Facebook Taps Lucio as CMO

CGT 'CMO of the Year' finalist Antonio Lucio is leaving HP, Inc. this month to become chief marketing officer at Facebook.

Lucio will replaces Gary Briggs, who announced plans to leave the social media giant in January. He will report to chief product officer Chris Cox.

"Antonio has a lot of experience leading marketing for major brands like HP and Visa – and he’s been recognized for both his talents and commitment to diversity," Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg said in a post on her personal page. "Now, he’ll help us share Facebook’s story with the world. Every day, people use our apps to connect with family and friends and make a difference in their communities. It’s what motivates me and our teams — and I’m excited to see how Antonio brings our mission to life."

Lucio was selected as a finalist in this year's CMO of the Year competition for his efforts to drive systemic change in the marketing and advertising industry, both within HP and with the company's agency partners.

As HP's chief marketing and communications officer, he has led a “Reinvent Mindsets” campaign dedicated to identifying unconscious bias toward women and underrepresented groups. Internally, HP’s “Togetherness” program centered on a holiday film highlighting the power of brand purpose and integrity through the use of strategic cultural insights. Externally, Lucio also spearheaded an industry-wide diversity and inclusion movement through the "Business Powered by Diversity" initiative.

Meanwhile, Vikrant Batra, global head of marketing for HP’s imaging and printing group, has been promoted to CMO, while chief communications officer Karen Kahn will take Lucio's place on the company's executive leadership team. The now-separate functions report directly to chief executive officer Dion Weisler. 

“We are grateful to Antonio for his service to HP,” Weisler said. “With a brand that has never been stronger, it’s a testament to his leadership that we are prepared with the right team to continue to reinvent HP and drive shareholder value.”