Nextdoor Hires Maryam Banikarim As Head of Marketing

By Amit Chowdhry ● Feb 13, 2020
  • Neighborhood social network Nextdoor announced that Maryam Banikarim has joined the company as Head of Marketing

Neighborhood social network Nextdoor announced that Maryam Banikarim has joined the company as Head of Marketing. Banikarim is going to lead the company’s efforts to elevate its brand and manage marketing, communications, international teams, and policy.

“Maryam is an incredible leader with a strong track record of results in building integrated teams, elevating global brands, and driving growth. Her passion for local community and purpose-driven leadership makes her an ideal fit for Nextdoor, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to the neighborhood,” said Nextdoor chief executive officer Sarah Friar.

Banikarim has over 25 years of marketing experience, managing global brands and international teams. And she was most recently the Global CMO of Hyatt Hotels, repositioning the Hyatt brand as purpose-driven by putting the guest at the center of the business.

The work Banikarim led on Hyatt’s “A World of Understanding” campaign delivered significant lift across brand tracking metrics and received high praise from colleagues and owners along with recognition from the advertising industry. Banikarim also created partnerships to extend Hyatt’s reach with organizations such as (RED), Dua Lipa, AFAR media, and No Barriers. Plus Banikarim’s brand work at Hyatt resulted in increased brand awareness and organic user acquisition across online and offline channels.

Banikarim was SVP & CMO of Gannett where she broadened the company’s “Make a Difference Day” campaign ― which resulted in the largest day of volunteering across the country. And this commitment to local events and community outreach is crucial for Nextdoor. Banikarim also sits on Adweek’s Women Trailblazers Council Board, Fast Company’s Impact Council, and is the U.S. Board Chair of Reporters Without Borders.

Banikarim was born and raised in Iran. Then Banikarim moved to the U.S. when she was 12. And she has lived in London and Paris and spent a significant amount of time in Argentina and Brazil. Currently, Maryam is based in New York where she will be well-positioned with major clients and Nextdoor’s global footprint.

“Purpose should be the heart of a company’s brand. Nextdoor’s purpose of cultivating a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on immediately resonated with me. I couldn’t be more excited to join this extraordinary team that is committed to creating meaningful connections that bridge our online and offline worlds,” added Banikarim.