American Express Names Jess Ling Global CMO
Jess Ling will take over as American Express's global chief marketing officer effective November 30, succeeding Elizabeth Rutledge.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Advertising
American Express has named Jess Ling its global chief marketing officer, with the role taking effect November 30. Ling currently serves as executive vice president of global brand advertising at the company.
Why it matters
The appointment places an internal executive with more than two decades of marketing and media experience in charge of the company's brand and creative strategy. Elizabeth Rutledge's planned retirement in March 2027 means Ling will also be working alongside her during the transition.
Jess Ling has more than 20 years of marketing, advertising and media experience, and joined American Express in 2019 before moving into the Global Advertising and Brand Management team in 2023. Elizabeth Rutledge, who will retire in March 2027, has spent more than three decades with the company.
The players
American Express
American Express is a multinational financial services corporation known for its charge and credit cards, and its global marketing and brand programs.
Jess Ling
Jess Ling is a senior marketing executive who has held roles at Verizon Media and American Express and is now set to lead the company's global marketing.
Elizabeth Rutledge
Elizabeth Rutledge is the outgoing chief marketing officer of American Express who has spent more than three decades at the company.
Howard M. Grosfield
Howard M. Grosfield is an American Express executive who is working with Ling and Rutledge on the leadership transition.
The details
Jess Ling previously served as head of B2B marketing at Verizon Media and built the in-house creative agency OnBrand at American Express. Ling will step into the global CMO role effective November 30, working with Elizabeth Rutledge and Howard M. Grosfield to ensure a smooth transition.
Timeline
2019: Jess Ling joins American Express.
2023: Ling moves into the Global Advertising and Brand Management team.
November 30, 2026: Ling takes over as global CMO.
March 2027: Elizabeth Rutledge retires as CMO.
Market Landscape
American Express's choice of an internal leader with agency-building experience reflects its continued investment in in-house creative capability. The move keeps brand strategy centralized inside the company rather than shifting it to outside agencies.
Consumers will see the effects of this leadership change through American Express's advertising and brand campaigns as Ling sets the company's marketing direction. The transition timeline means Rutledge will remain involved until her retirement in March 2027.
The takeaway
Internal promotions into top marketing roles can preserve continuity in brand strategy during leadership transitions. Ling's background building an in-house creative agency suggests that approach may continue under her leadership.
What happens next
Jess Ling takes over as global CMO on November 30, and Elizabeth Rutledge retires in March 2027.
Further reading
For more on how brands shape their marketing leadership, see Advertising.
Source note: This article includes information reported by B&T.
