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Kalen Thornton

Global Chief Brand Officer at Pizza Hut

Kalen Thornton is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in leading brand initiatives at top companies like Nike, Jordan Brand, Gatorade/PepsiCo, and Pizza Hut/Yum Brands.

With a strong belief in utilizing sports, culture, and innovation to unlock human potential, Kalen has successfully driven brand strategy, integrated marketing, portfolio management, and consumer engagement across digital channels.

Having a rich educational background, Kalen holds a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Texas McCombs School of Business, and has also studied at Harvard Business School Executive Education.

Kalen's professional journey includes significant roles such as Global Chief Brand Officer at Pizza Hut, VP of Sports, Entertainment, and Gaming at PepsiCo, Chief Marketing Officer at Gatorade, and various leadership positions at Nike across brand marketing, management, and directorial roles.

Beyond his corporate success, Kalen Thornton is a proud alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin, a former professional athlete with the Dallas Cowboys, and has experience in the financial industry with Morgan Stanley and Citi.

Currently based in Chicago, Kalen looks forward to potentially returning to Texas. His global impact and leadership experience make him a valuable asset in driving brand innovation and community engagement.

Driven by a passion for transformative brand initiatives and enterprise leadership, Kalen is poised to continue making waves in the realms of sports, culture, and business.

Kalen Thornton
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Location

Chicago, Illinois, United States