Who is Mark Kirkham?

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Mark Kirkham: Building brands that connect through culture and creativity

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Marketing leadership doesn’t get more authentic than this. Mark Kirkham, Senior Vice President of Marketing at PepsiCo, blends creativity, data, and purpose to drive some of the most recognizable campaigns in the beverage industry. With over two decades of experience, he has mastered the art of brand storytelling that resonates both inside boardrooms and across social media feeds. His presence on LinkedIn reflects not just titles, but genuine leadership in global marketing innovation.

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1. Who he is

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Mark Kirkham is a seasoned marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience leading global campaigns and cross-functional teams. As the CMO of PepsiCo Beverages US, he steers the creative direction and digital strategy for one of the world’s most iconic companies. His approach blends consumer insight, innovation, and brand purpose to redefine how people engage with PepsiCo’s diverse portfolio. Mark’s track record includes campaigns that connect deeply with culture, from nostalgic product revivals to major sports partnerships. His leadership continues to elevate creativity and data-driven marketing at scale.

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2. A network of heavyweights

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Mark’s professional circle reads like a who’s who of the global marketing and creative world. He connects with executives and teams at powerhouse brands such as PepsiCo, NFL, Starbucks, BBDO, GS&P, and VaynerMedia. This network bridges the worlds of sports, media, and consumer brands, reinforcing his influence across industries that define cultural trends. His collaborations extend beyond advertising, creating brand ecosystems fueled by innovation and partnership.

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3. Why people listen

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Mark communicates like a modern leader: clear, optimistic, and grounded in consumer empathy. His posts do more than announce brand wins; they tell stories about teamwork, culture, and creative risk-taking. Whether he is sharing a Pepsi innovation or celebrating his team’s recognition, his voice feels human and approachable. Both peers and aspiring marketers tune in because he makes leadership relatable.

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4. Authenticity that resonates

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With an Authenticity Score of 100/100, Mark’s profile radiates trust. His followers engage naturally, with comments from marketing peers who share their own insights and experiences. Posts like his #DirtySoda campaign reveal real excitement behind the scenes, not just corporate polish. His content is professional yet warm, reflecting a genuine insider’s view of how marketing magic happens.

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5. Numbers that back it up

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Mark’s influence is backed by strong data. He reaches 20K followers on LinkedIn, ranking in the Top 1% of LinkedIn creators in the US and Top 3% in Branding & Positioning worldwide. His audience grows consistently (+6.3%) with an engagement quality score of 82/100 and a steady posting rhythm of 8 posts per month. His Influence Score of 6,519 points confirms his reputation as a trusted voice in executive marketing.

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6. Collaborations that matter

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Mark’s collaborations tell a story of innovation and cultural leadership. At PepsiCo, he led the brand’s bold entry into Formula 1 through Gatorade, merging sports performance with marketing excellence. He brought nostalgia to life with the Dirty Soda campaign, a creative revival that connected Gen Z with classic soda shop culture. His recognition in Campaign’s CMO 50 List for 2025 reflects not just his individual achievements but his ability to elevate entire teams. Every partnership he drives shows his commitment to creativity, inclusion, and brand purpose.

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7. Why brands should partner with Mark Kirkham

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Working with Mark means collaborating with a strategic thinker who understands how to blend creativity with measurable results.

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• Thought leadership collaborations in branding and innovation

• Co-created content on marketing strategy and consumer insights

• Speaking engagements or panels on creative leadership and cultural trends

• Executive workshops on data-driven storytelling and brand transformation

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8. What causes he defends

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Mark actively champions LGBTQIA+ inclusion (60%) and female empowerment (40%). Through PepsiCo’s diversity and equality initiatives, he promotes campaigns that celebrate authenticity and representation. His content often highlights inclusive leadership and the importance of creativity that reflects every consumer.

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9. Why Mark Kirkham is relevant in 2026

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As marketing evolves with AI, data, and cultural shifts, Mark remains one of the few leaders keeping creativity human. His focus on storytelling, inclusivity, and digital innovation keeps PepsiCo at the forefront of modern marketing. In a landscape driven by speed and technology, his approach reminds brands that emotion and connection still matter most.

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Conclusion: Leading with purpose

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Mark Kirkham’s influence goes far beyond marketing metrics. He embodies what modern leadership looks like: authentic, collaborative, and forward-thinking. His ability to connect brands with culture and people with purpose makes him one of LinkedIn’s most trusted marketing voices. When he speaks, the industry listens because he represents what’s next for meaningful, human-centered marketing.

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