HBO and Max Multicultural Marketing Chief Jackie Gagne has departed from her role at the company after four years, having worked for the brands in some capacity for more than 13 years. The company said the Multicultural Marketing team will remain intact under the supervision of Max and HBO originals executive vice president Pia Barlow. The elimination of her role is part of the nearly 1,000 job cuts announced across HBO and Max parent company Warner Bros. Discovery in July.
She played a key part in establishing the multicultural marketing strategy for HBO and Max and she oversaw targeted promotional efforts in support of dozens of original series, films and specials including “Insecure,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show” and “The Last of Us.” Gagne also spearheaded the launch of three social-first audience initiatives to help amplify and celebrate diverse talent and stories: Scene In Black, Human By Orientation and Pa’lante!.
The executive expressed gratitude towards the company: “It has been a privilege to lead and work alongside a collective of wildly smart, thoughtful, and innovative colleagues. HBO has long stood for prestige and can’t-miss cultural moments, so being able to oversee campaigns that reach, embrace, and uplift so many audiences, while celebrating those stories, has been a true career highlight. I am so grateful for the impactful work our team has accomplished and the lifelong friendships that have been forged," she stated.
Outside of HBO and Max, Gagne serves on the board of ColorComm, a national woman-driven organization that addresses diversity and inclusion across communications, marketing, advertising and media. She is also the cochair of the ANA Multicultural Marketing and Diversity Committee and is a member of the Ad Age Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.