As a new feature on ITBusiness.ca for our special CMO Digital section, we’re featuring profiles of Canadian chief marketing officers and marketing executives. If you’re a CMO and you’d like to be included, get in touch by tweeting at @ITBusinessca.
Name: Marie Hattar
Title: Chief Marketing Officer
Company: Check Point Software Technologies
How long have you been in your role?
I have been CMO for Check Point for six months now.
What’s your favourite smartphone app and why?
I am a big fan of Whatsapp as it really lets me stay in touch with all my global friends. Plus my siblings are still in Canada and this way we can stay connected very easily.
What is the most significant way you see the marketing field changing in the next five years?
Digital is still in its infancy. There are a lot of claims that companies know how to optimize for digital but for most organizations, it is more coincidental than by plan. What captures attention in a crowded market still holds the same fundamentals, but you need to execute with extreme excellence to get viral attention. I think you will see a lot of shifts in marketing plans as new forms of digital marketing evolve.
What do you miss most about living in Canada?
Canada has accomplished quite a bit in its citizen programs. I got to go to a top 20 school because University of Toronto is available to all students of academic standing, not just those who can afford it. Canada is not flashy about its government or banking systems, but they offer great healthcare and a solid education for all their citizens. Okay, truth be told I also miss Ice Wine.