DES MOINES, Iowa -- Kum & Go LC has hired TJ Freeborn as chief marketing officer, effective Jan. 7.
In the role of CMO, Freeborn will lead innovation, accelerate growth and drive customer engagement through her leadership of the regional convenience-store chain’s business insights and analytics, category management, foodservice, marketing communications and merchandising and space planning teams.
“We’re excited to bring TJ on board for many reasons,” said Kyle J. Krause, chairman and CEO of Kum & Go, Des Moines, Iowa.
- CSP honored Krause in November as its 2018 Retail Leader of the Year.
“TJ has a passion for purpose-based marketing that fits with our strong commitment to corporate social responsibility,” Krause said. “In addition, she’s proven herself as a fast mover and a talented thought leader across multiple channels and verticals. TJ’s strategic ability to implement new innovations and connect with customers will take our brand evolution to the next level.”
Freeborn is a multifaceted professional with significant expertise in omnichannel branding, marketing, customer experience and public relations. She brings with her more than 20 years of communications experience. Most recently, she was senior vice president of branding and customer experience for LoanDepot, the second largest nonbank lender and fifth largest retail lender in the country. She has also held leadership roles for national category leaders such as Wells Fargo and Discover.
Freeborn has led large-scale implementations of company-critical demand generation engines, origination systems and customer experience platforms, while overseeing corresponding reporting, risk and control functions. Additionally, she has served as the national media spokesperson for her employers.
Established in Hampton, Iowa, in 1959, Kum & Go has 400 c-stores in 11 states—Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming. Kum & Go is No. 20 in CSP’s 2018 Top 202 ranking of c-store chains by number of company-operated retail outlets.
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