Alison Payne Named Heineken USA CMO
Heineken USA has named a new chief marketing officer.
Alison Payne takes on the role this January, replacing Jonnie Cahill, who spent more than a decade with Heineken and will be leaving to pursue other opportunities. Payne will report directly to CEO Maggie Timoney and joins the Heineken USA Management Team.
Payne was previously the global marketing director, VP for Amsterdam’s zero-alcohol beverages unit. As part of the Heineken global commerce leadership team, she led international brands such as Birra Moretti, Edelweiss, Strongbow, and Sol and worked across global media, marketing, and commercial capabilities.
This marks a return to Heineken USA. From 2018 to 2021, Payne led the Mexican portfolio in the U.S., including the overhaul of Dos Equis and innovations in flavored beers. In the role, she oversaw all marketing and innovation programs, focusing on brand positioning, 360 omnichannel marketing campaign development, and digital and social efforts, according to LinkedIn.
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Before Heineken
Prior to joining the company, she spent time with PepsiCo as its VP of global snacks marketing and innovation; the Kellogg Company as VP of global innovation; and Diageo in various marketing roles working with brands such as Guinness, Smirnoff, and Captain Morgan, according to LinkedIn.
Payne was promoted for her 25 years of international experience in marketing, in addition to an innovative mindset and broad experience with various parts of Heineken’s business, according to Timoney.
"Alison is a strong people leader who brings strategic vision, a passion for the beer category, and a proven track record of building brands and delivering results," she said.
