Keynote Speakers (2010)

John Hayes

Chief Marketing Officer, American Express Company

John Hayes is Chief Marketing Officer of American Express, a company who remains committed to trust, service and relationships with its customers today, as it has been since 1850.

For the past 16 years, John has led American Express’s global marketing efforts, helping shape both the company and its brand. He has been the force behind the business strategies that have resulted in iconic campaigns such as “My life. My card.” and leading edge marketing programs such as Members Project, empowering the American Express community of members in new ways to make a difference in the world we live in.

Additionally, under John’s leadership American Express has created over 200 new product launches, including the coveted Centurion black card, Blue, and more recently ZYNC from American Express.

John is responsible for keeping pace with consumers as they reinvent their lives. He believes that the key challenge for brands today isn’t customer awareness – its customer engagement – and that truly engaging with customers requires constant innovation, a commitment to two-way communication, and an unshakeable belief in leadership that drives change.

Geoff Cottrill

Chief Marketing Officer, Converse

Geoff Cottrill joined Converse in November 2007 as Chief Marketing Officer. He leads global brand development as well as marketing strategy and brand management functions including advertising, sports marketing, brand design, digital, communications, and retail marketing. Converse footwear and apparel products are sold in 160 countries and include the top-selling shoe of all time, the iconic Chuck Taylor. Converse is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc.

Cottrill brings more than 25 years of marketing experience to the Converse brand.  Prior to joining Converse, he was Starbucks’ Vice-President, Global Entertainment where he led marketing for music, film, literature and digital related products.  Cottrill established Starbucks Entertainment platforms in the UK, Japan and 18 additional international markets. 

Cottrill also spent more than nine years at The Coca-Cola Company as Group Director Worldwide, Entertainment Marketing, where he led global music strategy, film and television integration and celebrity and product placement marketing efforts.

Prior to working for Coca-Cola, Geoff worked for Procter & Gamble, Co. for 11 years in various sales and marketing roles.

Cottrill has served on the board of the Grammy Foundation for the past two years.  The Grammy Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate an awareness, appreciation, and advancement of the contribution of recorded music on American culture.

Cottrill is based in the Converse headquarters office in North Andover, Mass, and reports to Michael Spillane, CEO.  He resides in Massachusetts with his wife and two daughters.