Observed Signal · Nov 5, 2026 · Hiring · Source: Adweek · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
American Express Names Jess Ling as Next CMO
American Express has appointed Jess Ling, currently EVP of global brand advertising, as its next Chief Marketing Officer, effective November 30. She will succeed Elizabeth Rutledge, who plans to retire in March after more than three decades with the company. Ling brings over 20 years of marketing, advertising, and media experience, having previously led B2B marketing at Verizon Media before joining American Express in 2019. She has been instrumental in building Amex's in-house creative agency, OnBrand, and took over the global advertising and brand management team in 2023. The announcement was made via a letter to employees from Howard Grosfield, group president of U.S. consumer services, and shared on the company's website.
This is a C-level leadership change at a major financial brand, but it has limited direct impact on the AdTech industry as a whole. The news is primarily of interest within the marketing and branding community.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Jess Ling will become American Express CMO on Nov. 30.
- She succeeds Elizabeth Rutledge, who plans to retire in March.
- Ling joined American Express in 2019 and led B2B marketing at Verizon Media before.
- She helped build Amex's in-house creative agency OnBrand.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“American Express has named a new CMO in Jess Ling, who is currently its evp of global brand advertising.”
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