January is the month when the marketing world hits refresh, and no role shakes things up like a new CMO stepping into the spotlight. With budgets resetting and brands hungry for fresh ideas, CMO appointments in January often signal the start of bold initiatives, innovative campaigns, and—let’s be honest—potentially massive shifts in spending. These moves are more than industry buzz for sales professionals—they’re your green light to connect with the decision-makers shaping where the dollars flow in 2024.
Here’s the deal: CMO moves aren’t just about a new face on the leadership page—they’re about strategy shakeups and brand priorities getting a whole new vibe. Whether it’s a tech guru bringing digital-first energy to a legacy brand or a creative powerhouse ready to double down on experiential marketing, these changes hold the keys to where your next big opportunity might come from. The savviest sales pros know this is the time to strike—get on their radar while the ink’s still fresh on that LinkedIn post. Trust us, January’s CMO moves could be the inside track to your biggest wins of the year.
1) New CMO at Euna Solutions signals growth
Sales lead insight: Connect with Jennifer Edwards, Euna Solutions’ newly appointed CMO, to position your agency or services for upcoming opportunities. Edwards joined Euna Solutions as CMO in late 2024, bringing expertise from her previous role at Power Factors. She’s expected to drive innovation, targeting organizations seeking administrative and financial operations support.
Opportunities under new leadership:
- Increased digital spending: Budgets are expected to grow significantly.
- Diversified ad placements: Explore untapped channels and platforms.
- Agency expansion: New leadership often leads to agency reviews and appointments.
Digital spending snapshot:
- 2024 spend: $2.6k, doubling 2023’s $1.3k.
- Impressions: 924.1k across Direct (89%), Ad Network (9%), and Programmatic (2%).
- Top ad placements: Yahoo.com, Foxnews.com, Citationmachine.net, Britannica.com, and Moneycontrol.com.
Agency insights: Gabriel Marketing Group serves as PR AOR; CMO hires often signal marketing shifts. Now’s the time to pitch your value to Euna’s expanding strategy.
2) Heartland Dental names new CMO
Sales lead insight: Connect with Sherianne James, Heartland Dental’s new CMO, to position yourself for upcoming marketing initiatives. James was appointed CMO in January 2025, joining from EssilorLuxottica where she held the same role. James will oversee marketing strategies to drive brand growth, patient acquisition, and loyalty across Heartland’s network of supported dental practices.
Opportunities under new leadership:
- Increased digital spending: Budgets are likely to grow further.
- New channels: Heartland is expected to test additional marketing platforms.
- Agency reviews: New CMOs often signal shifts in agency partnerships.
Digital spending snapshot:
- 2024 spend: $83.9k, a sharp rise from $17.4k in 2023.
- Impressions: 11M across Programmatic (99%) and Ad Network (91%).
- Top ad placements: YouTube.com, Pinterest.com, Reddit.com, YouTube (Android), and PsychologyToday.com.
Agency insights: Fusion92 serves as Creative & Media AOR; With James driving strategy, now is the time to present innovative solutions that align with Heartland’s patient-centric goals.
3) Laurel Road names new CMO
Sales lead insight: Chris Milone’s appointment as CMO at Laurel Road signals potential opportunities for both sellers and agencies. Laurel Road appointed Milone as CMO in November 2024. Milone, previously CMO at Best Egg, will oversee brand strategy, partnerships, product marketing, and customer engagement, focusing on healthcare and business professionals.
Opportunities under new leadership:
- Higher digital spending: Expect a return to increased budgets.
- New partnerships: Industry collaborations may expand.
- Agency outsourcing: Potential for marketing tasks to be handed off to agencies.
Digital spending snapshot:
- 2024 spend: $1.5M, down from $5.2M in 2023.
- Impressions: 230.4M across Programmatic (97%), Ad Network (2%), and Direct (1%).
- Top ad placements: Facebook.com, Instagram.com, YouTube.com, AAFP.org, and AAD.org.
Agency insights: With a new CMO at the helm, sellers and agencies should pitch strategies that align with Laurel Road’s renewed focus on brand growth and customer engagement.
