Cameo Signals Its Next Chapter with an Intern-to-COO Ascent

CHICAGO, IL – July 30, 2026 – In a move that sends a potent signal about its future, celebrity marketplace Cameo has appointed Mackenzie O'Connor as its new Chief Operating Officer. While leadership changes are common in the fast-moving tech sector, this one is different. O'Connor’s nine-year journey from a college intern to the C-suite is more than an inspirational career arc; it is a tangible indicator of Cameo's strategic pivot towards operational mastery and homegrown resilience after a period of turbulent growth.

Her appointment isn't just about filling a role; it's a statement of intent. By placing a leader who has touched nearly every part of the business at the operational helm, Cameo is signaling a deliberate focus on integrating its hard-won lessons into a durable, long-term strategy. For investors and analysts decoding business momentum, this promotion is a critical growth signal, revealing a company doubling down on institutional knowledge as it navigates its next chapter.

A Nine-Year Ascent Forged in Every Corner of the Business

Mackenzie O'Connor’s trajectory at Cameo is a masterclass in internal mobility and grit. She first connected with the company at a college job fair in 2017, joining as a public relations intern. When a subsequent summer role in talent recruitment ended, O'Connor didn't just update her resume; she made a direct appeal to CEO Steven Galanis, arguing for her place in the burgeoning startup. According to the company, her initiative was so impressive that they created their first-ever customer service position specifically for her.

This was the first of ten promotions. O'Connor’s career became a tour of Cameo's entire operational stack. She was selected for the company's associate product manager program, giving her firsthand experience in product development and marketplace mechanics. She moved on to lead talent operations, Cameo for Business, and corporate strategy. In 2023, she took on the crucial role of Chief of Staff, helping guide the organization through a significant period of operational change. Her deep, cross-functional expertise is rare and provides her with a holistic view of the company's engine.

"Mackenzie is a hungry, humble, kind, curious, learning machine who loves to win," said Galanis in the official announcement. "Nine years and ten promotions later, she understands every part of this company, earns the trust of the people around her and consistently steps into the hardest problems we face." This endorsement highlights the value Cameo places on leaders who have been in the trenches and understand the business from the ground up.

Stabilizing the Ship After the Hype Wave

To understand the significance of O'Connor's appointment, one must look at Cameo's recent history. The platform was a pandemic darling, perfectly positioned for a world in lockdown. As people sought novel ways to connect, its business of delivering personalized celebrity video messages exploded, and its valuation soared past $1 billion in 2021. But the post-lockdown reality brought a sharp correction. The company, like many tech darlings of that era, faced significant headwinds, reportedly laying off over 75% of its staff by 2023 and seeing its valuation drop significantly in a 2024 funding round.

This shift from hypergrowth to a more sober reality necessitated a focus on operational fundamentals. It's no coincidence that O'Connor's role as Chief of Staff in 2023 placed her at the center of this transition. The company's recent performance indicates a successful pivot. In 2025, Cameo reported mid-teens percentage revenue growth and a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) exceeding $200 million for the prior year. The focus is no longer on unbridled expansion but on steady, profitable growth and improving EBITDA margins. O'Connor's new role as COO is the formalization of this strategy: to build a resilient, efficient machine capable of sustainable success.

The Blueprint for Cameo's Next Act

As COO, O'Connor is tasked with executing a multi-pronged growth strategy built for this new era. Her priorities—strengthening the marketplace, accelerating growth, and applying historical lessons—are a direct reflection of Cameo's strategic imperatives. Her comprehensive background makes her uniquely suited to integrate these efforts across the company.

One major priority is the expansion of Cameo for Business. This division, which O'Connor previously led, targets corporate clients for marketing campaigns, internal communications, and events. With higher ticket prices and the potential for recurring revenue, the B2B segment is a crucial answer to what CEO Steven Galanis has called the "$10 billion question" of how to diversify beyond the consumer gifting market, which still accounts for the vast majority of its business.

International expansion is another key pillar, with Europe and Latin America identified as priority markets. This requires not just platform localization but a nuanced understanding of local talent acquisition and operations—areas where O'Connor has direct experience. Furthermore, Cameo is investing in AI and automation to enhance its recommendation engine, speed up fulfillment times, and ensure content safety. O'Connor's product management background will be invaluable in steering these technology investments to ensure they translate into tangible operational improvements and a better user experience.

A Culture of Ownership as a Competitive Advantage

Beyond strategy and operations, O'Connor’s promotion is the ultimate case study in Cameo's talent philosophy. In an industry notorious for high turnover and external hiring for senior roles, Cameo has demonstrated a powerful commitment to nurturing talent from within. Galanis’s description of her as someone who "epitomizes our cultural values" and whose path "captures the ambition and resilience that have defined Cameo from the beginning" is telling.

This approach fosters a culture of ownership. When employees see a clear, tangible path from an entry-level internship to the C-suite, it reinforces the idea that dedication and initiative are rewarded. It creates a workforce of individuals who, like O'Connor, have a deep, personal investment in the company's success because they have helped build it. In her own words, "Cameo has given me the opportunity to learn, take risks and grow alongside a company and team I deeply believe in."

This internal growth pipeline is a strategic asset. It ensures leadership continuity, preserves institutional knowledge, and creates a powerful, authentic story that can attract and retain ambitious talent. As Cameo continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the creator economy, a leader forged in the crucible of its own history may be its most important signal of strength.