| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brenda Free Man |
| Education | B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Maryland |
| Notable Corporate Roles | CMO at National Geographic Channel; CMO at Magic Leap |
| Entrepreneurial Ventures | Founder, Joyeux Marketing Group; CEO, Arteza LLC |
| Board and Advisory Positions | Board Director, Under Armour; Advisor, multiple startups |
| Awards and Recognitions | Top Women in Media; Most Powerful Women in Entertainment |
Early Life and Education
Brenda Free Man’s childhood combined technical rigor with creative curiosity, creating her marketing style. She did well academically in a male-dominated workplace. Her tenacity and adaptability developed early, preparing her for career success.
| Year | Milestone | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Enrolled in Chemical Engineering | University of Maryland |
| 2002 | Graduated as only female person of color | University of Maryland |
| 2002–2004 | Design engineer in early-career roles | Various technology firms |
| 2004 | Transitioned to brand marketing | PepsiCo / Frito‑Lay |
Corporate Career
Brenda Free Man went into brand marketing for consumer and media firms, growing through strategic campaigns. She oversaw affiliate marketing, internet efforts, and worldwide brand growth. She constantly used data-driven insights to keep brands ahead of cultural trends.
| Period | Position | Company |
|---|---|---|
| 2004–2007 | Brand Manager | PepsiCo / Frito‑Lay |
| 2007–2012 | Group VP, Affiliate Marketing | Viacom / MTV Networks |
| 2012–2016 | Chief Marketing Officer | National Geographic Channel |
| 2016–2019 | Chief Marketing Officer | Magic Leap |
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Brenda Free Man created Joyeux Marketing Group in 2019 to help startups scale and brand. After taking over Arteza LLC, she accelerated e-commerce growth in the arts and crafts industry. Her entrepreneurial leadership was adaptable and innovative across markets.
| Year | Role | Venture |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Founder & Principal Advisor | Joyeux Marketing Group |
| 2019–2020 | Chief Executive Officer | Arteza LLC |
| 2021 | Strategic Advisor | Digital Marketing Performance Firm |
| 2022 | Mentor | Various early‑stage startups |
Board and Advisory Roles
Brenda Free Man was Under Armour’s first African American woman director and sat on many boards. Her strategic advice covers business governance, digital transformation, and consumer insights. Through different advising engagements, she shapes organizational direction.
| Year | Role | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Board Director | Under Armour |
| 2021 | Advisory Board Member | Herman Miller Inc. |
| 2022 | Global Advisory Board Member | Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) |
| 2025 | Strategic Advisor | Digital Marketing Performance Firm |
Family and Personal Life
Brenda Free Man balances professional and personal obligations by keeping her family private. She is a dedicated single mother who has overcome work and parenting challenges. Her children and relationships have not been publicly discussed.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Single mother |
| Children | Names and details kept private |
| Commuting | Managed long‑distance commutes during school years |
| Recent Family News | No public updates as of April 2025 |
FAQ
Who is Brenda Free Man?
Brenda Free Man is a seasoned marketing executive who led National Geographic, Magic Leap, and several startups.
What is her educational background?
Has a B.S. University of Maryland Chemical Engineering degree.
She led which corporations?
CMO at National Geographic Channel and Magic Leap, she led at PepsiCo, Viacom/MTV, and Turner Broadcasting.
What businesses has she started?
She founded Joyeux Marketing Group and led Arteza LLC as CEO, promoting brand growth and e-commerce.
Does she serve on any boards?
She is an Under Armour board director and Herman Miller and SCAD advisor.
Do her family updates exist?
Since April 2025, she has kept her family life discreet.
