#54: Building a world-class brand from scratch with Maria Winans, Kyndryl

#54: Building a world-class brand from scratch with Maria Winans, Kyndryl

Author: The Agile Brand July 29, 2025 Duration: 25:29

What if rebranding wasn't just about a new logo and tagline, but about transforming an 80,000-person company's entire culture and strategy? What if brand became one of your most valuable tools for business reinvention?

Today, I'm joined by Maria Winans, Chief Marketing Officer at Kyndryl. After nearly three decades at IBM, Maria took on the monumental task of launching Kyndryl as a stand-alone brand following its spin-off. With a workforce of over 80,000 people across more than 60 markets, Maria has redefined what it means to build a world-class brand from scratch—one that's people-centric, culture-driven, and positioned for growth. 
 
About Maria Winans
Maria B. Winans, Chief Marketing Officer at Kyndryl, is a recognized expert in data-driven marketing, brand engagement, and performance marketing.

Prior to joining Kyndryl, Maria amassed an impressive 29-year career at IBM, culminating in her role as the Chief Marketing Officer for IBM Americas. In this capacity, she held overarching responsibility for all marketing professionals and activities throughout North and Latin America. Maria's tenure at IBM was marked by pivotal contributions to global marketing endeavors across diverse disciplines and business units, notably including initiatives such as Smarter Commerce and Watson.

A native of Santiago, Chile, Maria serves as the executive sponsor of Kyndryl's Hispanic Latin Community. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, the proud mother of two children and a certified fitness instructor.
 
Resources
Kyndryl:  https://www.kyndryl.com 
 
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Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom

Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.b2bagility.com 

Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com  

 


Navigating the modern B2B marketing landscape requires a blend of strategic vision and practical expertise across several demanding disciplines. B2B Agility with Greg Kihlström™: MarTech, E-Commerce, & Customer Success exists in that space, offering a focused conversation for professionals who are piecing together strategy, technology, and customer experience. This podcast, from the team behind The Agile Brand, moves beyond theory to examine the interconnected systems that define today's successful business-to-business brands. Each episode delves into how leaders can effectively integrate marketing technology platforms, build seamless e-commerce operations, and foster genuine customer success to secure a lasting competitive advantage. You'll hear from practitioners and thinkers who are actively shaping their categories, sharing insights on turning complexity into clarity and operational friction into fluidity. The discussions are built on the premise that true agility isn't just about speed, but about intelligent adaptation and purposeful growth. For marketers, executives, and strategists looking to cut through the noise and find actionable wisdom, this series provides a dedicated resource. It’s a deep dive into the mechanics and mindset required to not just participate in the B2B arena, but to consistently lead and drive optimal results for the brands you serve.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 77

B2B Agility with Greg Kihlström™: MarTech, E-Commerce, & Customer Success
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