Deb O'Brien

Chief Commercial Officer | Marketing and Branding Executive | Global Business Innovator | Environmental, Social & Governance | Board Advisor

Charlotte Metro

About

I am a passionate global business innovation leader and brand architect with expertise in building complex consumer brands, driving profitable and sustainable growth. I have a successful track record of establishing product portfolios while achieving long-term business objectives through strategic vision and innovation. I serve as a go-to advisor to boards and C-suite teams on holistic marketing, digital and product development strategies, and ESG and brand reputation transformations. As a member of the executive governance team, I am trusted to lead organizations through significant market and company shifts creating a shared vision for improved business performance. Recognized for identifying, developing, and retaining top talent, I am an authentic, open communicator who develops marketing organizations and builds high-performing teams. A Global Business Partner, I align marketing and business objectives with a digital-first approach and leverage data and analytics to deliver engaging customer experiences through omni-channel strategies. I have expertise in building new brand identities, recently launching a $20 billion corporate brand. Well versed in ESG reporting, I ensure the brand reputation as one of the key factors that inform perceptions of investors and other stakeholders.

Experience

  • EYERIS (4 yrs 6 mos)
    • Board Member
      May 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

    • Interim Chief Executive Officer
      2022 - Present · 4 yrs 6 mos

      Key advisory leader in developing and launching sustained growth plans for a new division aimed at disrupting the industry. Provide strategic guidance and support for the base contact lens business.

  • Chief Marketing Officer at Viatris - formerly Mylan Pharmaceuticals
    2010 - 2021 · 11 yrs

    Led the corporate brand launch for the $20 billion combined organization, creating a unique healthcare company positioned to bring quality medicines to patients when and where they need them. Successfully drove Mylan brand architecture with consistent corporate branding and guidelines. Led 600-person B2B- and B2C-centric team and a budget up to $200 million. Directed integrated marketing and digital strategy.

  • CIBA Vision (Duluth, Georgia)
    • Vice President, Global Marketing Lens Division
      2000 - 2010 · 10 yrs

      Drove new business results through strategic thought leadership, five-year portfolio plan development, global new product launches, and global consumer/practitioner positioning and campaign development. P&L responsibility.

    • Vice President of Marketing, North America Lens Division
      1998 - 2000 · 2 yrs

      Oversaw integrated marketing strategic plan, development, and execution. Managed a broad-spectrum including brand management, customer marketing, and market research. Managed P&L responsibility for $350 million revenue businesses.

    • Executive Director of Marketing, North America Lens/Lens Care Business
      1996 - 1998 · 2 yrs

      Managed brand group for Lens and Lens Care. Integrated U.S. and Canadian marketing teams, standardizing a North America marketing approach for Ciba Vision.