Zara Mirza is a transformational leader, with a track record of creating purposeful change, unlocking growth, and driving shareholder value for some of the world’s most iconic brands. Zara was recently appointed Chief of Staff to the President and CEO of TIAA, where she drives strategic priorities at the highest level of the organization. Previously, she served as Chief Brand Officer, leading the transformation of brand strategy, marketing, creative services, and corporate social responsibility across TIAA and NUVEEN. Zara was previously Global Chief Brand Officer for GE, leading the internal and external transformation of the storied 130-year-old brand, and created significant shareholder value by reimagining the GE brand to successfully launch 3 new investment grade companies – GE Aerospace, GE Healthcare and GE Vernova (Energy). Prior to GE, Zara was Global Head of Creative Excellence at Bacardi Ltd, where she was responsible for transforming the portfolio of iconic brands, bringing purpose to the heart of the marketing programs, accelerating innovation and embracing digital channels to engage consumers in new ways. Before moving to the US, Zara was a partner at Bartle, Bogle & Hegarty – one of the most successful and respected marketing agencies in the world. She worked across a variety of B2B and B2C brands including Google, British Airways, Johnnie Walker and The Guardian. Zara is British Indian and now lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children. She sits on The Advertising Council’s Diversity Board and is an active member of The WIE Suite, a women’s leadership network, and Gold House, an influential Asian Pacific community, using her platform to rally around common causes to drive socioeconomic change for underserved communities. Zara is also a strategic advisor and investor in a portfolio of tech and emerging D2C brands.