Melissa Hobley
Global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Tinder
Driving a cultural reset for Tinder through global brand campaigns and safety-focused product innovations like AI-powered verification.
Intro
I'm Melissa Hobley, the Global CMO at Tinder. My career has been defined by a passion for brand building and turnarounds, from scaling retail brands at Walgreens to leading the award-winning 'DTF' campaign at OkCupid. Currently, I'm focused on driving a 'cultural reset' for Tinder, ensuring we meet Gen Z where they are while prioritizing safety as the ultimate unlock for connection. I'm a firm believer in inclusive growth and marrying data-driven digital strategy with powerful storytelling. Whether I'm discussing behavioral economics, AI-powered safety tech, or our latest brand collaboration, I'm always looking for ways to make platforms safer and more culturally relevant. I love talking about dating and connection all day, and I'm always looking to connect with fearless leaders and creative partners who want to build something that truly breaks through.
Networking
What I can offer
- ›Insights on global brand turnarounds
- ›Expertise in marketing to Gen Z
- ›Guidance on inclusive growth and safety-led business strategy
- ›Strategic partnership opportunities
What I'm looking for
- ›High-level marketing and social media talent for Tinder
- ›Strategic partners in fashion, lifestyle, and CPG sectors
- ›Media engagement to shape the narrative around dating and tech
Best fit for
Focus
Current interests
Core competencies
Background
Career
Progressed through senior marketing roles at Coburn Communication and Buyology before becoming VP Marketing at Walgreens. Later served as Global CMO at OkCupid for five years before transitioning to Global CMO at Tinder in 2022.
Education
Fordham University; Burris Laboratory School.
Achievements
- ›Named one of the Forbes 50 Most Influential CMOs in the World.
- ›Launched Tinder's first global brand campaign, 'It Starts with a Swipe'.
- ›Led OkCupid's turnaround and the award-winning 'DTF' campaign.
- ›Scaled Walgreens' 'No7' brand to mass-market leadership.
- ›Oversaw safety tech expansion leading to a 60% decrease in bad actor exposure.
Opinions
- Safety is the 'ultimate unlock' for business growth and user connection.
- Brands should be part of cultural storytelling, not just transactional tools.
- Platforms have a responsibility to be 'safe havens' for marginalized communities.
- Marketing must marry powerful storytelling with rigorous, data-driven digital advertising.
Personality
Communication style
Enthusiastic, mission-driven, and professional, balancing executive strategy with a human-centric focus on connection.
Formality — 7/10
Vocabulary