We were thrilled to welcome current Mondelez Board Member and former North American CEO at Pernod Ricard, Ann Mukherjee, to our inaugural Athena Project Founders Salon. Ann shared her insights and advice on modern leadership, the role of the Board and why she thinks CMOs are positioned to best to be the CEOs of the future.
Ann has been an influential figure in both the marketing and executive leadership realms, shaping her reputation as a transformative leader who combines strategic vision with a deep commitment to social impact. Her career, marked by a string of high-profile achievements, has helped her emerge as one of the most prominent voices in corporate America. Mukherjee’s insights into the evolving role of marketing in executive leadership, particularly her belief that the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is ideally suited to step into the CEO role, are a reflection of her extensive experience and forward-thinking approach.
Mukherjee was born in Kolkata, India, and her early life was shaped by experiences that fostered resilience and a global perspective. She moved to the United States at the age of 10, and her upbringing in a culturally diverse environment helped her develop a unique worldview. Mukherjee’s educational background is equally impressive; she earned her MBA in Marketing from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, which laid the foundation for her future in brand management and executive leadership.
Mukherjee’s career spans over three decades, during which she worked at several major companies, including PepsiCo and SC Johnson, before joining Pernod Ricard North America in 2019. At PepsiCo, Mukherjee played a critical role in spearheading marketing strategies for flagship brands such as Doritos, where she led groundbreaking campaigns that connected with consumers on a deeper level. Her time at SC Johnson further demonstrated her aptitude for brand management, as she led efforts to reposition legacy brands to resonate with modern consumers.
When Ann joined Pernod Ricard North America as CEO, she quickly became known for her commitment to fostering a culture of responsibility within the spirits industry. She advocated for socially conscious marketing, pushing for industry-wide changes in how brands approach responsible drinking. Her leadership helped Pernod Ricard solidify its position as a company that values social responsibility alongside business growth, an alignment that resonates with modern consumer expectations.
Mukherjee’s advocacy for the CMO as a future CEO candidate stems from her belief in the critical role that marketing plays in shaping a company’s identity and future direction. Marketing, she argues, is at the heart of understanding consumers, building brands, and creating long-term value. As the CMO, Mukherjee honed skills in consumer insights, brand positioning, and trend forecasting — all competencies that she believes are essential for the CEO role. She has often noted that CMOs are uniquely positioned to lead organizations because they are tasked with bridging the gap between the company and its customers, a responsibility that requires a deep understanding of both market trends and consumer behavior.
According to Ann, the traditional CEO has historically been someone with a background in operations, finance, or sales. However, in a consumer-driven market where brand trust and social impact increasingly drive success, the CMO’s experience in navigating these areas provides a distinct advantage. She believes that CMOs are adept at interpreting market dynamics and responding to shifting consumer expectations, skills that are invaluable in a CEO. Her career is a testament to the power of this perspective; her own ascent to CEO of Pernod Ricard North America underscores how marketing expertise can lead to transformational executive leadership.
Through her work and insights, Ann has championed the idea that the future of leadership lies in understanding people. Her career serves as a roadmap for aspiring leaders and an example of how marketing acumen can be a catalyst for change at the highest levels of an organization.
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