The CMO Podcast Melody Lee (Mercedes-Benz USA) | Success is Never Solo
Jul 23, 2025
Melody Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA, brings a wealth of experience, shifting from PR to leading marketing at a luxury brand. She discusses the challenges of modernizing legacy brands as Mercedes-Benz approaches its 100th anniversary. Insights from the Cannes Festival highlight the balance of innovation and heritage in automotive marketing. Melody also shares her early career lessons in crisis communications and emphasizes the importance of empathy and leadership during turbulent times, showcasing how effective marketing aligns with organizational purpose.
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Judge Creativity by the Brief
- Always evaluate creative work against a clear, concise brief.
- Use the brief as your constant reference to judge if creative answers the set objectives, not personal taste.
Olympic Crisis Communication Experience
- Melody Lee had a formative experience working with the International Olympic Committee during the politically charged 2008 Beijing Games.
- She spent six months involved in crisis communication amid protests and geopolitical tensions.
GM Ignition Recall Leadership
- During the GM ignition switch recall, Melody helped prepare CEO Mary Barra for Congressional testimony.
- She witnessed leadership under extreme crisis, seeing Barra choose to do the right thing, shaping GM's culture.