4) Saks Global promotes top marketer following Neiman Marcus acquisition
Sales lead insight: Saks Global’s acquisition of Neiman Marcus creates significant opportunities for sellers and agencies as the brands integrate and evolve. Saks Global finalized its acquisition of Neiman Marcus, consolidating Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Off Fifth into one entity. Emily Essner, formerly Saks’ CMO, has been promoted to President and Chief Commercial Officer, where she will lead go-to-market strategies and enhance customer experiences across the combined brands.
Opportunities under new leadership:
- Unified campaigns: A unified marketing strategy will align the newly merged brands.
- Increased ad spend: Budgets are expected to rise to support integration.
- Agency assistance: New opportunities may arise as Saks seeks agency partners for strategic support.
Digital spend snapshot by brand
| Brand |
2024 spend |
2024 impressions |
Top channels |
2023 spend |
| Bergdorf Goodman |
$404.3K |
107.1M |
HarpersBazaar.com, Elle.com |
$333.8K |
| Neiman Marcus |
$5.7M |
1.1B |
Instagram.com, Facebook.com |
$6.4M |
| Saks Fifth Avenue |
$1.1M |
302.8M |
Fox News (Android) |
$7.2M |
| Saks Off Fifth |
$1.3M |
216.5M |
Instagram.com, Facebook.com |
$3.9M |
Agency insights: The acquisition and Emily Essner’s promotion signal shifts in marketing priorities. Sellers and agencies should highlight solutions supporting brand unification and enhancing customer experience.
5) 7 Brew Names First-Ever CMO
Sales lead insight: The creation of a Chief Marketing Officer role at 7 Brew Coffee (7BC) indicates a greater focus on marketing and presents new opportunities for sellers and agencies. 7 Brew Coffee appointed Chavez as its first-ever CMO in December 2024. Chavez, previously CMO at KFC, will drive efforts to expand 7BC’s brand presence, open new stands, and enhance its loyalty program targeting Millennials.
Opportunities under new leadership:
- Increased ad spend: Budgets are expected to continue growing.
- New channels: Exploration of fresh advertising platforms is likely.
- Agency expansion: The company may add to its agency roster.
Digital spend snapshot:
- 2024 YTD spend: $1.2M, a significant increase from $172.1K in the same period of 2023.
- 2022-2023 full-year spend: Jumped from $15.5K in 2022 to $480.6K in 2023.
- Impressions: 190.9M across Direct (79%), Programmatic (19%), and Ad Network (2%).
- Top ad placements: NYTimes.com, TikTok.com, FoxNews.com, Fox News: Live Breaking News (iOS), and Colts.com.
Agency insights: ICR serves as 7BC’s PR agency; Engage with Nick Chavez now to position yourself as a strategic partner during this pivotal growth phase.
6) Adobe hires new CMO amid digital spend surge
Sales lead insight: Connect with Lara Balazs, Adobe’s newly appointed CMO, to stay top-of-mind as she reshapes the marketing strategy. In December 2024, Adobe named Balazs CMO and EVP of Global Marketing. Balazs, formerly CMO of Intuit, will lead branding, Adobe.com, events, social media, communications, and marketing insights. Adobe recently added two creative partners in September, signaling a fresh approach to its marketing initiatives.
Opportunities under new leadership:
- Increased digital focus: Adobe continues to shift ad dollars from TV to digital.
- Brand growth: Balazs is expected to enhance Adobe’s presence in both B2B and B2C markets.
- Sponsorships and collaborations: Look for new brand partnerships to expand Adobe’s reach.
- Agency reviews: New leadership may reassess current partnerships.
Broadcast insights:
- 2024 YTD spend: $7.7M on national TV ads, down from $22.1M in the same period of 2023.
- 2022-2023 full-year spend: Declined 29%, from $33.9M in 2022 to $24M in 2023.
- Top ad programming: NBA Basketball, NFL Football, Saturday Night Live, PGA Tour Golf, and 2024 TOUR Championship.
Digital spend snapshot:
- 2024 YTD spend: $727M, more than double the $308.8M during the same period in 2023.
- Impressions: 134B via Programmatic (61%), Direct (38%), and Ad Network (1%).
- 2022-2023 full-year spend: Increased 24%, from $266.3M in 2022 to $329.9M in 2023.
- Top ad placements: LinkedIn.com, Facebook.com, TikTok.com, Yahoo.com, and Instagram.com.
