Susanne McAvoy
Marketer of the Year
Susanne McAvoy
EVP, Marketing, Creative and Communications
Crown Media Family Networks
Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries has carved out an incredible niche in recent years, packaging its growing list of original movies and series in ways that have excited viewers and expanded its audience significantly. When it comes to getting the word out and making an impact on the zeitgeist, Susanne McAvoy has been the one behind the scenes making it all happen. She doesn’t seek credit or publicity for herself, but her tireless efforts over the years have catapulted Hallmark’s TV brand to become perhaps the most recognized and renowned provider of content that everyone in the family can watch together and equally enjoy. Whether it’s taking Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas” event to new heights (yes, that was Mariah Carey on the Hallmark Channel float at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade) or simply getting the word out on Hallmark’s constant stream of original content, she has quietly built a formidable marketing machine—all within the restraints of an independent network. And guess what? Her job’s about to get a whole lot bigger: As of February, Crown’s parent company Hallmark Cards handed stewardship of its acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise, and it will be up to McAvoy to create a unique look that embodies its 65-year history. We know she’ll knock it out of the park.
