"CMO of the Year 2024": A portrait of the nominees
After it was announced at the beginning of July 2024 who was shortlisted for the title of "CMO of the Year 2024" in Switzerland, we are now presenting the nominees "one by one". We start with Joséphine Chamoulaud, former CMO and current CEO of the insurance company Smile.
In the first week of July, the finalists for the "CMO of the Year 2024" award were announced (m&k reported). Joséphine Chamoulaud, CEO of Smile and former CMO of the insurance company, is one of the nominees - and the first of the candidates we are presenting "in detail".
A steep ascent
Joséphine Chamoulaud's rapid rise at Smile is like a high-speed elevator ride - characterized by innovation and courage. Chamoulaud has been CEO of Smile since February 2024, after successfully positioning the company as a digital lifestyle brand as CMO. "The nomination means a lot to me," says Chamoulaud. "It is a special appreciation that I am still recognized for my marketing work as CEO." Her time as CMO was characterized by groundbreaking measures such as influencer marketing, initial activities in the metaverse and a new sound identity.
The significance of the "CMO of the Year" title
The "CMO of the Year" award underlines the central role of marketing in the Swiss economy. Marketing is becoming increasingly important due to digitalization, sustainability and meaningfulness. The "CMO of the Year" serves as a role model and inspires future professionals. Five outstanding candidates were nominated this year: Joséphine Chamoulaud from Smile, Jan De Schepper from Swissquote, Christian Gut from Stöckli Swiss Sports, Nathalie Noël from V-Zug and Saskia von Moos from intelligentfood Switzerland.
Innovation and customer focus
Chamoulaud emphasizes that innovation has always been part of Smile's DNA. Smile, as the first insurance company with a freemium business model, has introduced groundbreaking measures under her leadership. "Our biggest uplift was the internationalization of the brand and the associated doubling of our team," says Chamoulaud. Smile's digital business model enables a seamless customer experience and is based on the motto "no blah blah blah". This philosophy offers simple, fast and flexible solutions for customers and positions Smile as a digital lifestyle brand.
Sustainability as a corporate mission statement
Sustainability is a central element of Chamoulaud's work. Smile offers a wide range of sustainability services under the label "smile.green Engagements". "Sustainability must be thought of in a sustainable way - ecologically, socially and economically," explains Chamoulaud. Smile focuses on electronic customer communication, environmentally conscious driving and sustainable claims management. Supporting Viva con Agua drinking water projects and holding the first NFT auction in the insurance industry to promote these projects underlines this commitment.
The jury's conclusion
Joséphine Chamoulaud's impressive journey from CMO to CEO of Smile and her innovative approach to marketing is inspiring. With a clear focus on customer centricity, sustainability and innovation, she has successfully positioned Smile as a digital lifestyle brand. Who will win the title of "CMO of the Year" 2024 will be revealed at the exclusive award night in the Papiersaal - until then, it remains exciting to see who will prevail against the strong competition.
