Bob Jacobs Driving Volvo's USA Marketing

Thursday, February 09, 2017

Bob Jacobs

Marketing Marvel: Since graduating in 1990 with a chemical engineering degree, Bob Jacobs has spent most of his professional career in marketing and brand management with Proctor & Gamble, Westin/Sheraton Hotels and, now, Volvo Car USA.

After spending nearly six years as an executive brand manager for some of the world's largest hotel chains, alumnus Bob Jacobs has packed his bags for a new destination: vice president of product marketing and communication for Volvo Car USA.

In this new role, beginning March 1, Jacobs will be a member of the leadership team for Volvo's Americas region, which comprises the import markets of Canada, Mexico, Brazil and South America.

"Bob is a senior marketing executive with proven ability to deliver results across both lifestyle brands and consumer goods," says Volvo Car USA President/Chief Executive Officer Lex Kerssemakers in a company press release. "He has broad marketing success in portfolio and brand management, product launches and consumer marketing in both the U.S. and Western Europe."

Volvo Car USA, a subsidiary of Volvo Car Group of Gothenburg, Sweden, is implementing an $11-billion transformation plan that has involved the development of its own modular vehicle architecture, a new engine range, global manufacturing capability, a completely renewed product range, and developments in safety, autonomous driving and connectivity.

Jacobs previously had been vice president of brand management for the Starwood group, helping drive travelers to Westin and Sheraton hotels across North America. He also spent 21 years in worldwide marketing, brand management and manufacturing operations for Proctor & Gamble's Head & Shoulders, Crest, Pampers, and Duracell brands.

"I really just love business management and marketing," says Jacobs. Marketing involves both data analysis and creativity, according to the 1990 chemical engineering Rose-Hulman graduate. "It's the perfect balance of right-brain and left-brain thinking."