Hecker – Chief Marketing Officer @ Nationwide Financial.

Gordon Hecker has been elected vice president, chief marketing officer for Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.

Hecker joins Nationwide Financial as the company moves toward an operating model, announced in May, that emphasizes a stronger understanding of market trends and opportunities as well as the development of more effective marketing programs that are rooted in the strength of the Nationwide brand.

Mark R. Thresher, president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Financial, said Hecker will focus on solidifying Nationwide Financial as a market-driven organization. Hecker will report to Thresher.

“We recognize the business-building opportunity that our brand represents,” Thresher said. “It’s important for insurance and financial services companies to differentiate themselves to create favorable consumer experiences and impressions that drive profitable, long-term growth. Steady investment in improving the customer experience with Nationwide, along with promotion of our On Your Side promise, will help position Nationwide Financial competitively.”

Hecker joins Nationwide with 18 years of marketing experience in consumer products. He spent the last nine years with the Scotts Company in Marysville, Ohio, starting there as the vice president of marketing in 1995. He was promoted to senior vice president of marketing in 1999, where he directed marketing efforts to support annual sales of $1.6 billion. Prior to joining Scotts, he worked in various marketing roles for Specialty Brands, Inc., The Clorox Company and Kraft Foods, Inc.