10 Must-Follow Female Marketing Executives in Canada
Marketing executives play an integral role in every company. They stay up-to-date on evolving trends and landscapes. Their best friend is often someone called “data.” And they have the coolest superpower ever: making boring ideas thrilling. Where would we be without them? Well, for starters, you wouldn’t be reading this!
Today we want to shine a light on female marketers. They do the impossible. Time after time, they show up and wow the rest of us. We put together a list of 10 must-follow female marketing executives in Canada, and if you’re not keeping an eye on their socials already, you will be now.
These women come from diverse backgrounds, with a wide array of specialities and passions. But there’s one aspect that unites them: being at the forefront of Canada’s marketing industry.
They bring creativity, innovation, and passion to their roles, while motivating younger audiences to dream big. They reject the status quo. They think outside the box. They move the dial. And in turn, they inspire all of us.
Whether they’re contributing to software company, Intuit, or national telecommunications brand, Telus — there’s no shortage of creative genius in this powerful list.
Meet Canada’s Female Marketing Executives
Gah-Yee Won
Head of Media Innovation and Growth Marketing at Intuit, Gah-Yee Won is an experienced marketing leader with an expertise in making things happen. A member of The Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada (IAB), Gah-Yee recognizes that she thrives when expanding her role and increasing accountabilities. She previously worked at Scotiabank where she was Director of Global Digital Marketing Strategy, then later Director of Account Management, Agency Operations & Marketing Channels Strategy. “I’ve been fortunate in my career to have been mentored by some of the smartest and most outspoken women in marketing and I feel like it’s my duty to pass that on,” she told us. “My life experience shapes how I approach marketing so I feel that it’s important for me to represent Asian women in the industry as well as ensuring diversity in who we portray in our advertising. These two goals drive my career and inform my work." Check out our interview with Gah-Yee here!
Lisa Mack
Vice President of Brand Marketing for Telus, Lisa Mack is a passionate customer-centric and data-driven marketer who uses data to drive the art of creating impactful brand experiences. She is a leader who says she is driven by integrity. Prior to Telus, Lisa worked at Publicis Modem in Toronto where she started as an Account Executive and later took on the role of Group Account Director. “I am incredibly honoured to be listed as one of Marketing News Canada's 10 female marketing executives in Canada to follow,” she told us.
“Growing and building my skills and experience in the marketing industry has been an incredible journey thus far. As I have moved through my career, taking on increasingly larger and more complex work and leadership mandates, I have encountered many diverse challenges that have required grit and perseverance to unlock success. As a woman, I have worked to develop a humanistic leadership style that is authentic to who I am as a person. I believe that my experiences as a woman in business have enabled me to have a continuous focus on seeking out and embracing diverse ways of thinking, creating and problem-solving. I hope to continue leading this way, building on my experience as the foundation to act as a positive role model for the workforce of today, and the future leaders of tomorrow.” Listen to our interview with Lisa.
Tanya Bevington
Head of Communications at IKEA, Tanya Bevington is a creative, versatile and strategic professional with extensive experience in corporate communications and marketing. Preceding her time at IKEA, she worked for Waterfront Toronto as the Communications and Marketing Manager. For Tanya, being a woman in her role starts with authenticity. “I’ve always tried to stay authentic to who I am and lead with empathy, trust and openness - inspired by great leaders who combine head and heart,” she told us. “It's encouraging to be recognized as a senior leader who's also a working mom of three. I'm fortunate that I can bring my whole self to work; that I'm supported with the flexibility from IKEA Canada to balance when a child is sick, when I want to attend a school event, or when I need a wellness day for myself to recharge and ensure I keep that balance to be my best self at work and at home.” Check out our interview with Tanya here.
Rachel CrowSpreadingWings
Head of Content at Institute of Canadian Agencies, Rachel hopes to inspire people to follow their dreams, be a voice for the people, and be fearless in life. Previous roles include working as a Communications Coordinator for Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society, and a Video Journalist for CTV News. “I think first I am human and I want other humans to live a full, rich and loving life,” she told us. “I was once told: ‘You can’t have ceremony without woman, you can’t have life without woman, woman is the most sacred and we must protect her.’ As a Blackfoot Salish person, I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams and life goals. As a WOMAN, especially an Indigenous woman, it is my responsibility to keep the door open for other women coming behind me. Do I get hit with racism? Am I still fighting to be heard? YES! Everyday. I say what I have to say anyway because the youth are watching and if we want a better future for them, we ourselves must learn to do things differently and stand-up for them. That is our core responsibility. The generations down the road deserve to know we put THEIR best interests first. I would like to think if I were a man it would be the same. It’s not about us, it’s about them, our future leaders and our future ancestors. And it is out of LOVE we do this.” Listen to our interview with Rachel!
Daphne Brunelle
Freelance Director of Strategy, Daphne Brunelle helps people and businesses craft their brand, communications, and digital strategy. Daphne’s strategy expertise was cultivated through years of experience at established companies like Vice Canada, Initiative, RAPP, and Compadre. She believes that everything should be designed with empathy, with people in mind. As a strategist, she thinks that brands – commercial or personal – should have heart, and be clear in why they do what they do. “As a woman, I like leaning into emotions and using that perspective to bring more heart to the work I do,” Daphne told us. “Of course, I can’t speak for all of us, but I do believe in making space to think things through differently.
Listen to our interview with Daphne here.
Karen Zuccala
Head of Brand Strategy at Google, Karen Zuccala has extensive experience in the marketing industry. Her creativity and thought-provoking leadership has aided the growth of numerous global brands including Twitter, Roots, Nike, and Adidas. Karen is a passionate team player with an entrepreneurial spirit, who thrives on new challenges, and has transformed businesses and teams to drive growth. Listen to our interview with Karen here!
Whitney Bell
Vice President of Marketing at Clutch, Whitney Bell is an experienced marketing professional with a track record for building brand love and delivering growth. Prior to joining the Clutch Team, Whitney was the Head of Marketing at Lyft. Preceding Lyft, she was Senior Brand Manager, Axe and Strategic Partnerships, at Unilever. Check out our interview with Whitney here.
Kristina Covello Garcia
National Manager of Marketing Communications at Hyundai Canada, Kristina Covello Garcia is an automotive aficionado with experience in sales, marketing, parts, service, CE, dealer & business development. While in university, she assembled Ford pickups, and after graduation, went on to work for General Motors. Listen to our interview with Kristina here.
Brenda Plowman
Chief Marketing Officer at international business law firm, Fasken, Brenda Plowman has a proven track record for driving change, innovation, and substantially increasing revenue generation. Her strengths lie in her ability to effectively influence and align diverse groups across matrixed environments. Prior to her time at Fasken, Brenda worked for the Legal Marketing Association where years of impressive work led her to her role of President of the International Board of Directors.
Tannis Gaffney
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Travel Alberta, Tannis Gaffney has over 15 years of experience in progressive marketing and communications. With a passion for all things digital, Tannis thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment that builds customer experiences with creative solutions to deliver results. She was previously the Vice President of Marketing for Graycon I.T. (now Richoh), and prior to that, Director of Marketing and Communications for Long View Systems.
With so many diverse talents, roles, and companies, these women have helped shape Canada’s marketing industry. They’ve taught us that consistency, authenticity, and determination are often the keys to career success.
But some also admitted to us that they’re only human at the end of the day. They face workplace challenges. They struggle with burnout. They appreciate wellness days. And just like the rest of us, they keep swimming.
Let’s go follow these rockstar marketing executives on social media!