Katie Hicks

Senior Reporter, Marketing Brew

Katie Hicks is a senior reporter for Marketing Brew covering culture, social media, and influencer marketing. Previously, Katie worked at Vox and Axios in Washington, DC. She is a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

A two part graphic of a hand holding a card that reads 'You're Invited!' and a smiling woman scrolling on phone
Social & Influencers

Why creators are taking the reins on event hosting

Marketers tell us offline engagements hosted by creators themselves are a trend to watch in 2026.

Katie Hicks
Hand tapping a glowing crystal ball with social media icons inside, comment, share and Like buttons
Social & Influencers

Experts predict the top social marketing trends of 2026

From generative AI to mega-creators, here’s where the industry seems to be heading in the new year.

Katie Hicks
A graphic with 3 parts; an AI hand holding a mouse, a laptop screen with binary code and a woman giving a presentation
Data & Tech

How CMOs are thinking about AI in 2026

Marketers are evaluating how they show up in consumers’ AI tools as they focus on upskilling their teams to better utilize the tech.

Alyssa Meyers, Jasmine Sheena, Jennimai Nguyen, Katie Hicks, Kristina Monllos
A business woman from behind next to a road block
Brand Strategy

Price-conscious consumers, avoiding distractions, and engaging the youth: The biggest challenges marketers are facing in 2026

CMOs from brands like Chipotle, American Eagle, and State Farm weigh in on what they think their biggest hurdles will be in 2026.

Alyssa Meyers, Jasmine Sheena, Jennimai Nguyen, Katie Hicks, Kristina Monllos
a pink van for a pop-up event, a woman standing in front of a slide with pie charts, and a red carpet, compiled in a collage indicating CMO priorities for 2026
Brand Strategy

CMOs on their biggest priorities for 2026—excluding AI

From cultural alignment to improved brand experience, marketers told us what’s going to be important for them in the New Year.

Alyssa Meyers, Jasmine Sheena, Jennimai Nguyen, Katie Hicks, Kristina Monllos
TikTok's California office
Social & Influencers

TikTok signs deal to spin off US operations

CEO Shou Zi Chew told employees in a memo Thursday that it had come to an agreement with a series of investors, with a closing date of January 22.

Katie Hicks
a woman holding a mobile phone with thumbs-down emojis and a bullhorn around her
Brand Strategy

Chasing trends and AI as a strategy: CMOs on 2025’s most overhyped marketing trends

“Not every meme, sound, or platform deserves a brand’s attention,” one CMO told us.

Alyssa Meyers, Jasmine Sheena, Jennimai Nguyen, Katie Hicks, Kristina Monllos
Collage of brand collab products
Brand Strategy

Our favorite (and least favorite) brand collaborations of 2025

A look back at the brand pairings that defined the year, for better or worse.

Katie Hicks
A person holding a phone that has a dove carrying an olive brand on the screen
Brand Strategy

Simple sampling and being OK with haters: CMOs on 2025’s most overlooked marketing strategies

There’s power in “recognizing and rewarding your everyday customers,” one marketer said.

Alyssa Meyers, Jasmine Sheena, Jennimai Nguyen, Katie Hicks, Kristina Monllos
A graphic showcasing a Labubu blind box, a woman angrily looking at her phone, an AI image of a shark in sneakers
Social & Influencers

The social marketing trends that took over our feeds in 2025

From rage-inducing discourse to Labubu unboxings, this year was one full of surprises.

Katie Hicks