Chatroom platform Discord has named Tesa Aragones, former marketing head of photography app VSCO, as its new CMO following a blockbuster $100 million funding round in late June.
The startup, which is now valued at $3.5 billion, also named Clint Smith as its first-ever chief legal officer. The C-suite expansion comes as the company attempts to branch out from its roots as a host of gaming communities to encompass forums centered on everything from entertainment titles to education—much like Reddit’s tens of thousands of subreddits.
Aragones, who has previously held marketing roles at companies including Nike, Volkswagen and David&Goliath, brings more than 25 years of experience to the role (she is also an Adweek Executive Mentor). Aragones stressed a focus on building communities amid an unprecedented time of pandemic and social unrest.
“These are extraordinary times. On one hand, you have a global pandemic and quarantines. On the other, you’ve got people coming together and standing up for change. More than ever, I’m inspired by brands that empower us to use our voices,” Aragones said in a statement. “Creating community is at the heart of Discord’s DNA, which is why this role is such a great fit.”
Founded in 2015, Discord has raised around $379 million to date. The company’s next challenge is breaking out beyond the gaming social media boom that gave way to its success—and sometimes tainted its image with bad actors on the platform—and becoming a more universal product for community-building.
“The heart of what makes Discord special is our brand and what it stands for: belonging and safety,” Jason Citron, CEO, and co-founder of Discord, said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to welcome Tesa and Clint to our team to help advance our mission of giving people the power to create belonging in their lives no matter where they may be in the world.”