Agency insights: While Dentsu Creative and Stagwell are likely secure, now is the time to position your agency for future opportunities under Balazs’ leadership. Current roster:
- Wavemaker: Media AOR
- Publicis Media: Media AOR
- Dentsu Creative: Creative
- Stagwell: Creative
- Ubiquitous: Social
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Introducing WinmoAnswers, Your AI Companion on WinmoEdge!
in Breaking Newsby Sophia BeharWe’re excited to announce WinmoAnswers, a new AI companion tool to make your prospecting even smarter! WinmoAnswers is integrated into WinmoEdge to deliver instant, ready-to-act opportunities seamlessly, reducing your time spent endlessly searching to focus on what really matters: connecting and closing deals.
How it Works
WinmoAnswers harnesses the power of AI technology and the rich content within WinmoEdge to deliver instant, intelligent answers to your industry-specific questions. Forget manually sifting through countless filters and articles.
Simply ask a question like:
and WinmoAnswers will provide concise, ready-to-act information, helping you uncover relevant business insights and leads.
Enhanced Prospecting & Research
WinmoAnswers generates relevant and targeted responses by leveraging the latest WinmoEdge data, helping you:
Faster Decision-Making
In sales, timing is everything. One missed shift – a change in spending, a leadership move, new funding – and you’ve lost an opportunity. WinmoAnswers is engineered to give you back valuable hours by drastically reducing your time spent on research. It just takes one question to populate the exclusive sales leads and key insights you need to make informed decisions quickly and confidently.
Seamlessly Integrated
We understand the importance of an intuitive user experience. That’s why WinmoAnswers was designed directly within the WinmoEdge platform. You won’t need to navigate to separate tools–it’s right in WinmoEdge, ready to assist your research workflow whenever you need it.
Conclusion
Ready to unlock smarter, faster, and more efficient research with WinmoAnswers?
Q2 2025 New Business Guide – 9 Brands Ready to Partner
in Ad Sales, Agency New Business, Marketingby Samantha StallardAs brands enter Q2 2025, they’re shifting strategies based on early-year performance, market trends, and evolving consumer behaviors. This quarter brings new budgets, fresh campaigns, and a renewed focus on partnerships, sponsorships, and media spending. To help you stay ahead of the game, we’ve identified 9 brands poised for major investments in Q2. These companies are actively growing, restructuring, or launching new initiatives—meaning prime opportunities for agencies, media buyers, and sales teams.
1) Netflix – The streaming disruptor doubling down on ad revenue
2) Fenty Beauty – The next big beauty boom
3) Kraft Heinz – The CPG giant expanding its digital footprint
4) Nike – The sportswear brand on a sponsorship spree
5) Chime – The challenger bank scaling up
6) McDonald’s – The fast-food titan betting big on Gen Z
7) Marriott Bonvoy – The hospitality leader investing in experiences
8) Monster Energy – The beverage brand fueling extreme sports
9) Sephora – The beauty retailer leading in personalization
How to win in Q2 2025
Q2 is a pivotal time when brands reassess their performance and allocate remaining budgets for mid-year campaigns, making it the perfect moment to engage decision-makers. To secure partnerships, stay ahead of budget shifts by tracking new funding rounds, leadership hires, and quarterly earnings reports. Personalization is key—brands expect partners who understand their unique challenges and can provide tailored solutions backed by insights. Leveraging Winmo’s data on ad spending, agency relationships, and competitive intelligence will help you identify the best opportunities and refine your outreach. With summer campaigns on the horizon, now is the time to pitch innovative ideas and lock in high-value deals before brands finalize their strategies.
Q2 Planning: 5 Brands Ready for RFPs in 2025
in Ad Sales, Agency New Business, Marketingby Samantha StallardAs we head into Q2, brands are ramping up their marketing budgets, agency searches, and media investments to hit 2025 goals. For agencies and adtech companies, this means prime opportunities to land new business—if you know where to look.
