Rocket Companies, the Detroit-based Fintech that includes mortgage, real estate, and other financial services businesses, has named Jonathan Mildenhall as its group chief marketing officer (CMO), effective Jan. 8.
“Jonathan is one of the top marketing minds in the world, with a strong reputation for consistently delivering compelling campaigns that break through the clutter and become socially relevant,” said Rocket Companies CEO Varun Krishna. “I have been highly impressed by the number of incredible stories we have to tell. Countless customers, team members and vendors have told us how working with Rocket changed their lives. I look forward to Jonathan and the team creating new and innovative ways to share these inspiring narratives with the world.”
Mildenhall brings more than 30 years of experience. In 2018, he co-founded TwentyFirstCenturyBrand, a branding and marketing consultancy. The firm has worked with Pinterest, LinkedIn, Zalando, PepsiCo, NextDoor and Walmart.
“The role Rocket plays in helping people achieve the American Dream through home ownership and financial freedom is massive and cannot be overstated,” said Mildenhall. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to work with this talented team, led by Varun, to tell stories that will inspire and motivate. It will be our mission to create integrated marketing campaigns that live up to the extraordinary social impact that Rocket makes every day.”
Mildenhall served as the first CMO of Airbnb. Airbnb aired its first Super Bowl commercial under him. Mildenhall led Coca-Cola’s marketing as vice president of global advertising strategy and content excellence. He and his team created the company’s global marketing campaign, “Open Happiness,” which helped the brand see its most profitable growth period in 20 years. While leading Coke’s marketing, he was named the Creative Marketer of the Year at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
A British-American, Mildenhall is a board member of GoFundMe and Fanatics. He has been included on Forbes’ list of the World’s most influential CMOs and Business Insider’s list of the most innovative CMOs, winning Adweek’s Brand Genius award.