As a true creative leader and proclaimed “purpose-driven change agent,” Maryam has an amazing career story that we all can learn from and be inspired by. Without originally setting out to do so, Maryam’s career in marketing has put her at the helm of several top brands. Currently, she is the Head of Marketing, Community & Global at Nextdoor, the popular platform and app that connects communities around the world, ultimately helping people find a sense of belonging.
Prior to joining Nextdoor, Maryam was the CMO of Hyatt, Gannett, NBCUniversal, and Univision, leading sweeping transformations at each. At the height of her career, she decided to “take a pause” and gained national attention by sharing her experience in a New York Times essay.
Guest Bio
Maryam Banikarim
Head of Marketing, Community & Global, Nextdoor
Co-founder, NYCNext
Maryam Banikarim captured national attention with her viral New York Times essay on taking a “pause” at the height of her highly successful career. As a chief marketing officer who led four major businesses through sweeping transformations and top-line growth, Maryam has made a name for herself as a purpose-driven change agent who embraces diversity and inclusion and
builds brands that are respected and loved.
Maryam’s passion for community drew her to Nextdoor, the neighborhood network where neighbors go to connect to the neighborhoods that matter to them so they can belong. At Nextdoor, Maryam oversees marketing, community and global.
Prior to Nextdoor, Maryam was global chief marketing officer of Hyatt, Gannett, NBCUniversal, and Univision. Maryam earned a reputation as a bold leader who took on disruption and championed purpose. In each role, she innovatively applied a wide array of marketing tools to move her organization forward, creating value while inspiring employees, customers, and a range of stakeholders. Maryam helped transform Hyatt into the most preferred hospitality brand, driving loyalty and community among high-end travelers. With a portfolio of 13 global brand experiences, she elevated the organization by mobilizing colleagues, launching brands and businesses, reimagining loyalty, and establishing unprecedented partnerships.
Maryam currently serves on the board of One Spa World, Reporters without Borders and the Mobile Marketing Association. She is an advisor to Brand 50, Strawberry Frog, and Cove Hill Partners and a member of Fast Company’s Impact Council, Adweek’s Women Trailblazers, and the Time 100 Advisory board.
At the height of the pandemic, Maryam co-founded NYCNext, a grassroots volunteer movement aimed at supporting New York’s artist community and revitalizing the city. To date the non-profit has produced 14 live pop ups including A Moment for Broadway and convened world-renowned artists for a star-studded rendition of Billy Joel's New York State of Mind to drive civic action in the New York community.
A graduate of Barnard College, Columbia Business School, and Columbia’s School of International Affairs, Maryam has been widely recognized for her achievements. These include Fast Company’s “Top 10 Disrupters,” Advertising Age’s “Women to Watch,” and Forbes’ “Most Influential CMO List”.
In 2019, she was awarded the Columbia Alumni medal ⎯ the highest honor given by the Columbia Alumni Association. And in 2021 she was Columbia Business School’s commencement speaker.
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