The key to identifying brands ready for an RFP? Follow the money and the leadership moves. Companies that have secured fresh funding, hired new marketing executives, expanded product lines, or shifted media spend are the ones most likely to seek new agency partnerships. Using intent data, competitive intelligence, and industry tracking tools, sellers can pinpoint brands in active planning cycles. Networking at industry events and leveraging CRM insights can also uncover potential buyers before they even issue an RFP.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of brands that are primed for new agency, media, and sponsorship partnerships this quarter. From Ikea’s creative review to Quince’s Series C funding and The Snow League’s launch, here’s where to focus your outreach now.
1) Quince scores Series C, hires growth VP
Why Quince is ready for an RFP: Fresh off a $120M Series C funding round, Quince is expanding into new product categories while keeping its focus on affordability and quality. The company also brought in growth VP Leila Tovbina (ex-HelloFresh) to accelerate customer acquisition, signaling a potential shift in marketing strategy. This funding boost, combined with leadership changes, suggests Quince may be in the market for new agency support to fuel its next phase of growth.
Sales lead: Pitch ad space and agency services.
Target demographic: Millennials (female skew)
Predictive insights:
Broadcast insights:
Digital and social insights:
Agency opportunity: Likely to bring in agency support for scaling marketing efforts. Current roster: In-house media.
2) The Snow League scores funding ahead of first season
Why The Snow League is ready for an RFP: With $15M in fresh funding and a March 2025 launch on NBC Sports & Peacock, Shaun White’s The Snow League (TSL) needs a strong media and sponsorship strategy to drive viewership and engagement. The league’s focus on extreme sports and a highly engaged Gen-Z and Millennial audience makes this a prime opportunity for agencies and brands looking to reach young, active consumers.
Sales lead: Pitch creative, media, and sponsorship opportunities.
Target demographic: Gen-Z and Millennial men
Predictive insights:
Digital and social insights:
Agency Opportunity: TSL needs creative, media, and sponsorship support. Current Roster: PR AOR, Famous Last Words.
3) BigCommerce hires CMO after increasing spend in 2024
Why BigCommerce is ready for an RFP: Newly hired CMO Michelle Suzuki is set to oversee demand generation, digital marketing, and brand strategy for BigCommerce. Given the company’s jump in ad spend and Suzuki’s history at Glassbox, expect a renewed focus on agency partnerships to drive growth in 2025.
Sales lead: Reach out to the new CMO.
Target demographic: B2C and B2B eCommerce brands
Predictive insights:
Digital and social insights:
Agency opportunity: BigCommerce may seek creative and media agency support to optimize performance.
4) Ikea adds new stores amid creative review
Why Ikea is ready for an RFP: Ikea is investing $2.2B into expanding its store footprint while conducting a creative agency review. This presents huge opportunities for regional advertising, media partnerships, and creative agency support to drive awareness in new markets.
Sales lead: Pitch regional ad space and agency services.
Target demographic: Millennials and Gen-Xers
Predictive insights:
Broadcast insights:
Digital and social insights:
Agency opportunity: Ikea is actively seeking a new creative AOR. Current Roster:
5) Five Iron Golf enters two new markets
Why Five Iron Golf is ready for an RFP: With major expansions in Florida and Nashville, Five Iron Golf (FIG) is ramping up marketing efforts to build brand awareness and customer engagement. Expect increased spend on digital, OOH, and experiential marketing, making this an ideal time to pitch local ad space and sponsorship opportunities.
Sales lead: Pitch local ad space, sponsorships and creative agency services.
Target demographic: Millennials and Gen-Z men
Predictive insights:
Digital and social insights:
Agency opportunity: FIG is likely to outsource creative and media efforts
Top Houston Advertising Agencies: March 2025
in Ad Sales, Agency New Business, Marketingby Samantha StallardOften overshadowed by larger ad hubs like New York and Los Angeles, Houston’s advertising industry is finally stepping into the national spotlight. The city has seen a significant rise in independent advertising agencies, bringing fresh creativity and strategic expertise to brands looking for a competitive edge. Like its population, Houston’s business landscape is diverse, dynamic, and constantly evolving.
A brand might choose to work with a Houston-based independent agency for several compelling reasons, including:
Houston’s advertising scene is more than just growing—it’s thriving. Whether you’re a startup looking to make an impact or a global brand seeking fresh perspectives, working with a Houston-based agency could be your smartest move. Keep scrolling to explore some of the top Houston agencies with a client media spend over $250,000 (as of March 2025). And here’s to your competitive edge in 2025!
