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Marisa Thalberg

Thought Leader

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

Role
Chief Brand and Marketing Officer
Company
Catalyst Brands
Based
New York, New York, United States
Boards
1
Connections
5
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

Executive Moms (Founder)

Expertise & education

Expertise

Brand StrategyIntegrated Marketing CommunicationsDigital MarketingConsumer EngagementRetail MarketingSocial Media and Cultural MarketingCMO LeadershipBrand Purpose and Positioning

Education

  • BA, Cornell University

Speaking topics

The evolving role of the CMOBrand purpose and cultural relevanceWomen in marketing leadershipDigital transformation in brand marketingRetail brand strategy

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

Campaign Live CMO 50 (2025)Brand Innovators CMO of the Week

Publications

  • Contributor to various marketing industry publications and panels on CMO leadership