Steven Sturm

About Steven Sturm

As the Vice President of Brand Integration Strategy at First Citizens Bank, I develop and oversee all aspects of the brand integration strategy between FBC and newly acquired brands, ensuring a seamless and consistent customer experience across multiple platforms and channels. With over 15 years of experience in marketing communications, I have a proven track record of creating and executing effective campaigns that increase brand recognition, loyalty, and revenue in competitive markets.I leverage my skills in market research, data analysis, content creation, and process improvement to identify and address the opportunities and challenges that arise during mergers and acquisitions. I work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to formulate and implement strategies that mitigate risks to brand reputation, enhance customer satisfaction, and support sales and product launches. I also manage the marketing budget in a cost-effective manner and monitor the KPIs and ROI of the brand integration initiatives. My goal is to drive business growth and transformation through innovative and customer-centric brand integration solutions.

Experience

1. Vice President Brand Integration Strategy

   First Citizens Bank

   Nov 2022 — Present · SC, US

   Develop and oversee all aspects of the brand integration strategy between First Citizens Bank and newly acquired brands, identifying compelling commonalities between platforms as well as distinctions that could either strengthen or present unique challenges for the combined brand experience. Increase brand affinity, ensure client retention, and enhance revenue growth across multiple business lines by formulating and implementing effective brand integration strategies.Identify risks to brand reputation that could arise during acquisition or conversion and work with internal stakeholders to develop strategies to mitigate them.Monitor public sentiment toward legacy FBC brand and work with Brand Marketing and Public Relations to adjust brand positioning as needed as FCB grows and continues to acquire.Execute robust customer communication strategy that includes information around key dates and times, transition information, account details and required disclosure in keeping with the brand’s helpful and straightforward voice. Incorporate initiatives across multiple channels to achieve desired outcomes.In partnership with Corporate Real Estate, Marketing and outside vendors, manage the rebranding of converting branch locations, deploying effective merchandising programs for a consistent customer journey experience at point of sale. Support sales activities and new product rollouts by collaborating with agency partners to deploy promotional materials. Utilize data to target consumers with relevant marketing information based on likelihood of purchasing new products after conversion.Advocate for the First Citizens brand to acquired associate and vendors during touchpoints like site visits, conversion activities, collaborations and meetups.Manage brand integration budget in a cost-effective manner aimed at reducing expendituresCultivate and sustain lucrative relationships with vendors to gain mutual benefits.

Education

• University of South Carolina Upstate

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Graphic Design