Chatime hires Alison Walsh as CMO

Chatime Australia has appointed Alison Walsh as Chief Marketing Officer.

This move strengthens its executive leadership team as the brand sharpens its focus on sales growth and market relevance.

Walsh commenced in the role in February 2026 and is based in Sydney.

Walsh’s past experiences

Walsh brings more than 20 years of experience across competitive consumer brands and joins Chatime following a 17-year career at Guzman y Gomez.

At Guzman y Gomez, Walsh played a key role in scaling the business from start-up to a multi-billion-dollar global brand operating across Australia, Singapore, Japan and the United States.

As the company’s first head-office hire, she worked closely with Founder and CEO Steven Marks and Global CMO Lara Thom to define core brand values and build the marketing foundations that supported rapid expansion.

Across her tenure, Walsh delivered consecutive record-breaking sales results, drove significant market growth and led major campaigns that helped establish Guzman y Gomez as a household name.

Managing Director comments

Charlley Zhao, Managing Director of Chatime Australia, said the appointment comes at an important moment for the business.

“We’re excited to welcome Alison to Chatime at a pivotal moment for the brand,” Zhao said.

“She brings a combination of commercial discipline, brand instinct and hands-on leadership. Alison has a proven track record of aligning strategy, product and brand to drive growth, which will be critical in Chatime’s next phase in Australia.”

As Chief Marketing Officer, Walsh will oversee brand, marketing, product development and growth strategy, with responsibility across national and local area marketing, digital, delivery, social and product innovation.

Walsh comments

Walsh said the focus will be on driving measurable outcomes while staying culturally relevant.

“I’m excited to join the Chatime team, it's a fun brand with great foundations. Together, we are all focussed on driving sales growth by aligning strategy, brand and commercial outcomes,” she said.

“There’s a clear opportunity to re-energise our core customers while continuing to broaden appeal with young Australians. The priority is moving with pace, staying culturally relevant, and ensuring every initiative delivers measurable commercial impact.”

Top Image: Chatime

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