Shannon Watkins has been tapped as the new chief marketing officer for Jordan Brand, Yahoo! Sports reports.
Watkins’ new role is set to begin on May 16 and she will replace Sean Tresvant who will now join Taco Bell as the global chief brand officer. In addition, Watkins will report to Jordan Brand’s CEO Craig Williams and she will be responsible to steward a pivotal period for Jordan Brand’s marketing.
Statement From Jordan Brand CEO Craig Williams
“We need innovative leadership, someone who can lead us into the future by pushing creativity, championing diversity, and bringing our purpose to life,” Williams said. “Shannon’s experience across multiple industries and business sectors will do just that, helping to lead our marketing efforts into the future.”
Watkins Contributions In Sports Marketing
Watkins previously served as the former chief brand and marketing officer at Aflac Inc. starting in 2018. While working at the insurance company Watkins launched a new era in Aflac’s marketing department which led to a partnership with ESPN’s College Gameday. Watkins also encouraged more attention towards Historically Black Colleges and Universities, educated Americans about health and wage gaps, and showed policyholders who they could combat health and wage disparities using Aflac’s products. It should come to no surprise Watkins was previously named one of AdWeek’s Most Powerful Women in Sports for 2021.
“Shannon’s personal and professional commitment to standing in the gap between those who need greater support and the institutions that can provide it is a difference-maker in how people perceive Aflac as a company that truly cares. Aflac is making a difference due in great part to Shannon’s vision on advancing our business with a particular concern for the diverse communities we represent,” said Aflac U.S. President Teresa White, according to a press release.
