The Kelley School of Business Center for Brand Leadership (CBL) is redefining how future brand leaders are prepared for the ever-evolving marketplace. With its commitment to fostering innovation and bridging the gap between academia and industry, the CBL has become a hub for dynamic collaboration between students and corporate partners.
This fall, the CBL has reached new heights in its mission, offering students invaluable hands-on learning experiences and exposure to industry-leading professionals. Through partnerships with top-tier companies like Procter & Gamble, Conagra, Kellanova, Mattel, and Eli Lilly, students have been immersed in real-world brand management scenarios that sharpen their skills and expand their perspectives.
Highlights from the fall semester include engaging guest lectures, interactive case studies, and exclusive site visits during Consumer Marketing Academy (CMA) Week. Students had the chance to hear from Jason Horowitz of Mattel, who shared insights on navigating today’s fragmented media landscape, and CMA alum Antonia Collins from Eli Lilly, who discussed the evolving field of direct-to-consumer healthcare marketing. These events brought students face-to-face with industry challenges, providing a firsthand look at what it takes to thrive in brand management today.
Professor Keith Niedermeier, director of the Center for Brand Leadership, said he is excited about the program’s trajectory. “We are committed to strengthening our corporate relationships to create meaningful, lasting impacts for our students. These partnerships are vital to shaping the next generation of brand leaders.”
Corporate partners play a pivotal role in the CBL’s success, offering mentorship, internships, and career opportunities that help students envision their future as marketing professionals. By facilitating experiential learning and sharing industry expertise, these partners contribute to the development of versatile, market-ready leaders.
As the CBL continues to grow, it invites additional organizations to join its mission of shaping the future of brand leadership. For more information or partnership inquiries, visit the Center for Brand Leadership’s website or contact Keith Niedermeier at knieder@iu.edu.
With a strong foundation and a commitment to innovation, the CBL is set to deliver even more transformative experiences in the years to come. Together with its partners, the center is preparing students to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing world of marketing.
The future of brand leadership starts here — Bring On Tomorrow.
