CMO Kellie Cordner considers next professional move after leaving the online marketplace after a seven-year stint
Carsales chief marketing officer, Kellie Cordner, is planning her next professional move after exiting the online marketplace business with seven years’ tenure under her belt.
Cordner officially finished up with Carsales last month. She told CMO it was a difficult decision to leave the business after a strong seven years with the group but said she was very proud of the achievements made during this time.
Cordner’s work saw her recognised in the CMO50 2020 list of Australia’s most innovative and effective marketing leaders.
“Carsales is a fantastic business. We’ve achieved a substantial amount and grown the business in every measure,” she said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working at carsales but the time is right to seek new challenges.”
Cordner said the “Summer of Kellie” is now underway and she plans to spend time with her family, doing some charity work as well as consulting while she recharges and considers her next professional move in 2022. She hinted at a preference for transformative roles and startups.
“There is no doubt I like to fix and grow so that’s the kind of challenge I’ll seek, and a company obsessed with customer and experience,” she said.
Cordner’s early steps in marketing were product management at Yellow Pages. She then rose to group manager of marketing followed by digital channel strategy leader for Sensis. Having done stints as a consultant over the course of her career, she also worked as head of omnichannel strategy for Myer before joining carsales in April 2015 as group marketing director. She was promoted to CMO after colleague, Vladka Kazda, became chief customer officer at carsales.
Carsales is now actively recruiting for a group marketing director to replace Cordner covering digital, trade marketing, content/editorial, public relations, voice of customer and customer service as well as collaborate and work with dealers, consumers and media.
"Carsales has a complex marketing mix that demands an innovative, skilled and experienced professional. The calibre of the applicants to date has been encouraging," a company spokesperson said.
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