The National Geographic Society has named Jennifer Chick its chief marketing and brand officer.
Chick’s extensive experience developing innovative marketing strategies will be instrumental in amplifying the Society’s global impact through a wide range of channels, while advancing the brand and recognition of one of the world’s most trusted nonprofit organizations. In her role as chief marketing and brand officer, Chick will accelerate the Society’s culture of philanthropy by strengthening key partnerships that help drive the Society’s mission forward, including the organization’s joint venture partnership with The Walt Disney Company.
“National Geographic has a 137-year legacy of connecting people to the wonder of our world, and stewarding that legacy calls for strategic leaders who can share our story in inventive and inspiring ways,” said Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society. “Jennifer’s expertise in marketing and brand strategy, paired with her passion for purpose-driven storytelling, makes her an ideal choice for this role. She brings the creativity, vision and leadership needed to deepen our connections with audiences around the globe, strengthen our mission and make a lasting impact.”
Chick has 25 years of experience driving growth, loyalty and brand transformation for global organizations across the hospitality, travel, consumer and nonprofit sectors. Chick currently serves as senior vice president and global head of loyalty and customer growth at Hilton. In this role, she leads the award-winning Hilton Honors program, including the expansion of the portfolio of cobranded credit card products and delivering customer acquisition and retention strategies serving more than 226 million members worldwide across 24 world-class brands. In over a decade at Hilton, she has built innovative, data-driven strategies that deepened loyalty and delivered long-term customer growth around the world. Before joining Hilton, she worked in various marketing, sales and advertising roles for MarketBridge, McCann-Erickson and Arnold Worldwide, helping leading brands sharpen their positioning and expand market reach. Chick serves on the board of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in marketing from George Mason University.
“Joining the National Geographic Society is both humbling and exhilarating — it’s a brand I have long admired for its legacy of science, exploration, education and storytelling,” said Chick. “As we approach the opening of the Museum of Exploration and advance a bold vision for philanthropy, we are at a pivotal inflection point. I’m thrilled to collaborate with our leadership team, staff and partners to ensure this iconic brand continues to grow its reach and relevance, inspiring audiences around the world.”
The Society has also appointed Duncan Phillips as chief communications officer. Throughout his more than 11-year career at the Society, Phillips has led a number of critical functions at the organization, including strategic communications, public relations, executive visibility, and crisis and internal communications. Phillips will report to Chick and join the Society’s senior leadership team.
Phillips’ appointment is effective immediately, and Chick will join the Society on October 6, 2025. Headshots available here.
link