Employees: 51-200
Employees: 1-10
Employees: 1-10
Employees: 11-50
Employees: 11-50
Employees: 11-50
Employees: 51-200
Employees: 51-200
Employees: 51-200
Employees: 11-50
The Martech Playbook for Q1: Tools for Streamlining Your Sales Funnel
in Marketing, Marketing Techby Samantha StallardIn the ever-evolving marketing technology landscape (martech), staying ahead of the curve is essential for streamlining your sales funnel and driving growth. As we enter the first quarter of 2025, it’s crucial to leverage the latest tools that enhance efficiency, personalize customer experiences, and provide actionable insights. Here’s a curated selection of martech tools making waves in 2024 and 2025, tailored to optimize each stage of your sales funnel.
1) Data analysis: Uncovering actionable insights
Understanding your audience is the cornerstone of effective marketing. Advanced analytics platforms have evolved to offer real-time data exploration and predictive modeling.
2) CRM: Enhancing engagement
Effective CRM systems are pivotal for managing interactions and nurturing leads throughout the sales funnel.
3) Content personalization: Delivering tailored experiences
Personalized content is key to engaging prospects and guiding them through the sales funnel.
4) Social listening and engagement: Tuning into customer conversations
Monitoring social media channels provides valuable insights into customer sentiments and emerging trends.
5) Performance analysis: Measuring and optimizing campaigns
Assessing the effectiveness of marketing initiatives is crucial for continuous improvement.
6) Marketing automation: Streamlining campaign management
Automation tools are indispensable for managing complex marketing campaigns efficiently.
7) AI-powered innovations: Embracing the future
The integration of artificial intelligence into martech tools is transforming how businesses approach marketing and sales.
Incorporating these cutting-edge martech tools into your strategy can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your sales funnel. By leveraging advanced analytics, personalized content, and AI-driven automation, businesses can stay ahead in the competitive landscape of 2025.
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12 Tips for Your Sales Outreach
in Ad Sales, Agency New Business, Business Development, Salesby Britani JohnsonTakeaway: Consistent, value-driven content keeps your prospects thinking about you when they’re ready to buy.
Takeaway: Show that you’re not just selling but that you want to solve their problems. This builds trust and fosters conversation.
Stay consistent, keep your messaging clear, and always focus on how your solution benefits the prospect. With these tips, you’ll be able to craft effective emails that drive engagement and close more deals. Happy selling!
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Super Bowl LIX Advertisers to Watch
in Ad Sales, Breaking News, Marketingby Samantha StallardThe Super Bowl is more than just a football game—it’s an annual spectacle where brands go all in to grab the world’s attention. With a price tag north of $7 million for a 30-second ad slot, the stakes are higher than ever. But which brands are stepping onto the field for the 2025 Super Bowl broadcast, and why should this matter to sales professionals? Let’s break it down.
1) Tech titans are doubling down
This year, big names like Uber, Meta, and GoDaddy are taking center stage. With themes of innovation, AI integration, and connectivity, these tech giants are battling for dominance in consumer minds—and budgets. For example, Meta’s ad featuring Chris Pratt and Chris Hemsworth highlights the capabilities of Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, pushing the boundaries of wearable tech. Meanwhile, GoDaddy’s playful spot starring Walton Goggins showcases its commitment to supporting small businesses with its new Airo tool.
Why it matters: Their ad spend signals where these brands are focusing their growth efforts. Whether they’re promoting cloud solutions, new devices, or digital services, their campaigns could pave the way for emerging opportunities in industries like SaaS, e-commerce, and martech.
2) Beverage wars heat up
PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are back with their iconic showdowns, but don’t sleep on Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Coors Light. Stella Artois continues to position itself as a premium choice for sophisticated gatherings, while Budweiser’s spot featuring the iconic Clydesdales drives home its legacy appeal. Coors Light’s quirky “Mondays Light” campaign, starring Timothy Simons, is sure to resonate with a younger audience.
Why it matters: Increased ad spend by beverage brands often correlates with spikes in promotional campaigns and sponsorship opportunities. If you’re targeting regional distributors, food service companies, or event marketing budgets, now’s the time to take action.
