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Craig Zavitz
Senior Manager, Marketing Home Depot Canada
Professional Background
Craig Zavitz is a seasoned marketing professional with a wealth of international experience spanning both the UK and Australia. For over 18 years, Craig has cultivated his expertise in various marketing capacities, leading brands in the consumer and retail sectors to sustained success. Currently, he is at the helm of a dynamic team of 14 marketers at The Home Depot Canada, where he plays a pivotal role in implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy for the world’s leading home improvement retailer in the Canadian market. Craig's leadership is characterized by a collaborative approach, as he oversees five talented marketing managers who work diligently to deliver innovative and impactful marketing campaigns.
In his current role as Senior Manager for Marketing at The Home Depot Canada, Craig has had the honor to contribute to the marketing strategy of a business that surpasses $70 billion in revenue and operates over 2,252 stores across North America, including locations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. His deep understanding of the marketing landscape, combined with a talent for identifying and nurturing the right team members, ensures that The Home Depot remains at the forefront of consumer engagement within the home improvement space.
Craig's extensive background also includes significant roles in various renowned organizations. He previously held positions such as Senior Manager of Marketing for Hardlines and Omni-Channel Event Strategy and has directed interconnected marketing initiatives, showcasing his adaptability in a fast-evolving retail environment. Before joining The Home Depot, Craig demonstrated his prowess in the agency world through senior roles at well-known firms such as Cossette and Microsoft. His knack for transforming consumer insights into actionable marketing strategies has been instrumental in driving campaign success across multiple platforms.
Education and Achievements
Craig Zavitz's academic proficiencies form a solid foundation for his successful marketing career. He holds an Honours BA in Kinesiology and Sport Administration with a focus on Event Management from York University. This unique educational background blends sports management concepts with marketing principles, enriching his perspective on consumer engagement and event-driven strategies.
Additionally, Craig further honed his skills with a Digital Marketing Management Certificate from the University of Toronto, where he excelled with a remarkable finishing grade of 92%. This certification underscores his commitment to staying current in the fast-paced world of digital marketing and reflects his dedication to professional development throughout his career.
Craig’s career trajectory highlights several notable achievements, particularly his tenure at The Home Depot Canada, where he has consistently recognized for turning consumer insights into compelling marketing campaigns. His ability to leverage digital strategies, including SEM, social media, and CRM, sets him apart as an omni-channel marketer adept at navigating today's ever-evolving retail landscape.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his career, Craig Zavitz has garnered a reputation for innovation and leadership in marketing. His exceptional capability to craft marketing strategies based on consumer insights has earned him recognition as a forward-thinking marketer. With a track record of delivering results for some of the world’s most esteemed brands—including Ford, General Motors, Nike, Diageo, Carlsberg, and Molson/Coors—Craig has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to elevate brand presence and drive effective marketing initiatives.
Craig also takes pride in his volunteer contributions, having served on the Board of Directors for The Home Depot Canada Foundation. His commitment to community outreach ensures that he stays connected to the values of social responsibility and corporate stewardship.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional life, Craig is a proud and dedicated father to two enthusiastic young boys. Family values are important to him, and he enjoys instilling a love for fitness and health in his children. As a member of the Beaches Runner Club in Toronto, he embraces a passion for running, completing two full marathons and seven half marathons in the past three years. Additionally, he has participated in the challenging Around The Bay (30K) run three times, showcasing his dedication to personal fitness and well-being.
Craig is also an avid golfer and believes that the sport holds significant potential for branding innovations. He takes joy in coaching rookie baseball and has earned his NCCP certificate in basketball, reflecting his desire to mentor the next generation of athletes in his community. Teaching his sons about fitness and wellness is something Craig looks forward to, and he goes above and beyond to share the joys and health benefits of staying active.
tags':['Marketing Strategy','Leadership','Digital Marketing','Team Development','Consumer Insights','Brand Management','Retail Marketing','Event Management','Fitness Advocate','Community Service','International Experience','Running Coach'],
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