Chief Marketing Officer at ZENB US
A seasoned, professional storyteller, full-stack marketer and creative catalyst, Hugo Pérez is an expert at finding the compelling thread in brand stories that make human connections come to life. With deep experience in thought leadership & brand building, he leverages his background as a digital native, his unique points of view as a first-generation Latino leader and his diverse creative skills to design breakthrough approaches fueled with emotion that resonate with any audience.
Today, as SVP/CMO at ZENB US, a global plant-based food company, he develops and guides the omnichannel marketing strategy challenging people to eat like it matters, introducing the value of whole veggies and only real ingredients in food that is better for you, for your community, and for the world around us.
Previously, Pérez contributed creative marketing and PR leadership as a senior member of various high-profile agencies, guiding impactful campaigns for a wide range of brands including Starbucks, Taco Bell, Turtle Wax, Cricket Wireless, Allstate, MTV, Frito-Lay, and AT&T, among many others. He has also played key roles on transformational teams at Mars, Incorporated and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
Throughout his career he’s helped launch and lead new initiatives & departments focused on content strategy & creation, shopper marketing, pharma social media, and multicultural marketing. He also owns a strategy & creative consultancy, Local Boy, which offers fractional CMO services, content development, and seasoned, strategic consultation. Pérez launched his career as an Emmy-Award winning producer with NBC Nightly News, the Today Show and MSNBC.
A civic-minded leader and active mentor, Pérez serves on a variety of boards, committees, and task forces. He has also been on the faculty of various higher ed institutions around the U.S., including at West Virginia University, Columbia College Chicago, and DePaul. He earned his Bachelor's degree at Moody Bible Institute and holds a Master of Arts from Northwestern University. Despite a well-traveled career, his role at home as padrino to 11 great kids brings him most joy!