Carol H. Kruse

Ms. Kruse has been a director of Valvoline since December 2018. Recognized as a “transformational CMO,” who knows how to drive and operationalize innovation, Ms. Kruse brings with her to Valvoline’s Board of Directors significant experience in leveraging data, machine learning and artificial intelligence for product design and services to deliver a superior consumer experience, improve engagement and drive significant business value. She also brings skills and expertise in digital marketing, technology platform design and development, as well as consumer acquisition, retention, and engagement through digital, mobile, and social channels. Ms. Kruse served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Cambia Health Solutions from December 2014 to January 2019. Prior to that, she was Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at ESPN from October 2010 until October 2013. In addition, she served as Vice President, Global Digital Marketing, at The Coca-Cola Company from July 2007 until October 2010 and as Coca-Cola’s Vice President, North America Interactive Marketing from August 2001 to July 2007. Prior to such time, Ms. Kruse held co-founding and/or leadership roles within three Silicon Valley start-up companies, including RocketCash LLC, which was acquired by the Coca-Cola Company in 2001.

Ms. Kruse holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Pomona College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California. She was named #27 on Fast Company’s annual “Top 100 Most Creative People in Business;” awarded Ad:Tech’s Industry Achievement Award for pioneering contribution in Digital marketing; and awarded MediaPost “All-Star.” She also serves as a director of Think-X, Inc., an early-stage startup, and has served as a director of Unified, Inc., an advertising technology company, including as Chair of its Compensation Committee, from 2014 to July 2020. In addition, Ms. Kruse is involved in non-profit organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of the CMO Club, and as President of the Portland Chapter, and on the Board of Trustees of Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square. Ms. Kruse is also a Venture Partner and Investment Committee member with the Oregon Venture Fund.