Press room

Eden Prairie, Minnesota (June 18, 2024) – Starkey is proud to announce that Karen Spaeth, Chief Marketing Officer, has been recognized with a Notable CMO Award by Twin Cities Business. This prestigious accolade celebrates Karen's exceptional leadership and contributions to the marketing field, highlighting her role in driving Starkey’s success as the world's premier hearing technology company.

As CMO, Spaeth leads Starkey's global marketing team, overseeing product launches, strategic brand management, and customer engagement. She has been instrumental in positioning Starkey at the forefront of the hearing technology industry, especially as the digital patient era unfolds.

“Karen’s innovative approach to marketing has been a game-changer for Starkey,” said Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO at Starkey. “Her leadership in launching Genesis AI and her strategic vision have not only positioned Starkey as a leader in the hearing technology industry but have also significantly enhanced our brand’s reach and impact. Her dedication and passion for marketing excellence are truly deserving of the Notable CMO Award.”

Spaeth assumed her role as CMO just months before Starkey's largest-ever product launch. In February 2023, Starkey introduced the groundbreaking Genesis AI, which has quickly become the company’s best-selling product. The success of Genesis AI, with patients requesting it by name more frequently than any previous Starkey device, underscores the effectiveness of the B2B and B2C marketing campaigns she spearheaded.

Spaeth is also committed to giving back to the community. Since 2021, she has served on the executive committee and board of directors for Spare Key, where she led initiatives to collect over 200 donations during the 2023 holiday season. She has been a member of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2022 and joined Chief, a private network aimed at empowering women leaders, the same year. Notably, Karen leads a predominantly female team at Starkey. An avid animal lover, Spaeth has volunteered with The Bond Between for five years, fostering 35 animals to date.

About Starkey
Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development, and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at starkey.com.