PepsiCo CMO Mark Kirkham on "The Martha Stewart Podcast"
Be sure to tune in to my newest podcast on the iHeart media app, or wherever you get your podcasts. These shows are when I sit down for one-on-one conversations with fascinating people to learn about their individual careers, how they evolved, and what stories they can share with listeners.
A couple of weeks ago, we all watched the Big Game. It was ranked the 2nd-most watched in its history, with more than 125 million viewers. We also watched the commercials - some of the most fun we'll see this year. But what do these spots cost to air? What does it take to create a winning campaign? And what have been some of the most memorable Big Game ads over the years? I went to the PepsiCo world headquarters in Purchase, New York to ask Mark Kirkham, Chief Marketing Officer for PepsiCo’s beverage division. It was a very interesting and informative conversation and a beautiful tour of the grounds.
Enjoy these photos and please listen to my podcast.
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- The PepsiCo world headquarters sits on more than 100 acres in the quaint hamlet of Purchase in the town of Harrison, New York – less than an hour from my farm. Seven buildings surround a center courtyard. This sculpture in a large water fountain is David Wynne’s “Girl with Dolphin.” It is one of 45 outdoor pieces included in the Donald M. Kendal Sculpture Gardens.
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- The square block buildings were designed with strips of dark windows topped by rows of tan stone. Trees and bushes line the courtyard and driveway.
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- The trees are meticulously manicured all around the complex. These buildings were designed by architect Edward Durrell Stone whose works also include the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
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- Here is another view. The area is still under several inches of snow, but it is finally beginning to melt away.
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- Small ponds provide tranquil spaces for employees and guests who are free to visit the garden on weekends from March to November, and on selected holidays.
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- The corporate flag outside the complex is flown alongside the United States Stars and Stripes.
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- Here is another installation art piece on the grounds. The Donald M. Sculpture Gardens includes works from many modern artists including August Rodin, Henry Moore, and Alexander Calder.
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- These three tall sculptures are part of Robert Davidson’s “Totems.” The sculpture garden was meant to create an “atmosphere of stability and creativity” according to former CEO Donald M. Kendall. I used to cater for the Kendall family and also for parties here at the headquarters – you’ll hear about it in my podcast.
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- Inside, the floors are spacious. This is an in-house cafeteria space offering, of course, PepsiCo products.
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- A big gumball machine also sits on the ground floor – and yes, it works. Two gumballs for a dollar.
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- And vintage bottle crates decorate the area – remember any of these?
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- Expansive beverage and work spaces fill other floors for department meetings.
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- Here I am with beverage division CMO Mark Kirkham just before my podcast began. During the show, I ask him the difference between marketing and advertising and why both are so important for every single American company. I ask him about the commercials his company produced for the Big Game and how they ranked against all the others. Which was your favorite? We talked about business, and how his brands have evolved. And we talked about consumers, what they want, and all the choices they have. It was a very informative conversation.
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- And here I am in the company golf cart after the podcast – yes, I am driving. Please listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. It’s out now!
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