Kiera G. Hynninen has over 14 years experience in the fields of marketing, branding and strategy, having promoted such recognized brands as Kraft Foods, Holiday Inn and The Weather Channel. She brings her effective leadership and management expertise to the National Geographic Channel (NGC) as Senior Vice President of Marketing. At NGC, Hynninen manages all aspects of the Channel’s marketing team, including Consumer Marketing, Partnership Marketing, Ad Sales and New Media. In January 2004, she was instrumental in launching NGC’s new Dare-to-Explore campaign and has seen the network experience record ratings and growth. This fall, as the Channel prepares to launch its largest number of premieres, Hynninen will lead the development and execution of the network’s most comprehensive marketing plan to date. Prior to joining the National Geographic Channel in June 2003, Hynninen served as Vice President and Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing at The Weather Channel. During her four year tenure, she played a key role in launching the network’s first ever new stripped series, Storm Stories, which increased the network’s ratings 50% in time period. In addition, she led the launch of the company’s first subscription web product, as well as it’s re-branding and promotional strategies, which continue to be utilized today. From 1997 to 1999, Hynninen served as Director of Marketing for Bass Hotels and Resorts, developing and implementing a new positioning campaign for Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. Additionally, she oversaw promotional development for the company’s 1998 Super Bowl campaign. Hynninen started her career at Kraft Foods, working up to Brand manager. While at Kraft, she created strategic corporate presentations for upper level management, and helped drive brand awareness and revitalization efforts for Kraft Foods products, such as Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Athenos Feta and Minute Rice. Hynninen holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and a Bachelors of Science from the University of Richmond. She is also marketing co-chair for the Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT) Washington/Baltimore chapter. Hynninen resides in Washington, D.C. and can be found collecting antiques, traveling and playing tennis in her free time.
