Big Red Group appoints new CMO to replace former CGO Matthew Cavalier

Experience marketplace, Big Red Group has appointed Paul Connell as the company’s first chief marketing officer, as it looks to commence the next stage of growth.

The chief marketing officer role replaces the remit formerly held by the chief growth officer role, most recently held by Matthew Cavalier, who left the role in May after four years in the business.

Connell joins the business after two years heading up marketing for online wine retailer Naked Wines, and has over a decade of experience in senior positions, including at Unilever, leading their Homecare & Refreshments portfolios and leading a number of Unilever’s B-Corp scale-ups, including Pukka and Ben & Jerry’s.

In the new role, Connell will be based at the Big Red Group’s Sydney headquarters, focusing on delivering impact across the group’s stable of experience brands including RedBalloon, Adrenaline, Experience Oz, Local Agent and Lime&Tonic.

A firm supporter of the broader marketing industry, Connell has spent time mentoring and supporting growing talent through Marketing Academy and The Trenches. He is also a board member at UnLtd’s social enterprise arm, MOOD Tea, which last weeklaunched across Woolworths stores with a pro-bono campaign.

Big Red Group co-founder and CEO, David Anderson, commented: “We’ve been hard at work for the past five years enabling the experience market’s growth, and we’re excited by the momentum behind our business, and the broader industry. Following significant fivefold growth, we are at a watershed moment in the company’s growth that requires the stewardship and experience that Paul brings in scaling from an already large market-leading position to winning on a global scale. We’re thrilled to welcome Paul to the team, leveraging his rich experience to help craft the story & strategy for all our brands during this pivotal moment.”

Of his appointment, Connell said: “Since the formation of Big Red Group, I have watched the team go from strength-to-strength across the experience marketplace, as they encourage Aussies and Kiwis to create memories, over choosing material possessions & endless stuff.

“I’m incredibly passionate about businesses, brands, and people’s ability to do great by doing good, so this role is a gift – with a huge opportunity, not just to shift the way people experience life but also to deepen our partnership and impact with our thousands of experienced providers at such a key moment in time for the tourism and travel industry”

“It is so rare to find a company that is truly purpose-led, has big ambitions for growth, and – is a privately owned Australian business – the backing and autonomy to make it happen. I’m excited to be joining the team and can’t wait to get going”