3) First-time players enter the game
Every Super Bowl introduces us to new faces willing to spend big for their first 30-second shot at stardom. This year, several notable brands are making their Super Bowl debuts:
Why it matters: First-time advertisers often signal fast-growing companies with fresh budgets and a willingness to experiment. Whether you’re in sponsorship sales, martech, or partnership development, these newcomers represent untapped opportunities. Early outreach could position your business as a strategic partner during their growth trajectory.
4) The return of fan favorites
Brands like Doritos, Mountain Dew, and TurboTax are back, bringing their signature flair to the big game. Doritos is reviving its “Crash the Super Bowl” contest, inviting fans to submit ideas for a chance to win $1 million. TurboTax’s 12th consecutive Super Bowl ad continues to target Gen Z with humor and relatability. Meanwhile, Booking.com is bringing wanderlust to the forefront with its fourth-quarter spot.
Why it matters: These consistent players provide insight into long-term marketing strategies. Their willingness to invest year after year demonstrates the importance of the Super Bowl as a platform for reinforcing brand equity.
Super Bowl advertising isn’t just about flashy commercials—it’s a map of where brands are investing their resources and attention.
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4 Winning Sponsorship Plays to Dominate the 2025 Sports Landscape
in Agency New Business, Events, Salesby Marilyn Mead BrutocoThe roar of the crowd is back, but the sponsorship game has changed forever. It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost five years since the pandemic first disrupted our lives and industries. Those years reshaped the way brands connect with audiences, throwing the traditional playbook out the window. Today, brands looking to partner with professional sports teams must navigate a sponsorship world transformed by innovation, audience-first strategies, and a newfound focus on flexibility.
When live sports paused, the industry had to think fast. Brands leaned into fan-less events, virtual experiences and digital activations to stay relevant, while sponsorship professionals reimagined strategies to keep teams and audiences connected. The result? A sharper focus on hybrid fan engagement, nimble contracts, and the ability to pivot on a dime. Now, as we truly emerge from this transformative era, it’s clear that the rules of the game are forever changed—and the brands that adapt will own the future. For marketing and sales professionals targeting partnerships with professional sports teams, it’s all about agility, innovation, and delivering what fans want before they even know they want it.
Here are four power plays to help your brand dominate the 2025 sponsorship landscape:
1) Prioritize flexibility in partnerships
Adaptability is king. Game schedules can shift overnight, and the brands that pivot fastest will always win. Build flexibility into your sponsorship agreements—think clauses that allow for creative changes in deliverables or activation methods. Not only will this future-proof your strategy, but it’ll also position your brand as a partner sports organizations want to team up with.
2) Leverage digital and hybrid fan experiences
In-stadium games are back, but the appetite for digital fan engagement is here to stay. Sports fans now expect options—whether that’s live-streamed player interviews, augmented reality experiences, or exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Marketing and sales professionals should work with teams to create activations that extend beyond the stadium. For example, a partnership with a professional basketball team could include a gameday AR filter or exclusive content on social channels to engage fans at home and on-the-go.
3) Invest in meaningful metrics
ROI has never been under more scrutiny. Brands want metrics that matter— impressions are no longer enough. Think fan engagement rates, ticket sales attributed to sponsorships, or app downloads driven by activations. Work closely with teams to define meaningful KPIs and leverage advanced tools to track performance. Then, share those results with confidence. Transparent, data-driven insights build trust and ensure your sponsorships are delivering for both the team and your brand.
4) Center social responsibility in sports partnerships
Today, fans expect brands to do more than advertise—they want to invest in brands that align with their values. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are drawn to brands that champion social impact and community values. Align your sponsorship strategy with causes that matter to fans and reflect your brand’s values. Whether it’s partnering with a team’s foundation or promoting sustainability initiatives within the stadium, social responsibility isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.
The sponsorship landscape in professional sports is alive with opportunities for brands ready to adopt the new playbook. By embracing flexibility, tapping into digital fan engagement, delivering clear ROI, and leading with purpose, marketing and sales professionals can craft partnerships that not only navigate today’s challenges but shape tomorrow’s successes.
At Winmo, we’re your ultimate playbook for navigating this new era. From real-time contact intel on sports marketing decision-makers to deep insights into team sponsorship strategies, we’ve got the tools you need to close bigger deals and build partnerships that stick.
