The Marketing Society names new CEO as Hugh Burkitt steps down

Gemma Greaves, currently the Marketing Society’s global MD, will take on the CEO role as Hugh Burkitt takes up a newly created position as global ambassador for the body.

The Marketing Society

The Marketing Society has named Gemma Greaves as its new CEO after current boss Hugh Burkitt decided to step down.

Burkitt has been CEO of the society for the past 13 years during which time he was responsible for the launch of its ‘Manifesto for Marketing’ and ‘Marketing Leaders Programme’ for aspiring marketing directors. Burkitt started his career as a Unilever trainee at Birds Eye Food before founding the agency Burkitt Weinrech Bryant in 1986.

Despite his decision to step down, he will remain at the society in a new role as global ambassador, working to promote the Marketing Society as it continues to expand internationally. He has also been tasked with developing its ‘Excellence Awards’ globally.

Burkitt says: “Being CEO of the Marketing Society has been a great privilege and the past 13 years have flashed by, but after nearly a decade of working in partnership with Gemma, I think it is time to let her take full control of the global expansion that she has led so effectively.

Greaves has worked at the Marketing Society for more than a decade, most recently as its global managing director, and been integral to its international expansion. The society now has hubs in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai with launches planned for New York and New Delhi.

In her new role she will focus on the society’s vision to become a leading global network for senior marketers, raising the profile of marketing within business and inspiring bolder marketing leadership.

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Greaves says: “[Hugh’s] are huge shoes to fill, but I’m really excited about the opportunities ahead as we work towards our global ambition of having 10 global hubs by 2020.”

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