally-resonant creative ideas and world-class marketing talent.
Since joining General Mills in 2006, Martin has held key leadership roles across the company’s snacks, cereal and dairy businesses, where he launched winning innovation including Nature Valley Protein and Oui by Yoplait. Most recently, he served as General Mills’ chief brand and disruptive growth officer, where he was responsible for the company’s brand building strategy as well as its corporate venture capabilities. Prior to this, he served as president of the North America Dairy operating unit, overseeing brands like Yoplait and Liberté. Before his time at General Mills, Martin held leadership roles at Lord & Taylor, Salvatore Ferragamo and Gap, Inc.
Martin holds a bachelor of science in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a master of business administration from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
William White, Chief Marketing Officer, Walmart
As the Chief Marketing Officer at Walmart, William White oversees customer insights and a full spectrum of marketing strategies, planning, and customer experiences. He and his team focus on driving demand, building customer loyalty, and strengthening the Walmart brand. This includes modernizing the brand by positioning Walmart as a digital-first destination, enabling commerce throughout the marketing funnel, and boosting the brand’s cultural relevance.
William has 25 years of experience in customer and commercial leadership, operating at scale in global CPG and retail organizations. He is a consumer-centric and innovative marketer who has developed and scaled multi-brand portfolios. Before Walmart, William held marketing leadership roles at Target and Coca-Cola. He serves on the boards of the Walmart Foundation and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Additionally, he is on the boards of the Ad Council, Association of National Advertisers, and MMA.
In 2023, Forbes named William the world’s most influential CMO. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and an MBA in Marketing, both from Duke University.