The future of sports sponsorship is here. Let’s own it together.
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Top CMO Moves to Kickstart the Year
in Ad Sales, Agency New Business, Marketingby Samantha StallardJanuary is the month when the marketing world hits refresh, and no role shakes things up like a new CMO stepping into the spotlight. With budgets resetting and brands hungry for fresh ideas, CMO appointments in January often signal the start of bold initiatives, innovative campaigns, and—let’s be honest—potentially massive shifts in spending. These moves are more than industry buzz for sales professionals—they’re your green light to connect with the decision-makers shaping where the dollars flow in 2024.
Here’s the deal: CMO moves aren’t just about a new face on the leadership page—they’re about strategy shakeups and brand priorities getting a whole new vibe. Whether it’s a tech guru bringing digital-first energy to a legacy brand or a creative powerhouse ready to double down on experiential marketing, these changes hold the keys to where your next big opportunity might come from. The savviest sales pros know this is the time to strike—get on their radar while the ink’s still fresh on that LinkedIn post. Trust us, January’s CMO moves could be the inside track to your biggest wins of the year.
1) New CMO at Euna Solutions signals growth
Sales lead insight: Connect with Jennifer Edwards, Euna Solutions’ newly appointed CMO, to position your agency or services for upcoming opportunities. Edwards joined Euna Solutions as CMO in late 2024, bringing expertise from her previous role at Power Factors. She’s expected to drive innovation, targeting organizations seeking administrative and financial operations support.
Opportunities under new leadership:
Digital spending snapshot:
Agency insights: Gabriel Marketing Group serves as PR AOR; CMO hires often signal marketing shifts. Now’s the time to pitch your value to Euna’s expanding strategy.
2) Heartland Dental names new CMO
Sales lead insight: Connect with Sherianne James, Heartland Dental’s new CMO, to position yourself for upcoming marketing initiatives. James was appointed CMO in January 2025, joining from EssilorLuxottica where she held the same role. James will oversee marketing strategies to drive brand growth, patient acquisition, and loyalty across Heartland’s network of supported dental practices.
Opportunities under new leadership:
Digital spending snapshot:
Agency insights: Fusion92 serves as Creative & Media AOR; With James driving strategy, now is the time to present innovative solutions that align with Heartland’s patient-centric goals.
3) Laurel Road names new CMO
Sales lead insight: Chris Milone’s appointment as CMO at Laurel Road signals potential opportunities for both sellers and agencies. Laurel Road appointed Milone as CMO in November 2024. Milone, previously CMO at Best Egg, will oversee brand strategy, partnerships, product marketing, and customer engagement, focusing on healthcare and business professionals.
Opportunities under new leadership:
Digital spending snapshot:
Agency insights: With a new CMO at the helm, sellers and agencies should pitch strategies that align with Laurel Road’s renewed focus on brand growth and customer engagement.
4) Saks Global promotes top marketer following Neiman Marcus acquisition
Sales lead insight: Saks Global’s acquisition of Neiman Marcus creates significant opportunities for sellers and agencies as the brands integrate and evolve. Saks Global finalized its acquisition of Neiman Marcus, consolidating Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Off Fifth into one entity. Emily Essner, formerly Saks’ CMO, has been promoted to President and Chief Commercial Officer, where she will lead go-to-market strategies and enhance customer experiences across the combined brands.
Opportunities under new leadership:
Digital spend snapshot by brand
Agency insights: The acquisition and Emily Essner’s promotion signal shifts in marketing priorities. Sellers and agencies should highlight solutions supporting brand unification and enhancing customer experience.
5) 7 Brew Names First-Ever CMO
Sales lead insight: The creation of a Chief Marketing Officer role at 7 Brew Coffee (7BC) indicates a greater focus on marketing and presents new opportunities for sellers and agencies. 7 Brew Coffee appointed Chavez as its first-ever CMO in December 2024. Chavez, previously CMO at KFC, will drive efforts to expand 7BC’s brand presence, open new stands, and enhance its loyalty program targeting Millennials.
Opportunities under new leadership:
Digital spend snapshot:
Agency insights: ICR serves as 7BC’s PR agency; Engage with Nick Chavez now to position yourself as a strategic partner during this pivotal growth phase.
