Looking to build its global marketing footprint, IMAX Corp. announced Thursday that it has hired Marc de Grandpre as its new chief marketing officer.
De Grandpre will lead IMAX's global brand and marketing initiatives. He will report to IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. He has also spent much of his 15-year career helping build the Red Bull energy-drink brand.
De Grandpre most recently served as chief marketer for Qualcomm's Firethorn division, where he led the development and launch of a new mobile commerce brand.
"Marc has the business acument, the leadership skills and the experience to help us further develop our brand and our reputation," Gelfond said, in a statement. "He will help us determine new paths that can tap into the emotional connection consumers hav with the IMAX experience. We are very pleased to welcome him onboard.
Here is the full IMAX press release:
IMAX CORPORATION NAMES MARC DE GRANDPRE CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
New York– May 26, 2011 — IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) today announced that Marc de Grandpre has joined the Company as Chief Marketing Officer. Mr. de Grandpre, who will lead IMAX’s global brand and marketing initiatives, will report directly to IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond.
“Marc has the business acumen, the leadership skills and the experience to help us further develop our brand and our reputation,” said Gelfond. “He will help us determine new paths that can tap into the emotional connection consumers have with The IMAX Experience®. We are very pleased to welcome him onboard.”
Marc de Grandpre’s 15-year career spans a distinguished group of consumer products and sports entertainment brands, with responsibilities including Global Product Manager, Director, Vice- President, and Managing Director. He has spent the majority of his career with Red Bull Energy drink and the balance with Nike /Bauer Hockey and Qualcomm. Most recently Mr. de Grandpre was the chief marketer for Qualcomm’s Firethorn division, where he led the successful development and launch of a new mobile commerce brand.
Prior to Qualcomm, he worked with Red Bull North America and was part of the original marketing team involved in Red Bull’s launch in the U.S. As director of marketing, Mr. de Grandpre managed the brand development efforts for the Northeast and East business units. Following a successful career in Red Bull’s beverage business, he was named Managing Director of the New York Red Bulls, a Major League Soccer professional sports franchise. Marc spearheaded the rebranding and repositioning of the franchise while guiding the initial development of Red Bull Arena. Previously, he worked in marketing at Bauer Nike Hockey.
Mr. de Grandpre earned an MBA as well as a BS from Southern New Hampshire University. He will relocate to the New York area from Atlanta with his wife and two children.
