Chandra Cooks
About Chandra Cooks
Chandra Cooks serves as the Managing Director of Marketing at NYT Games, where she develops marketing strategies for popular games like The Crossword and Wordle. With a diverse background in marketing across various companies, she has been recognized for her contributions to the field, including being named a 2021 Brand Innovators ‘40 Under 40’ honoree.
Current Role at The New York Times
Chandra Cooks serves as the Managing Director of Marketing for NYT Games at The New York Times since 2022. In this role, she develops and implements multi-channel marketing strategies for popular games such as The Crossword, Spelling Bee, and Wordle. Her focus on KPI-driven marketing strategies aims to enhance user engagement and drive growth within the gaming segment of the publication.
Previous Experience in Marketing
Chandra Cooks has a diverse background in marketing, having held various positions across multiple organizations. She worked as the Head of Marketing at Mented Cosmetics from 2019 to 2022. Prior to that, she served as the Marketing Manager at Rituals from 2017 to 2019, and as the Brand Marketing Manager for LOFT and Lou & Grey at ANN INC from 2014 to 2015. Her experience also includes roles at Modern Luxury, where she held positions such as National Marketing Manager and Business Development Director.
Education and Expertise
Chandra Cooks holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the Fordham Gabelli School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English from James Madison University. She possesses expertise in strategic partnerships, integrated cross-channel marketing, digital storytelling, and influencer marketing. Her educational background and professional experience contribute to her proficiency in developing effective marketing strategies.
Recognition and Honors
Chandra Cooks has received notable recognition for her contributions to the marketing field. She was honored as a 2021 Brand Innovators ‘40 Under 40’ honoree and named a 2021 Adweek Rising Mentor. Additionally, she served as a 2020 Adweek Executive Mentee, reflecting her commitment to mentorship and professional development within the industry.
Early Career and Internships
Chandra Cooks began her career in marketing with various internships, including roles as an MBA Intern in Account Management/Client Development at Blast Radius and as an MBA Intern in Marketing at Rent The Runway in 2013. She also gained experience as an Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairman/Group Publisher at Modern Luxury early in her career. These positions provided her with foundational skills in marketing and client relations.