• June 14, 2007

As reported two weeks ago by OnlineMediaDaily, AOL has named AT&T marketing executive John Burbank as its first CMO.

Burbank will have overall responsibility for conceptualizing, developing and executing AOL's brand marketing strategies and programs.

"AOL is one of the biggest brands on the Web, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to strengthen and broaden its brand image," Burbank said in AOL's official statement announcing his arrival. "AOL also has tremendous momentum behind its new Web strategy, making this the perfect time to join the company and tell its story to consumers and advertisers."

Since 2002, Burbank served as vice president of marketing for AT&T Wireless, Cingular Wireless and then AT&T. During that time, he developed the highly recognizable "Signal Bars" campaign, and managed groundbreaking mobile programs with Internet companies such as MySpace, Facebook and YouTube.

Burbank also built new teams for Hispanic marketing, youth marketing, market research and media innovation. And he led the company's effort to establish exclusive content distribution and marketing programs with several leading brands.

Prior to AT&T, Burbank served as director of brand management at NewPower Company, and as a brand manager at Procter & Gamble.