Steven Overman to lead rebranding of Kodak

Kodak has named Steven Overman as its new chief marketing officer (CMO) and senior vice-president of corporate marketing, a position in which he will lead the strategic development and coordination of Kodak‘s brand identity, global marketing programs and activities, and the communication of Kodak’s vision, strategy and progress in an integrated way to all of the company’s stakeholders.

Steven Overman to lead rebranding of Kodak

As such, Overman is responsible for leading a 'global, company-wide renewal of the Kodak brand to increase its power, relevance and value', the company said in a statement annnouncing Overman's appointment. He will report to Kodak chief executive officer (CEO) Jeff Clarke and has become a member of the company’s executive council.

Overman previously served as vice-president and global head of brand strategy and marketing creation for mobile telecommunications brand Nokia. Prior to that, he held several different leadership roles in technology companies and marketing services agencies. In those roles, his responsibilities included corporate brand strategy and execution, product and service innovation, corporate strategic initiatives, product launches and sales development.

Kodak filed for bankruptcy protection in early 2012, emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 3, 2013 after the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York confirmed the company’s reorganization plan.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 3

Overman is also a published author and the founder of Match & Candle, a consultancy supporting startups and marketing service agencies with brand strategy development.

Overman said: ‘It is an honor to join Kodak as CMO. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to breathe new life into an iconic brand that has played such a significant role in so many lives.

‘The heritage is humbling. Kodak has a long and deep history of contributing to humanity and the environment, and I am proud to become a part of the next chapter of the Kodak story.’

Kodak CEO Clarke said: ‘Kodak has a big brand, and we need a creative thinker to unlock its power and lead our marketing efforts. Throughout his career across a number of leading technology companies and marketing firms, Steven has been exceptionally successful in driving brand transformation and innovative marketing.’

Early in his career, Overman was a multimedia artist whose photographic and motion picture work was exhibited at leading international galleries. He also served as the director’s assistant for the 1993 Academy Award-winning film Philadelphia, supporting all aspects of the film’s creative development and production.