In the world of technology and marketing, Dara Treseder stands out as a visionary leader who has consistently set new standards in brand innovation, growth, and impactful communication. Currently serving as the Chief Marketing Officer at Autodesk, Treseder’s journey showcases the impact of strategic leadership on the global tech stage. With a rich background spanning roles at industry giants like Apple, Peloton, and GE, Dara Treseder has proven her prowess as a marketer and broken new ground as a Black female leader in the field.

Who is Dara Treseder?

Born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria, Dara Treseder’s path to success was paved with a passion for business, technology, and social impact. She graduated cum laude from Harvard University, where she majored in African American Studies, and later earned her MBA from Stanford University. Her education has undoubtedly shaped her perspective, equipping her with the tools and insights needed to navigate the rapidly evolving tech industry. Her career trajectory includes prominent roles in marketing at Goldman Sachs and Apple, laying a solid foundation for her later achievements.

Today, Treseder holds a pivotal position as Autodesk’s CMO, overseeing the company’s global marketing, digital, e-commerce, brand strategy, and communications efforts. Autodesk, a technology powerhouse known for shaping how the world designs and creates, provides software that impacts industries as diverse as architecture, automotive, media, and entertainment. With over 100 million users worldwide, Autodesk enables creative minds to push boundaries toward a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable world, and Treseder is at the forefront of championing this mission.

A legacy of leadership and influence

Her career is marked by her achievements as a dynamic marketing executive and thought leader. Before Autodesk, she was Peloton’s Global Head of Marketing, Communications, and Membership. During her time there, she played a crucial role in steering the company through the pandemic by enhancing brand loyalty and launching products that resonated with an increasingly home-focused audience. Her #MyPelotonReason campaign fostered a sense of community and connectedness, while strategic partnerships with global icons like Usain Bolt and Beyoncé helped expand Peloton’s reach and relevance. As CMO at GE Business Innovations and GE Ventures, Treseder also led impactful marketing campaigns that solidified GE’s presence in the tech innovation space. At Carbon, a 3D printing and manufacturing company, her efforts brought attention to the role of advanced manufacturing in industries ranging from healthcare to automotive, emphasising technology’s transformative potential.

Recent achievements at Autodesk

Since joining Autodesk in late 2022, Treseder has been instrumental in revamping the company’s brand image. Within her first six months, she launched significant campaigns tied to high-profile events like the Game of Thrones finale and the Oscars, amplifying Autodesk’s cultural relevance. Collaborating with actor Ryan Reynolds’ agency, Maximum Effort, she rolled out Autodesk’s first television ad in over a decade, a move that marked a turning point in the company’s outreach strategy. Her efforts are bearing fruit. Autodesk reported notable growth in user engagement, with educator and student users increasing from 55 million to 65 million under her leadership. The “Otto Desć” campaign during the 2023 Oscars garnered over 25 million views and introduced the brand to a new, broader audience through influencer partnerships.

These milestones underscore Treseder’s expertise in aligning Autodesk’s brand identity with contemporary trends and consumer expectations. Dara Treseder’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, she became the first Black person inducted into the Forbes CMO Hall of Fame, recognising her groundbreaking achievements and influence in the industry. Furthermore, in 2022, she topped the Forbes World’s Most Influential CMOs list, a position she earned through an impressive blend of business acumen and cultural insight.

In earlier years, she received honours such as Adweek’s Brand Genius award and a place on Business Insider’s Top 25 Most Innovative CMOs in the World list. A trailblazer in her field, Treseder has consistently been acknowledged for her fearless approach to marketing and for setting a benchmark in the tech world. She has been recognised by various leading publications, including Campaign US as a Fearless Female Pioneer and Inc. Magazine as one of the “30 Inspirational Women to Watch in Tech.”

A vision for the future of tech and marketing

Dara Treseder’s career is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and inclusivity in tech and marketing. Her journey from Nigeria to leading global corporations in Silicon Valley is inspiring, and her efforts to drive change in the industry are paving the way for future leaders. Under her guidance, Autodesk continues to grow its impact, helping individuals and industries to reimagine what’s possible through technology. For anyone aspiring to make a meaningful impact in tech or marketing, Dara Treseder’s story serves as a powerful reminder: true leadership is about building a legacy that others can follow, driven by a vision that embraces innovation and uplifts communities.