Kevin Mayer
BA Communication - 1992
Chief Marketing Officer
Red Robin International
Los Angeles, CA
Kevin Mayer is a seasoned marketing executive with over 30 years of experience. Since May 2023, he has served as EVP and CMO at Red Robin, leading Brand Management, Marketing, Product Innovation, Digital Marketing, and Social and Earned Media, driving the company’s marketing vision and strategic direction.
Kevin is recognized as a "brand fixer" for his ability to identify the core of struggling brands and develop strategies that fuel their transformation. Prior to Red Robin, as EVP and Chief Growth and Brand Officer at BJ's Restaurants, he played a pivotal role in evolving the brand from a regional player to a nationally recognized lifestyle brand, driving unprecedented growth and achieving an all-time high in share price.
Kevin's career includes senior leadership roles at global automotive brands, where he played a key role in launching some of the industry’s most memorable campaigns. He led Subaru of America’s “LOVE” campaign, Chevrolet’s “Chevy Runs Deep” after its post-bankruptcy rebranding, and Volkswagen’s “Power of German Engineering.” These initiatives contributed to significant growth and laid the groundwork for sustained sales success. His leadership has earned his team’s numerous accolades, including Cannes Lions and Effie Awards. Kevin was named to Billboard Music's "Power 100," Adweek’s "Brand Genius" in 2013, and included in the 2024 Restaurant Industry Power List.
Kevin began his career in advertising, building a reputation for creative excellence. He holds a B.A. in Communications from Purdue University, where he was named an "Old Master" in 2013, and an M.B.A. in Marketing Science from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. Kevin has served on Purdue’s Dean’s Advisory Board and as Co-President of Think LA’s Board. A proud Purdue alum, he was actively involved in marketing clubs, competitions, and Beta Theta Pi. He stays connected with over 100 college friends and frequently visits campus.
A proud father of two teenagers, Kevin resides in Los Angeles, where he enjoys surfing, running, and playing guitar with friends in his spare time. His daughter, Calissa, is a sophomore at Purdue University, pursuing a double major in Law & Society and Psychology.
Chief Marketing Officer
Red Robin International
Los Angeles, CA
Kevin Mayer is a seasoned marketing executive with over 30 years of experience. Since May 2023, he has served as EVP and CMO at Red Robin, leading Brand Management, Marketing, Product Innovation, Digital Marketing, and Social and Earned Media, driving the company’s marketing vision and strategic direction.
Kevin is recognized as a "brand fixer" for his ability to identify the core of struggling brands and develop strategies that fuel their transformation. Prior to Red Robin, as EVP and Chief Growth and Brand Officer at BJ's Restaurants, he played a pivotal role in evolving the brand from a regional player to a nationally recognized lifestyle brand, driving unprecedented growth and achieving an all-time high in share price.
Kevin's career includes senior leadership roles at global automotive brands, where he played a key role in launching some of the industry’s most memorable campaigns. He led Subaru of America’s “LOVE” campaign, Chevrolet’s “Chevy Runs Deep” after its post-bankruptcy rebranding, and Volkswagen’s “Power of German Engineering.” These initiatives contributed to significant growth and laid the groundwork for sustained sales success. His leadership has earned his team’s numerous accolades, including Cannes Lions and Effie Awards. Kevin was named to Billboard Music's "Power 100," Adweek’s "Brand Genius" in 2013, and included in the 2024 Restaurant Industry Power List.
Kevin began his career in advertising, building a reputation for creative excellence. He holds a B.A. in Communications from Purdue University, where he was named an "Old Master" in 2013, and an M.B.A. in Marketing Science from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. Kevin has served on Purdue’s Dean’s Advisory Board and as Co-President of Think LA’s Board. A proud Purdue alum, he was actively involved in marketing clubs, competitions, and Beta Theta Pi. He stays connected with over 100 college friends and frequently visits campus.
A proud father of two teenagers, Kevin resides in Los Angeles, where he enjoys surfing, running, and playing guitar with friends in his spare time. His daughter, Calissa, is a sophomore at Purdue University, pursuing a double major in Law & Society and Psychology.