Cinemark Exec Wanda Gierhart Fearing on Her Career Journey From Retail to Movies
In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Co-Founder Melissa Campanelli interviews Wanda Gierhart Fearing, executive vice president and chief marketing and content officer at Cinemark Holdings, a leader in the motion picture exhibition industry. This episode was recorded during a session at the Women in Retail: On the Road Dallas event last month. In the wide-ranging conversation, Gierhart Fearing discusses her childhood background and key influencers in her life (0:45), how she got her start in the retail industry (2:45), and the leadership lessons she’s learned throughout her career (5:30).
In addition, Gierhart Fearing shares how she became the first chief marketer at Nieman Marcus (9:30), her negotiation best practices (11:40), and details her time working in consulting (13:40). She discusses how Cinemark pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic (15:55), some of the interesting projects she’s working on currently (19:45), and her relationship with her daughter and husband (22:30). Lastly, she shares her leadership philosophy, her superpower, and what’s next for her personally (25:15).
Wanda Gierhart Fearing is the executive vice president and chief marketing and content officer for Cinemark Holdings, Inc., one of the world’s largest and most influential movie theater companies. In her role, she bridges the marketing and content teams to maximize awareness opportunities for studios and their films while elevating the Cinemark experience among consumers, grabbing attention and increasing loyalty to the company. Prior to joining Cinemark, Gierhart Fearing served as chief marketing officer for Neiman Marcus Group; president and CEO of TravelSmith; executive vice president of merchandising and marketing of Design Within Reach; and executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Limited Brands.
Through her career, Gierhart Fearing has been awarded several prestigious honors and recognitions, including “Dallas 500” by D CEO, “Top 100 Marketing Innovators” by Mogul, and the “Top Woman in Cross-Channel Retailing” by Total Retail. She has also been included on the “Top Women in Business” list by Dallas Business Journal, the “Top 50 Women in Global Cinema” list by Celluloid Junkie, and the “Top 50 Women in Brand Marketing” list by Brand Innovators. In addition to serving as a board member for Cos Bar, a private equity-owned business, Gierhart Fearing maintains a strong commitment to charity and community service. She serves on the board of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum as well as the Texas International Theatrical Arts Society (TITAS).
Date: August 22, 2023
Credits: Wanda Gierhart Fearing
Duration: 27:21
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