Jo Ann Herold

I learned early in my career, as a front line worker at McDonald's, how much I love to grow brands and work with cross functional teams. My secret sauce is setting strategic brand direction, and creating a culture of innovation that inspires teams to create, lead and grow. As a c-suite, omni-channel, and purpose-driven executive, I have a proven track record of delivering record-breaking financial results and transforming brands, teams, and cultures where I previously, served as the Chief Marketing Officer for The Honey Baked Ham Company (twice), Interface, Inc., and VP of Brand & Communication for Arby's. In all cases, the brands had positive year-on-year sales and profit growth. The work has been recognized, including two Effie’s. Also, a recipient of the National Diversity Council’s Most Powerful & Influential Women, a Lifetime Achievement from the AMA, and the AMA's Marketer for Good. A lifelong learner, am an Executive in Residence @ Georgia State University, where I teach strategic marketing and facilitate the CMO Roundtable. I am passionate about using marketing as a strategy to create results, impact, and positive change and have an advanced Executive Coaching Diploma from Emory. And that is also why I wrote an Amazon best selling book, am a Fast Company Executive Board Member, and speak regularly on topics such as purpose, brand love, leadership, growth culture and innovation.