The Dove Foundation Appoints Chief Marketing Officer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dove Foundation, which is largely known for its signature blue and white Dove Seal on family-friendly movies, today announced the appointment of Steve Sammons as Chief Marketing Officer.  In this new role, Sammons, who will be based in Los Angeles, will be responsible for the innovation and implementation of integrated growth strategies for new products and communication channels, as well as new branding initiatives.

"Steve is a world-class marketer whose deep understanding of consumer culture and track record for innovation makes him a natural choice to create a stronger presence for Dove, and create an enduring, valuable resource for a wider audience," said Dick Rolfe, co-founder and CEO of The Dove Foundation. "His proven success in creating and managing consistent and disciplined marketing experiences across diverse channels and cultures will be a tremendous asset."

Sammons brings more than 20 years of experience in worldwide marketing, creative development, product design, and operations experience to this new position.  He joins the company from Zondervan where he held the post of CMO for four years, leading marketing communications strategies for one the world's largest Christian publishing companies. Specifically, he was also successful in leading development of digital and interactive initiatives.

"The Dove Foundation is an influential and iconic brand. I am looking forward to building upon its heritage and securing its viable future," said Sammons. "Dove already has significant relationships throughout the major studios and also among the independent film makers across the country. While those relationships are where the inside conversations happen, we know that the most precious asset for Dove is genuine trust from families who love movies. That's where our core mission is focused."

Prior to Zondervan, Sammons was the Global Chief Marketing Officer for Calumet Photographic Inc., the world's largest specialty retailer of professional photographic, digital imaging, and video equipment. At Calumet, Sammons was responsible for a full brand re-design and implementation, as well as innovative new retail programs. In the decade prior, Sammons served Nissan North America where he oversaw the brand development and all creative work for the company's Infiniti luxury division.

Sammons holds a Bachelor's degree from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., along with an Executive Management degree from UCLA's Anderson School of Business. He resides in Southern California with his wife Suzy and three of their six children.

About The Dove Foundation
The Dove Foundation (http://www.dove.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging the entertainment industry to create, produce and distribute a greater proportion of movies that are appropriate for family viewing; and to seeing the public better equipped to identify family-friendly movies and more deeply committed to support them.  Hundreds of thousands of visitors each month rely on www.dove.org for up-to-date reviews of movies and DVDs.

SOURCE The Dove Foundation