Dallas, Texas – May 5, 2015 – Freeman, the leading global partner for integrated marketing solutions for live engagements, today announced that Chris Cavanaugh has been named its chief marketing officer.
As CMO, Cavanaugh will be responsible for driving Freeman’s global brand marketing and communications strategy in support of the company’s strategic plan. As a member of the Freeman executive committee, he will work closely with the divisional presidents and functional leaders across the enterprise, reporting to Bob Priest-Heck, Freeman’s president.
Cavanaugh previously served as executive vice president, brand strategy and business insights for FreemanXP, a brand experience agency within the greater Freeman organization. He helped to build FreemanXP in order to meet the strategic demands of a changing marketplace by connecting individuals and brands through brand experiences that create transformational change on a global scale. The rapid growth of the agency has been instrumental in Freeman gaining the designation by AdvertisingAge as the largest global event-marketing company for the second year in a row.
Cavanaugh brings a wealth of industry experience to Freeman and to the role of CMO. His expertise in business-to-business marketing spans over 20 years and includes strategic planning, creative development, organizational design, integrated marketing, CRM, sales channel optimization, and digital and social media marketing. An industry veteran, Cavanaugh spent 16 years at Jack Morton Worldwide where he was named to the company’s executive committee and eventually became the chief growth officer working across the global agency on organic and new business growth and development. In 2012, he joined Freeman to develop and grow their strategic and creative services. Today, the agency serves a host of global Fortune 100 clients including Google and Salesforce.
“We are at the forefront of massive change in our industry as customers are expecting richer and more relevant experiences. Experiential marketing is becoming a more significant part of the marketing mix in response,” said Joe Popolo, CEO of Freeman. “This transformation requires a visionary leader – someone with big ideas and the strategic leadership skills to shape this change. Chris has all of those and a deep understanding and a passion for experience marketing. We are delighted to have him in the lead marketing role for Freeman.”
“I can’t think of a bigger opportunity in the entire industry. To work for this great company at this pivotal moment in time for our industry is thrilling,” said Cavanaugh. “As today’s audiences demand new ways of interacting with brands and content, it is imperative that Freeman, as an industry leader, continues to innovate and grow our sector to remain relevant and vital in real and measurable ways. Freeman has the reach and visibility across a vast array of sectors and services to help make this a reality.”
Cavanaugh holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Elizabethtown College and has won numerous awards including multiple Telly and Communicator Awards and a Cable Ace.
About Freeman
Founded in 1927, Freeman is the leading global partner for integrated experiential marketing solutions for live engagements including expositions, conventions, corporate events and exhibits. From its five offices in the U.K. and 70 offices in North America, Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually and 11,000 other events worldwide. In 2011, Freeman expanded its Exposition business in the UK and recently opened its new 170,000 square foot facility in Ryton, England. In 2013, Freeman launched FreemanXP, a brand experience agency, offering a full range of marketing solutions from strategy and creative services through event management and measurement. Together, Freeman and FreemanXP offer a full brand experience portfolio from strategy and creative to audio visual, logistics and execution expertise. A customer-driven, employee-owned company, Freeman places an emphasis on respect for people and providing unparalleled customer service. Freeman has received numerous industry awards for excellence in leadership, technology, creative design, community service, innovation and customer-driven partnerships. For more information, visit www.freeman.com and www.freemanxp.com.
