Bass Pro Shops hires Walmart VP Jamie Sohosky as new chief marketing officer

Missouri-based Great Outdoors Group, parent company to U.S. boat manufacturer White River Marine Group and retail chains Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, has hired Jamie Sohosky of Bentonville as its new chief marketing officer.

Sohosky, a St. Louis native and University of Missouri graduate, has worked for Walmart since 2006. She spent the past four years as vice president of marketing and customer experience for the company’s U.S. operations.

From 1998 to 2006, Sohosky and her husband lived in London and had two sons while she worked in brand management, category marketing and strategy for Campbell Soup’s United Kingdom business.

“Jamie brings a passionate, customer first approach that will help drive our overall marketing strategy and be key to the future success of our brands,” Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris said in a news release. “Her family has Missouri roots and enjoys spending time together outdoors. She understands what sets our company apart and how to provide customers with positive, memorable experiences. We’re very excited to welcome Jamie to our outdoor family.”

In her most recent role at Walmart, Sohosky was responsible for end-to-end customer experience strategy by building the company’s shopper marketing capabilities, simplifying in-store communication and increasing access to a seamless in-store experience.

“Throughout my career at agencies, manufacturers and in retail, one constant has always been my curiosity, passion and drive to serve customers,” Sohosky said. “I’m also energized by purpose-driven brands and there’s no better example of that than the Johnny Morris group of brands and his mission to inspire everyone to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors. I’ve admired the experiences created for customers and guests by Bass Pro, Cabela’s, Big Cedar Lodge and Tracker Boats.

“Moving our family to my native Missouri and helping lead an exciting new chapter in the rich history of these beloved brands is a dream come true.”

Sohosky is a member of the Shopper Marketing Hall of Fame and was recognized in 2008 as a member of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.

Sohosky and her husband Chris, along with their two sons, will be relocating to Springfield, Mo. from Bentonville.