Role Overview for Chief Digital Officer with a Global CPG Company – Cincinnati, OH
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a transformative Chief Digital Officer (CDO) for a premier, globally recognized Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) company headquartered in Cincinnati, OH. This is a career-defining opportunity to join the executive leadership team and serve as the primary architect of the company’s digital future. Our client is a household name with a rich heritage of brand excellence and a deep commitment to innovation. In an era where digital engagement is paramount, they are seeking a visionary leader to accelerate their evolution into a digital-first organization.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CDO will be a pivotal member of the C-suite, responsible for conceiving, developing, and executing a comprehensive digital strategy that permeates every facet of the business. This executive will be tasked with driving significant growth through e-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) channels, revolutionizing customer engagement through data-driven marketing, and embedding a culture of digital innovation across a complex, global enterprise.
The ideal candidate is not just a digital expert but a strategic business leader who can connect digital initiatives to tangible P&L impact, market share growth, and enhanced brand equity. You will be the champion for the consumer, leveraging technology and data to create seamless, personalized, and compelling experiences across all touchpoints. This role requires a dynamic leader who can navigate the complexities of a large organization, inspire change, and build the capabilities necessary to win in the rapidly evolving CPG landscape.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Digital Officer with a Global CPG Company – Cincinnati, OH
Digital Strategy & Visionary Leadership
Develop and champion a cohesive, forward-looking digital vision and multi-year strategy. This includes conducting in-depth market analysis, competitive benchmarking, and identifying new digital business models and revenue streams to ensure the company maintains a competitive edge. You will be responsible for communicating this vision effectively across the organization, from the boardroom to front-line employees, to ensure universal alignment and enthusiastic adoption.
E-commerce & D2C Channel Acceleration
Assume full ownership of the company’s global e-commerce strategy and P&L. Drive exponential growth across all online channels, including owned D2C platforms, online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon), and e-retail partnerships. This involves optimizing the end-to-end customer journey, from acquisition and conversion to fulfillment and retention, and ensuring a best-in-class online shopping experience.
Data Analytics & Consumer Insights
Establish and lead a world-class data analytics function. Champion the use of data to unlock deep consumer insights, drive personalization at scale, and inform strategic decision-making across the business. You will oversee the implementation of a modern data infrastructure, establish data governance policies, and cultivate a data-driven culture where insights are translated into actionable business strategies.
Digital Marketing & Brand Engagement
Lead the evolution of the company’s digital marketing capabilities. Oversee all digital media, including performance marketing (SEO, SEM, paid social), content strategy, CRM, loyalty programs, and social media engagement. Your focus will be on building authentic brand communities, increasing customer lifetime value, and delivering a measurable return on marketing investment.
Technology & Innovation Incubation
Constantly scan the horizon for emerging technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, AR/VR, IoT) and assess their potential to disrupt the CPG industry. You will pilot innovative digital solutions, foster strategic partnerships with tech startups and platforms, and drive the integration of new technologies that enhance operational efficiency and create new value for consumers.
Omnichannel Customer Experience (CX)
Architect and deliver a seamless and consistent customer experience across all physical and digital touchpoints. You will map the customer journey, identify pain points, and implement solutions that delight consumers and foster long-term loyalty, effectively blurring the lines between online and offline brand interactions.
Digital Transformation & Change Management
Act as the primary agent of change, leading the organization’s cultural and operational shift towards digital fluency. This includes developing digital upskilling programs for employees, redesigning business processes for a digital-first world, and breaking down silos to foster cross-functional collaboration on all digital initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to the C-suite, collaborating closely with the CMO, CIO, Chief Supply Chain Officer, and other leaders to ensure digital strategy is fully integrated into the broader corporate strategy. You will be the connective tissue that aligns marketing, sales, IT, and operations around a unified digital vision.
Requirements for the Chief Digital Officer with a Global CPG Company – Cincinnati, OH
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in digital commerce, digital marketing, and business strategy, with at least 7 years in a senior executive capacity (e.g., CDO, VP of E-commerce, SVP of Digital) within a large, complex organization.
Industry Expertise
Deep and demonstrable experience within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or a closely related, fast-moving consumer industry (e.g., Beauty, FMCG, Retail) is required. A proven track record of successfully scaling digital businesses and driving significant revenue growth is essential.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Computer Science, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Technical & Strategic Acumen
Must possess a rare blend of strategic vision and hands-on technical expertise. Deep knowledge of e-commerce platforms, martech stacks (CRM, CDP, automation), data analytics tools, and performance marketing channels is critical.
Transformational Leadership
Demonstrated success in leading large-scale digital transformation in the CPG industry. You must be an inspirational leader with exceptional communication skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels, building high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of innovation, experimentation, and accountability.
Financial Acumen
Strong P&L management experience is a must. The candidate must be highly analytical, with the ability to build business cases, manage significant budgets, and tie digital initiatives directly to financial outcomes like revenue growth, profitability, and market share.
Global Mindset
Experience operating in a global capacity, with an understanding of the nuances of different international markets and consumer behaviors, is highly advantageous.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Competitive Executive Base Salary
- Significant Annual Performance-Based Bonus
- Long-Term Incentive Program (Equity/Stock Options)
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Generous 401(k) Plan with Company Match
- Executive-Level Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Schedule
- Full Relocation Assistance Package for Qualified Candidates
- Executive Car Allowance and/or Program
- Professional Development and Continuing Education Stipend
- Wellness Programs and Subsidized Gym Memberships
- The opportunity to make a lasting, transformative impact on an iconic global company.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive search firm retained for this critical executive appointment. We are seeking a visionary digital leader who is ready to shape the future of a global CPG powerhouse. If your experience and aspirations align with the challenges and opportunities of this role, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for digital in the CPG space. For more information about our expertise in recruiting top talent for this sector, please visit our Consumer Goods Executive Search practice area page. We look forward to hearing from you.
