Marisa Thalberg
Marisa Thalberg is a highly regarded chief marketing officer and brand strategist with a career spanning some of the most recognizable consumer and retail brands in the world. She is currently a senior marketing executive at Catalyst Brands, the multi-brand retail holding company formed from the combination of Authentic Brands Group and JCPenney parent SPARC Group, where she leads brand and marketing strategy across its portfolio. Her recognition on Campaign Live's CMO 50 list for 2025 underscores her continued influence and relevance in modern brand marketing. Thalberg built her reputation through transformative tenures at Taco Bell, where she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, and at Lowe's, where she was Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. At Taco Bell, she was instrumental in elevating the brand's cultural cachet and digital engagement, while at Lowe's she led a significant repositioning of the home improvement retailer's marketing approach. Her career also includes senior marketing roles at Estée Lauder and Time Warner, giving her a broad foundation across beauty, media, and retail. Beyond her corporate roles, Thalberg is a recognized thought leader in marketing and brand building, frequently speaking at industry events and contributing to conversations around brand purpose, consumer engagement, and the evolving CMO role. She is the founder of Executive Moms, a professional network for working mothers in senior corporate roles, reflecting her commitment to advancing women in leadership. Her blend of creative brand vision and operational marketing expertise makes her a distinctive voice in the broader marketing and advertising ecosystem.
Last updated Jul 10, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Aug 17, 2026
- Years in industry
- 25 years
Bio
Marisa Thalberg is a highly regarded chief marketing officer and brand strategist with a career spanning some of the most recognizable consumer and retail brands in the world. She is currently a senior marketing executive at Catalyst Brands, the multi-brand retail holding company formed from the combination of Authentic Brands Group and JCPenney parent SPARC Group, where she leads brand and marketing strategy across its portfolio. Her recognition on Campaign Live's CMO 50 list for 2025 underscores her continued influence and relevance in modern brand marketing. Thalberg built her reputation through transformative tenures at Taco Bell, where she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, and at Lowe's, where she was Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. At Taco Bell, she was instrumental in elevating the brand's cultural cachet and digital engagement, while at Lowe's she led a significant repositioning of the home improvement retailer's marketing approach. Her career also includes senior marketing roles at Estée Lauder and Time Warner, giving her a broad foundation across beauty, media, and retail. Beyond her corporate roles, Thalberg is a recognized thought leader in marketing and brand building, frequently speaking at industry events and contributing to conversations around brand purpose, consumer engagement, and the evolving CMO role. She is the founder of Executive Moms, a professional network for working mothers in senior corporate roles, reflecting her commitment to advancing women in leadership. Her blend of creative brand vision and operational marketing expertise makes her a distinctive voice in the broader marketing and advertising ecosystem.
Career
EVP, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
Lowe's · 2020-2022
EVP, Chief Brand Officer
Taco Bell · 2016-2020
Global SVP, Digital Marketing
Estée Lauder Companies · 2012-2016
VP, Marketing
Time Warner · 2005-2012
Board memberships
Expertise & education
Expertise
Education
- BA, Cornell University
Speaking topics
Recognition
Notable achievements
- Named to Campaign Live's CMO 50 list in 2025 as a marketing leader at Catalyst Brands
- Led brand elevation and cultural marketing strategy at Taco Bell, significantly raising the brand's pop-culture profile
- Drove major marketing transformation at Lowe's as EVP and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
- Founded Executive Moms, a professional network supporting senior-level working mothers in corporate America
Awards
Publications
- Contributor to various marketing industry publications and panels on CMO leadership