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Jill Wiltfong
CMO at Korn Ferry leading brand, communication and performance marketing globally | B2B, SaaS & B2C Marketing Experience | P&L Owner | Board Director
Professional Background
Jill Wiltfong is a distinguished marketing executive and storyteller with a wealth of experience in brand unification and strategic marketing. As the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Korn Ferry, a leading global organizational consulting firm, Jill has proven her capability in guiding transformational change within large organizations. Since stepping into her role in 2018, Jill's leadership has been instrumental in aligning Korn Ferry's various business units following a series of acquisitions. Her focus has been to foster the integration of these brands into the broader company ethos, creating what is known as 'One Korn Ferry.' This alignment is crucial for providing clients with a seamless and tech-enabled experience that delivers measurable business outcomes.
At Korn Ferry, which boasts nearly 10,000 colleagues and approximately $3 billion in annual revenue, Jill has spearheaded initiatives that redefined the firm's marketing strategy. Under her guidance, the marketing team has innovatively applied data analytics and digital marketing to drive substantial engagement and ROI. The remarkable achievement of a 470% increase in marketing influenced revenue with an ROI of 18:1 exemplifies her strategic and analytical prowess. Jill's approach relies heavily on thought leadership, collaboration, and a connected brand experience that resonates with clients and stakeholders alike.
Education and Achievements
Jill's educational background underpins her success in the business world. She holds an MBA in General Business from Cornell University, a prestigious institution known for cultivating leaders equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the corporate landscape. Additionally, Jill earned her BA in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin, where she honed her storytelling skills that continue to serve her well in her current role.
Before her tenure at Korn Ferry, Jill enjoyed a successful career at several notable firms, including DEKRA Insight and Ipsos. At DEKRA Insight, she was Senior Vice President and Head of Global Business Innovation and Strategic Marketing. Her ability to drive innovation in business strategy and enhance global marketing efforts has defined her career trajectory.
At Ipsos, a global leader in market research, Jill held multiple senior leadership roles, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President and CMO. Her tenure there is marked by successful marketing campaigns and brand strategy development. She also led the Global Marketing team, focusing on brand engagement and customer insights, critical pillars that have influenced her ongoing projects at Korn Ferry.
Earlier in her career, Jill was associated with The Gallup Organization, where she served as Global Practice Leader of Brand and Customer Engagement Consulting. Here, she further developed her expertise in understanding consumer behavior and engagement, experiences which she applies today to lead marketing initiatives effectively.
Jill’s diverse background includes several media positions as a television news anchor and reporter, which sharpened her communication skills and storytelling ability. She worked with networks like News 12 Long Island, KSNW-TV, and KPLC-TV, where her on-air charisma and investigative skills won her accolades and respect in the industry.
Achievements
Jill Wiltfong's career has been characterized by a series of significant achievements that underscore her as a marketing strategist par excellence. At Korn Ferry, she leads a marketing team that has evolved into a pivotal force for transformation, driving the integration of seven acquisitions that have broadened the firm's capabilities and market reach. Her focus on developing a robust marketing tech stack has been crucial in aligning sales, marketing, and operations—ensuring that Korn Ferry can deliver the best service to its clients.
Jill’s commitment to leveraging digital marketing strategies and analytics has not only helped to streamline operations but also enhanced client engagement and satisfaction. The impressive 470% increase in marketing influenced revenue since she assumed her role thus serves as a testament to her strategic vision and execution.
Throughout her career, she has prioritized collaboration and thought leadership, essential factors that have fueled her professional accomplishments. By encouraging connectedness within marketing teams and between departments, Jill fosters an environment that thrives on mutual success and innovation, proving her leadership style to be inclusive and forward-thinking.
Engaging with diverse stakeholders and creating authentic, engaging brand stories have been hallmarks of Jill’s approach to marketing strategy. With her skills in storytelling enriched by vintage journalistic backgrounds, she articulates brand narratives that resonate, enhance connection, and drive loyalty among clients.
Jill Wiltfong is a remarkable leader equipped with both analytical skills and creative storytelling prowess. Her contributions to the fields of organizational consulting and marketing are substantial, making her not only an asset to Korn Ferry but also a respected figure in the global marketing landscape.
