Yahoo names Elisa Steele new CMO

Yahoo has named Elisa Steele, former VP at NetApp, as its new CMO, filling the position for the first time in two years. Steele, who will report directly to Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz, will be responsible for Yahoo's brand, global marketing strategy and its marketing functions, including brand and audience marketing, corporate communications, insights, policy and privacy, community affairs and related central teams. 

Yahoo hasn't had someone in the CMO role for about two years but Bartz recently decided to re-establish the position, a company spokesperson said. Cammie Dunaway was the last person to serve as CMO.

"The Yahoo brand is one of our most valuable and strategic assets, and Elisa is charged with unlocking its potential globally. Elisa has an outstanding track record in leading global marketing, branding, and communications teams, and we're excited to welcome her to Yahoo's executive staff," Bartz said in a statement.

Prior to joining Yahoo, Steele served as SVP of corporate marketing at NetApp, where she led the company's global brand strategy.

Her work at NetApp included repositioning the brand in the category and a major global relaunch. She also headed up global communications, corporate relations and integrated marketing functions.

"I look forward to working closely with Carol and the entire organization to help renew the company's focus on its customers and to reassert the brand's relevance around the world," Steele said in the statement.

Prior to working at NetApp, Steele worked for technology firm Sun Microsystems. At Sun, she led the integrated marketing and merchandising organization, where she was responsible for global initiatives, campaign execution, events, online marketing and installed base marketing.

Steele also has held management positions at iPlanet eCommerce Solutions, JavaSoft and AT&T.

Steele holds a master of business administration degree from San Francisco State University and a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of New Hampshire.