From Global Brands to Local Impact: Inside the Mind of Marketing Leader, Jo Mitchell

Meet Jo Mitchell – Former NZ Marketer of the Year and Brand Trailblazer

Jo Mitchell has never been one to follow the crowd. As the former Director of Marketing for McDonald’s New Zealand, Jo redefined how global brands can connect with local audiences — and how bold ideas, executed with precision and heart, can drive extraordinary results.

Now, as Chief Customer Officer at The Warehouse Group, Jo is helping to lead the transformation of some of New Zealand’s most beloved retail brands — from Warehouse Stationery to Noel Leeming — bringing a renewed focus on brand, customer experience, and meaningful value. Her leadership is playing a pivotal role in shaping the Group’s shift toward a modern, customer-led, omni-channel future.

With over 20 years of experience across Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), FMCG, and retail, Jo’s marketing leadership has delivered some of New Zealand’s most memorable campaigns — including the award-winning “Little Tasters” platform that helped reframe Kiwi perceptions of McDonald’s food.

Now, Jo brings her sharp strategic mind and unfiltered honesty to the Bay of Plenty for an unmissable keynote and Q&A session that’s equal parts insight and inspiration. Expect:

• Jo’s career milestones and seminal pivots

• What went on behind the scenes of some memorable campaigns that shifted the game

• Hard-won lessons – from tough calls to leadership truths and advice she’d give her younger self – and the next generation of marketers

Known for championing customer-first thinking, growing high-performing teams, and balancing data, insight, and creativity, Jo offers a rare blend of commercial intelligence and genuine and empathetic leadership. Her session promises to deliver a refreshingly candid look at what it really takes to lead marketing that matters — at scale.

Come learn from one of New Zealand’s most respected marketing minds — and bring your questions.

Seats are limited – book now and don’t miss your chance to be in the room!