“Success is about achieving results and empowering others to realize their potential and create a lasting and successful culture through meaningful contributions.”

Mark Johnson is a highly accomplished and visionary executive with over 40 years of leadership in sales, marketing, and revenue growth across a spectrum of industries including retail, consumer goods, telecom, finance, and technology. A transformational leader and former Chief Revenue Officer, Mark has consistently empowered organizations to reach new heights through data-driven strategies, omni-channel solutions, and exceptional team leadership.

Mark most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer at RR Donnelley, where he successfully integrated and led legacy Vericast digital and print sales teams following a key acquisition. In this role, he helped align sales efforts with customer-centric goals, overseeing seamless transitions and enhancing performance across multiple channels. His tenure, although brief, was pivotal in ensuring business continuity and revenue optimization during a critical transformation period.

Prior to RR Donnelley, Mark held the position of EVP and Chief Revenue Officer at Vericast, a $2.5B marketing services company. Over his extensive tenure with the organization, he led national and regional sales teams, managed billion-dollar portfolios, and pioneered innovative omni-channel marketing strategies that consistently delivered double-digit growth. Under his leadership, Vericast advanced its reputation as a trusted partner to major Fortune 500 brands through targeted media solutions and scalable marketing programs.

Throughout his career at Vericast (formerly Valassis), Mark held several executive leadership roles including SVP/GM of Omni-Channel Sales, VP Integrated Media Sales, and VP Strategic Sales. He oversaw performance across critical verticals such as retail, restaurant, grocery, and automotive, reversing long-term declines and enhancing customer engagement through personalized, insight-driven campaigns. His ability to synthesize market data into actionable strategies set him apart as a forward-thinking leader.

Earlier in his career, Mark gained foundational experience at The New York Times Magazine Group and Time Distribution Services, managing national and international magazine sales. These early leadership roles shaped his customer-first philosophy and grounded his understanding of complex media ecosystems—skills that would serve him well in his executive roles to come.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Mark contributes his expertise to the academic sector as a member of the University of Missouri’s Marketing Advisory Board, where he also serves as a guest professor. He enjoys mentoring young professionals and believes in fostering future leaders by sharing real-world experiences and strategic insights. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Missouri, complemented by a suite of business certifications.

Mark is driven by a passion for growth, innovation, and personal development. He believes that the key to long-term business success lies in building agile, performance-based teams that thrive in dynamic environments. Whether guiding transformation initiatives or developing top-tier talent, Mark is known for his hands-on leadership and relentless focus on results.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mark finds joy in woodworking, community volunteerism, reading, and staying active. A family-centric individual, he brings the same level of integrity and loyalty to his personal life that he does to the boardroom. His values-centered leadership style continues to earn the trust and admiration of colleagues, partners, and mentees alike.

Today, Mark is actively seeking board roles and executive advisory opportunities where he can apply his extensive knowledge to help organizations navigate transformation, accelerate growth, and unlock their full potential. He is particularly interested in companies within retail, CPG, restaurant, and media sectors, and brings unmatched energy, loyalty, and insight to every engagement.

Character:
Mark’s career is defined by loyalty, integrity, and a commitment to empowering others. His long-standing relationships and leadership roles reflect a consistent dedication to building trust and driving team excellence.

Knowledge:
With over four decades of multi-industry expertise, Mark brings unparalleled knowledge in sales, marketing, and operational strategy. He’s known for translating complex business challenges into streamlined, results-driven solutions.

Strategic:
Mark has a proven record of leading large-scale transformation initiatives, integrating omni-channel platforms, and identifying untapped market opportunities. His strategic approach consistently delivers revenue growth and long-term value.

Communication:
A natural communicator, Mark connects with audiences from the C-suite to the sales floor. His ability to align cross-functional teams and inspire action through clear, purpose-driven messaging has been central to his leadership success.