• by Tanya Gazdik , May 15, 2017

PayPal executive Dave Peck is moving to the cannabis industry where he will be the first CMO of Kind Financial, a company that specializes in end-to-end technology and compliance solutions. 

Peck was previously global head of social and digital media marketing at PayPal. At Kind Financial, his responsibilities will include the development and execution of direct response marketing, social and digital campaigns, and all aspects of public relations and communications. 

Kind Financial’s mission is to ensure greater credibility for the cannabis industry through full compliance with rapidly changing regulations, said David Dinenberg, founder and CEO of Kind Financial. Peck knows the challenges facing an emerging industry, and he has full mastery of the technologies and strategies needed, he says. 

“And of course, he’s worked not only with a tech giant in the payments space but also with other widely recognized brands, and built a stunning track record in every position,” Dinenberg says.

Kind Financial’s services could be utilized in other industries that have complicated compliance issues, he adds. But presently, Kind’s focus is on the cannabis industry.

“I’m confident Dave will take Kind to the next level,” Dinenberg tells Marketing Daily. “He’s already recognized as a social media influencer and has strong relationships in Silicon Valley that will continue to push our brand forward. I believe Dave will continue to be a trendsetter in tech and now in the cannabis industry. It takes someone with a unique vision, understanding, and entrepreneurial spirit to be the first.”

At PayPal, Peck oversaw the company’s social strategy and influencer relations, and also led the development and execution of integrated digital marketing. Earlier, he helped build online communities and develop social media strategies for several major brands, including Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo and the Grammys. He is also the author of Think Before You Engage: 100 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Social Media Marketing Campaign.

Peck says he likes the idea of getting into an industry as it gains mainstream recognition.

“I love being a part of a team that is solving an industry problem and doing it better than others,” Peck tells Marketing Daily. “When I realized that Kind Financial is the first company to offer a credible ecosystem of compliance and financial solutions to help cannabis-related businesses and relevant government agencies thrive in a time of change, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

Kind is helping the “rapidly growing” cannabis industry reach the level of maturity and business recognition it deserves, he says. 

“My job is to make sure everyone knows about what Kind Financial offers and I plan to build on its existing momentum by developing and executing both traditional and digital marketing campaigns,” Peck says.