ThinkNW Marketing All-Star Profile: Nikki Neuburger, Chief Brand Office at Lululemon
We’re pleased to announce our first class of ThinkNW Marketing All-Stars. Chosen by the ThinkNW board and executive team, this program kicks off a tradition of recognizing the unique marketing talent that drives our industry and region forward.
We asked our honorees to share a bit about their work, lives and what the Pacific Northwest means to them.
Here’s what Nikki Neuburger, Chief Brand Officer at Lululemon, had to say.
How long have you been in your current role?
Two years.
What do you value most in your work in this role, and what do you consider your biggest accomplishment in your current role?
What I value most are the people I work alongside at lululemon. Our culture focuses on people first, and we invest in developing our people as leaders as we believe that will benefit not only the individual and the teams around them but also the broader organization. From our CEO on down, I have the distinct honor of working with smart, purpose-driven folks committed to expanding our brand in service of welcoming more consumers into our community.
My proudest accomplishment is building out a global Brand Leadership Team comprised of a diverse group of functional experts who have been up to amazing work over the last year, including the launch of lululemon’s first-ever global brand campaign titled “FEEL.” As a leader, my primary roles include setting the brand vision and recruiting, developing, and empowering a team of experts who will partner with me to co-create that vision and lead the work and teams that bring it to life every day around the world for our guests.
What do you like to do outside of your work?
I am a former Division I athlete, and sports and fitness have continued to be an essential aspect of my life and wellbeing. I am an avid runner, strength train and practice yoga. These activities also serve as the center of my social circle and keep me connected to my very best friends in the world.
I also love to play with my two pups, Boston (a five-year-old Havanese) & Thom Yorkie (a four-year-old Yorkshire Terrier).
If you can’t find me on the roads, trails, in the gym, studio or with my pups—you’ll likely find me at the movies, an art museum, a Trail Blazers game or a concert.
What impact does the Pacific Northwest have on your work?
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, which has shaped what I would describe as a direct yet kind, inclusive and laid-back approach to connecting with others and facilitating getting work done. It has also shaped my priorities—working in the sports and fitness industry is a choice I have made due to the role that team sports and the outdoors played on me growing up. I am committed to living a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and I love that my role includes inspiring others to do the same.
How would you characterize the Pacific Northwest marketing/creative community? In your mind, what makes it unique?
Folks living and working in the Pacific Northwest tend to appreciate collaboration, creativity and supporting one another to succeed. While we all strive to grow, thrive and compete, I believe the uniqueness lives in how our community shows up for one another. This crew is caring.
