Bell Hires Cogswell as Marketing Director

6/30/2021 8:00:00 AM

Bell Bank News
Jena Cogswell has joined Bell Bank as our new senior vice president/director of marketing, with oversight of all marketing functions for Bell Bank and its divisions. A strategic marketing professional with 17 years of experience at top-tier global financial institutions, Jena has a deep background in leading comprehensive marketing and branding efforts to help drive growth. She offices at Bell’s Minneapolis – Colonnade location.

Shawn Tennyson, SVP/marketing at Bell Bank in Fargo, is focusing on our marketing team’s relationships and projects in retail banking, information systems, human resources and culture.

Jena has consistently led complex marketing, branding and business development initiatives. After starting her career as a financial analyst with Goldman Sachs, she spent five years with J.P. Morgan, where she was responsible for marketing strategy to support the global institutional asset management business. Following J.P. Morgan, Jena was head of product marketing with Providence Equity Partners, a global, sector-focused private equity firm.

Most recently, Jena served as managing director, head of product marketing and global insights at Principal Global Investors (PGI), the asset management division of Principal Financial Group. While there, she was responsible for leading content strategy across asset classes, markets and client segments globally. Jena also led the build-out of PGI’s global insights program to drive greater awareness of the firm’s investment capabilities and expertise through the delivery of thought leadership, which included strategic partnerships with global media organizations.

“Jena brings tremendous experience in marketing large and growing financial institutions,” says Michael Solberg, Bell’s president and CEO. “We’re fortunate to have her bring that background to Bell as we cross the $10 billion asset threshold. She’s a respected and transformative leader who will help us connect with customers in core and new markets and continue to build our brand in regions across the country.”

“I’m thrilled to join an organization that has consistently differentiated itself in a positive way.” Jena comments. “Bell’s commitment to its people and culture has led to outstanding results. I am eager to build on the excellent marketing work being done today as the bank continues on an exciting path.”

Originally from Mahtomedi, Minn., Jena graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in communication studies. She also captained the 2-time national champion women’s soccer team at UNC. She was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team from 1998 to 2003 and was signed by the Boston Breakers. She lives in Minneapolis.