6) Adobe hires new CMO amid digital spend surge
Sales lead insight: Connect with Lara Balazs, Adobe’s newly appointed CMO, to stay top-of-mind as she reshapes the marketing strategy. In December 2024, Adobe named Balazs CMO and EVP of Global Marketing. Balazs, formerly CMO of Intuit, will lead branding, Adobe.com, events, social media, communications, and marketing insights. Adobe recently added two creative partners in September, signaling a fresh approach to its marketing initiatives.
Opportunities under new leadership:
Broadcast insights:
Digital spend snapshot:
Agency insights: While Dentsu Creative and Stagwell are likely secure, now is the time to position your agency for future opportunities under Balazs’ leadership. Current roster:
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7 Sales Prospecting Trends Shaping Adtech and Martech
in Ad Sales, Marketing, Marketing Techby Samantha StallardSales prospecting in adtech and martech isn’t just evolving—it’s transforming. To thrive in 2025, sales professionals need more than just grit and charisma. They need cutting-edge tools, hyper-relevant strategies, and the agility to pivot with every new trend. Buckle up—here are seven trends to stay ahead in an industry where change is the only constant.
1) AI-powered prospecting for martech and adtech
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the not-so-secret weapon redefining sales strategies. Predictive analytics, lead scoring, and chatbots are no longer optional; they’re table stakes for adtech and martech pros. AI digs deep into data—whether it’s campaign performance or customer behavior—and pinpoints your highest-value opportunities. In 2025, expect smarter algorithms that don’t just predict trends but help you act on them before your competitors even blink.
2) Hyper-personalization driven by martech innovations
Generic pitches are dead, and one-size-fits-all outreach is a relic of the past. Martech tools are turbocharging personalization, letting sales teams craft messages so tailored, they feel like a custom suit. Tap into intent data to uncover precisely what your prospects need—and when. Use insights from your CRM, CDP, and Winmo to highlight solutions for adtech pain points like inefficient ad spending or martech challenges like integrating multi-channel campaigns.
3) Video prospecting to engage busy executives
Attention spans are shrinking, and inboxes are overflowing. Enter video prospecting, your golden ticket to breaking through the noise and creating instant connections with decision-makers. Shoot short, snappy videos using platforms like Loom or Vidyard. Showcase how your product elevates ad performance, optimizes campaign spend, or simplifies complex workflows. Bonus points for adding a touch of humor or personality—it’s what makes you memorable.
4) Account-based marketing for targeted outreach
ABM isn’t just another acronym—it’s the game plan for targeting enterprise clients in 2025. By aligning your sales and marketing teams, you can craft campaigns so specific they’ll feel like they were designed just for your top prospects. Develop personalized assets like industry-specific case studies or webinars showcasing how your solutions drive ROI. When you’re speaking their language, prospects listen—and convert.
5) Sustainability and ethical advertising as differentiators
Being green and transparent isn’t just good PR—it’s a competitive edge. Decision-makers in adtech and martech increasingly prioritize partnerships with companies that lead with values. Showcase your ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives in your outreach. Demonstrate how your tools help brands reduce waste, ensure ad transparency, and comply with privacy laws. In a crowded market, ethics win business.
6) Advanced analytics for smarter sales decisions
Data isn’t just a tool—it’s your secret weapon. Robust analytics platforms empower sales teams to track every interaction, predict behaviors, and optimize their approach in real time. Invest in analytics tools that go beyond vanity metrics. Look for platforms that deliver actionable insights, like which accounts are heating up or where your pipeline needs a push. In 2025, the teams that win are the ones that make data their north star.
7) Sales and marketing collaboration for martech success
When sales and marketing teams work in silos, opportunities slip through the cracks. In 2025, collaboration isn’t just nice to have—it’s a must. Be sure you’re aligned on goals, messaging, and metrics; share insights and resources like customer data and campaign results; and use integrated platforms to keep everyone on the same page.
Ready to crush sales prospecting in 2025? The future of adtech and martech is bold, fast-paced, and brimming with opportunity. By embracing these trends, you’ll not only keep up but stay ahead, connecting with prospects in ways that resonate and deliver results. Winmo has the tools, insights, and resources to help you crush your goals in 2025. Let’s redefine what’s possible in adtech and martech together!
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