Valassis, the leader in marketing technology and consumer engagement, today announced two notable accolades, recognizing the strength of its leadership and demonstrating the company’s commitment to industry excellence. The company also announced the appointees for leadership roles within the Network of Executive Women (NEW).
Susan Rothwell, the company’s recently appointed chief revenue officer, received a prestigious Silver Stevie® Award for Women in Business, recognizing her exemplary leadership and deep commitment to building and empowering high-performing teams.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, produced by the creators of the esteemed American Business Awards® and International Business Awards®, are widely considered to be the world’s premier business awards. A strong advocate for the advancement of women in leadership, Rothwell received a Silver Stevie Award for her efforts in fostering women’s professional development, connectivity and outreach at Valassis. She is both a leader and mentor, serving as executive sponsor of the 300-plus Women’s Network at Valassis and working closely with NEW. She has successfully rolled out multiple career-oriented programs; has been instrumental in bringing in new initiatives and networking programs to Valassis; and has emboldened many women in the organization to lead.
Similarly, Meggie Giancola, executive director at Valassis leading consumer packaged goods (CPG) sales, was named a finalist in the innovation category for the Path to Purchase Institute’s Women of Excellence Awards. Giancola was nominated for her courage in reimagining how CPGs can better utilize their resources to develop more engaged relationships with consumers.
Each year, the Path to Purchase Institute honors and celebrates the industry’s most talented brand marketers, retailers, agency executives and solution providers for their significant contributions in influencing shoppers along the path to purchase. Giancola was recognized for authoring and engineering a successful data-optimization solution across multiple media channels.
“Successful, high-impact leaders understand the importance of developing others, and these leaders are exemplary advocates for the success of those around them,” said Cali Tran, CEO and president, Valassis. “I am proud to celebrate their contributions in elevating the standard of industry excellence, innovation and team empowerment. Susan and Meggie inspire others by their example and motivate us to all reach a bit further and expand our own sense of potential.”
In addition to these award honors, NEW, a 13,000-person community representing 925 companies across North America, has named Melanie Bauman, sales vice president at Valassis, as the executive co-chair for NEW in Southern California. In this role, she will help develop strategies and innovation to fuel female leadership in this region. Likewise, Jennifer Tornatore Knutson, sales executive at Valassis, has been named the growth and development officer for NEW in Northern California, leading three committees focused on sponsorship, membership and onboarding. Valassis is a platinum partner of NEW, whose mission is to advance all women, grow business and transform workplaces through the power of community.