New Marketing Society president and Diageo CMO Syl Saller promises to inspire 'bolder marketing leaders'
Chief marketing and innovation officer for Diageo, Syl Saller, was named as the new president of The Marketing Society at the annual Marketing Society dinner on Thursday night by chief executive, Gemma Greaves.
The Marketing Society name Syl Saller as president.
Taking over from Football Association chief, Martin Glenn, who had a three-year stint in the position, Saller hopes to continue working on the Society’s mission statement to inspire bolder marketing leaders. In her speech, she said: "Not enough people know [the mission], and so I intend to make it my theme. Because frankly there is nothing I think is more important."
During her new two-year role, Saller is looking to ensure her views are understood. She continued: "My views on this are strong and simple. If you’re not growing your leadership, you’ll miss the opportunity to progress, to transform your business, and to fulfill your full potential.
"Growth begins at the end of your comfort zone."
Throughout her speech, Saller made references to the previous work that has been done by the Society discussing the growth of the group, its manifesto for marketing and international plans.
Beginning in 1959, The Marketing Society is a global network of exclusive senior marketers, previous presidents of the group include Project Everyone chair Amanda Mackenzie; Procter and Gamble’s former marketing director, Roisin Donnelly and Unilever chief marketing and communications officer, Keith Weed.
Earlier this year Greaves was named chief executive of The Marketing Society succeeding Hugh Burkitt who held the role for 13 years.