Esther Lee will join MetLife Inc. as EVP and global chief marketing officer effective Jan. 12, 2015. Lee will report to Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Steven A. Kandarian and serve as a member of the company’s executive group.
Lee will manage all aspects of global marketing, advertising and promotion and be responsible for continuing MetLife’s transformation into “a world-class, consumer-led brand that puts the customer at the center of all business decisions,” the company said.
“As MetLife focuses globally on meeting evolving consumer needs, Esther’s deep understanding of international brand and marketing dynamics and her success in leading the growth of established worldwide brands such as AT&T and Coca-Cola will be tremendous assets,” Kandarian said. “Her broad record of achievement in marketing, advertising and brand management will add a valuable perspective to the Executive Group as we seek new value creation opportunities and strive to develop new and simplified customer experiences.”
Previously Lee was SVP, brand marketing, advertising and sponsorships for AT&T, where she was responsible for all brand marketing activities and the integration of brand leadership into the company’s business strategies across the $128 billion enterprise. Among her achievements, she drove the positioning of AT&T as a “Rethink Possible” brand focused on helping customers mobilize their world, MetLife said.
Prior, Lee was CEO for the North America division of Euro RSCG, responsible for 23 marketing services companies, including advertising, digital, direct, data, event, PR, music, promotion and field services. From 2002 to 2007, she was senior vice president and global chief creative officer for Coca-Cola. In 1997, Lee co-founded her own advertising agency, DiNoto Lee LLC.
“This is an exciting time to be joining MetLife,” Lee said. “As MetLife is undergoing a transformation to become a global, customer-centric brand, marketing will play a pivotal role. By driving MetLife’s strong iconic brand with best-in-class global marketing, the opportunity for growth and long-term shareholder value is immense.”
