Marissa Heitshusen is the Director of Digital Development & Audience Strategy for the Viacom Music & Entertainment Group where she is responsible for the analysis of audience data across MTV, MTVU, VH1, Comedy Central, Spike and Logo. In her role Marissa creates innovative strategies rooted in both qualitative and quantitative research that directly impacts both product and content development across all brands. Marissa closely monitors cross brand, multi-platform audience behavior to enhance user experience on owned and operated channels and products as well as the content distribution strategy on and off site.
Previously, Marissa led the digital research and strategy efforts for MTV where her work directly impacted several critical initiatives including the redesign of MTV News and the redesign of Rate My Professors, which won her a Webby Award in 2015. Prior to joining Viacom Marissa began her career in brand strategy at Wallace Church before joining Creative Artists Agency / The Intelligence Group as the Director of Brand Strategy & Development. Marissa has built a career blending her passion for and expertise in unlocking consumer behavior.
Marissa received her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Elon University. She has been a guest lecturer at Elon University as well as the Wharton School of Business M.B.A program. Outside of work Marissa enjoys tennis and yoga.
