The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® today announced that executives from American Express, AT&T, Coca-Cola, Salesforce.com, Samsung and Unilever will join the Brand Matters keynote at the 2013 International CES^®. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2013 CES is the world’s largest annual innovation event and is scheduled for January 8-11 in Las Vegas.

“The nearly 5,000 advertising and marketing executives in attendance at last year’s CES demonstrate the importance of brands on the CE stage. These Brand Matters keynote speakers have proven themselves as marketing leaders whom others can learn from,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences, CEA. “We are pleased to welcome these luminaries and can’t wait to hear how cloud technology is creating new opportunities for reaching their consumers.”

The Brand Matters keynote brings together executives from the world’s top brands to discuss how technology and digital platforms are impacting marketing and brand strategy on a global scale. For years, CMOs and CEOs from names like Akamai, Facebook, GE, Hyundai, Microsoft, Walmart, IPG and WPP have shared their vision on keynote panels at CES.

Moderated by Michael Kassan, chairman and CEO of MediaLink, the Brand Matters keynote focuses on “Marketing in the Cloud.” Kicking off with a fireside chat featuring Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO of Salesforce.com, the keynote will then feature a spirited panel discussion, featuring top marketers, on the benefits of the cloud to connect with consumers. The keynote is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 9 in the LVH Theater.

“Brand Matters at CES has become a tent pole event for the media and marketing industry. It allows brands to witness the latest in technology innovation and the human behaviors enabled by connected devices,” said Kassan. “The keynote this year speaks to one of the most salient trends in marketing — how to harness software innovation to derive insights and improve marketing performance.”

This year’s Brand Matters keynote will feature:

Marc Benioff is chairman and CEO of Salesforce.com. He founded the company in 1999, with a vision to create an on-demand information management service that would replace traditional enterprise software technology. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of cloud computing and has been instrumental in helping businesses transform by embracing social and mobile cloud technologies to connect with customers, partners and employees in new ways.

Michael Bowling is the chief marketing officer of business solutions for AT&T. He is responsible for growing strategic business services including network sourcing, mobility and IP networking. Prior to his current role, Michael was president of AT&T Mexico, responsible for managing AT&T’s relationship with Telmex, Telmex International and America Movil.

Josh Silverman is an entrepreneurial executive who has built and run some of the world’s most beloved consumer technology companies. In July 2011, he joined American Express as president of U.S. consumer services, responsible for leading the U.S. consumer card and travel businesses. His portfolio includes the company’s iconic green, gold, platinum and Centurion charge cards, its credit cards, as well as its loyalty programs like Membership Rewards and Fine Hotels & Resorts, which provides special amenities for consumers and increased business for merchants.

Joseph Tripodi is executive vice president and chief marketing and commercial officer of the Coca-Cola Company. He leads the global marketing, customer management and commercial leadership efforts of the company to develop and leverage its capabilities, brands and properties to meet the needs of consumers and customers worldwide to drive profitable growth.

Brian Wallace is vice president of strategic marketing at Samsung Telecommunications America, accountable for developing the vision and execution of the Samsung Mobile Consumer and Enterprise brand. He is responsible for all outbound Samsung mobile communications including all paid media, digital marketing, social media, product marketing, consumer relationship management, market and consumer research, and strategic partnerships.

Keith Weed is Unilever’s chief marketing and communications officer. He is also on the Unilever executive board. His role includes leading Unilever’s sustainability efforts, as well as its potable water business and the Unilever brand. He has worked for Unilever globally and regionally in a variety of general management and marketing roles.

Brand Matters is a CES program sponsored by MediaLink. It is designed to provide a customized CES experience for the advertising and marketing community. The Brand Matters program educates and assists more than 4,000 executives in navigating CES through exhibits, conference sessions, events and a SuperSession, “How are your consumers REALLY engaging with digital media?” Brand Matters provides essential insights into the changing technologies, platforms and touch points that will be critical to the future of advertising and media.

Note to Editors: The official name of the global technology event is “International CES.” Subsequent references to the show can be shortened to “CES.” Please do not use “Consumer Electronics Show” to refer to the International CES.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $206 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online: www.CE.org and www.DeclareInnovation.com. Follow CES at www.CESweb.org and through social media: http://facebook.com/InternationalCES, http://twitter.com/IntlCES, http://blog.ce.org/.

About MediaLink:

MediaLink is a leading advisory and business development firm based in Los Angeles and New York City that provides clients with critical counsel and strategic direction on issues of marketing, advertising, media, and digital technology. MediaLink operates fluidly at the intersection of technology, marketing, commerce, and content to deliver innovative and productive solutions that meet clients’ most pressing business needs.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 2013 International CES
  January 8-11, 2013, Las Vegas, NV

• Economic Retreat
  March 8-10, 2013, Snowmass, CO