Massasso to depart CMO role at The a2 Milk Company

Susan Massasso

Australian milk producer, The a2 Milk Company, is on the hunt for a new global chief marketing officer after confirming the departure of longstanding executive, Susan Massasso.

Massasso, who was recognised for her strategic efforts at The a2 Milk Company over the last six years with third position in the 2018 edition of the CMO50, officially steps down from the CMO post in February 2020. She will remain with the organisation working on strategic growth projects until exiting the business at the end of June 2020.

In a statement, The a2 Milk Company’s managing director and CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, thanked Massasso for her instrumental role in setting the global marketing strategy for the company as its inaugural CMO. She noted Massasso’s work had been intrinsic to A2’s growth journey.

“I am delighted Susan will remain with the business until the end of the financial year to assist with implementation and to ensure the brand strategy focus is maintained, while supporting the transition of a new CMO,” Hrdlicka stated.

“Susan will also begin work on strategic growth projects during this period. Subsequent to year end, Susan will be available in an ongoing consulting capacity to support the senior leadership team, reporting to me.”

The company is now searching for a new CMO to lead the next phase of growth and brand development.

Massasso’s six-year tenure with the a2 Milk Company saw her building out a brand proposition that provided the foundation for the group’s expansion into multiple global markets. During this time, she’s overseen the wholesale change from a company producing ‘A2’ products in generic plastic milk packaging, to a transparent and integrated, purpose-led business with distinct purple branding and a growing range of nutritional products.

Another key priority in the last three years has been ‘brand USA’ to launch a2 into the US market.

Massasso said she's now taking a break and exploring other professional possibilities.

"It's been an extraordinary privilege to be part of the incredible story that is The a2 Milk Company over the last six-and-a-half years," Massasso told CMO, adding it was a very difficult decision to choose to leave. "I've absolutely loved every minute of it and will treasure the people, the stories and the experiences for some time yet.

"I'm excited to embrace my next new adventure."

Prior to joining The a2 Milk Company, Massasso spent more than 12 years at Campbell Arnotts in various marketing and divisional roles, culminating in Asia-Pacific marketing director for the group. Her marketing career began at Unilever, where she spent five years working her way up from management trainee to global brand manager for Paddle Pops.

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