IBM has revealed that Clay Cowan will join IBM as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) on November 18, based in New York.
Clay Cowan brings extensive experience in performance, analytics, digital, and creative marketing.
He previously worked at McKinsey as a partner focused on growth, marketing, and sales, and has collaborated with IBM teams in the past.
His prior roles include CMO at Betterment and Gilt Groupe, along with senior marketing positions at Starwood Hotels.
Clay Cowan degrees from Harvard and Harvard Business School and resides in Redding, Connecticut.
The current IBM CMO, who has held the role for over two years, believes this change will enhance IBM’s marketing function as a growth engine. IBM yesterday reported 1 percent increase in revenue to $15 billion in Q3 2024 despite its AI focus.
Clay Cowan’s start date is set for November 18, but he will begin contributing to IBM’s Fall Plan immediately.
A restructuring of reporting will occur, with several IBM team members including Lindsey, Wayne, Christine, Jen, Ari, Joe and Betsy reporting directly to Clay Cowan. Clay Cowan, Sarah, Justina, Terry and Meg will report to Jonathan H Adashek, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications.
Clay Cowan will be part of the senior leadership team and engage with the broader organization through upcoming Town Halls and AMAs.
