Background

Mark Newsome brings over 20 years of professional branding and strategic marketing fieldwork to the classroom. Leveraging his extensive experience with various brands and industries, Newsome seeks out innovative and diverse learning opportunities that involve real-world clients for the students of the Darla Moore School of Business, preparing them for a professional career in marketing.

Beginning his advertising career in Chicago at global agency Grant/Jacoby, he became vice president and account director, working on cutting-edge brands such as 3M and Microsoft before joining Columbia-based integrated marketing agency Chernoff Newman as senior vice president and chief client services officer. During his 12 years at Chernoff Newman, Newsome played a major role in the branding, launch and IPOs of many emerging technology brands such as Digital Optics Corporation, Avanex, Alcatel, Onix Microsystems and Pirelli. He led many award-winning branding and marketing initiatives for clients such as the South Carolina Education Lottery, Cisco, Synovus Bank, BlueCross BlueShield, NBSC, Sonoco, Force Protection, IT-ology, EngenuitySC and the University of South Carolina.

From introducing 3M's new industrial chemical line, Dyneon, worldwide, to creating substantial brand preference for Digital Optic's Corporation's Photonic Chip technology resulting in a two-year accelerated growth, to a $30 million production facility, his work has provided him the opportunity to remain on the leading edge of technologies and media as they have rapidly evolved. In addition to his work in emerging social media strategy, Newsome has become renowned for his brand discovery and development work, continuing to work with clients leading them through multi-day, thought-intensive sessions, resulting in brand platforms, strategic marketing plans and groundbreaking, integrated campaigns.

Currently, Newsome teaches Marketing Scholars (MKTG 453), Integrated Marketing Communications (MKTG 455), Brand and Product Policy (MKTG 707) and Social/Digital Media Strategies (MKTG 718). Each class integrates client projects, usually from the Center for Marketing Solutions. Previous clients include Bayer, Merck, Piggly Wiggly and, most recently, ESPN and the launch of the SEC Network.

When not out spending time with his French bulldog, Jack, Newsome is also actively involved in the local community. In addition to his work at USC, Newsome is involved in mentoring of Moore School alumni, Boy Scouts of America and Trinity Cathedral, and he serves as an adviser and board member for several alumni start-up brands including Pangea Swimwear (www.pangeaswim.com).