Leslie Nagao Takes Charge As National Restaurant Association's New CMO
The National Restaurant Association has appointed Leslie Nagao as its new Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, she will use her extensive marketing experience to enhance the Association's brand and deepen engagement with members and partners.
The National Restaurant Association has announced Leslie Nagao's appointment as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Nagao will strengthen the organization's message, drive membership, and expand support for restaurant operators of all sizes.
Nagao's appointment is a strategic move to position the Association and its Educational Foundation as essential partners to the restaurant industry. Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association, expressed her confidence in Nagao, citing her extensive expertise in brand strategy, member engagement, product marketing, events, communications, and public relations.
Before joining the Association, Nagao served as the Global CMO at the Urban Land Institute. She significantly contributed to membership growth, event revenue, communications, public relations, and enhancing ULI's global brand reputation there. Nagao also has experience in leadership roles at ExxonMobil, AARP, Time Warner, and WPP.
Nagao expressed her honor at joining the Association and emphasized her commitment to championing the restaurant industry's powerful story. She aims to highlight the sector's economic contributions and restaurants' essential role in our communities.
The National Restaurant Association, founded in 1919, is a network of professional organizations serving the restaurant industry. It offers various services, including advocacy, education, food safety training, and career-building programs. The Association sponsors the industry's largest trade show and leads the ServSafe food safety training and certification program.
