COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 20, 2021—One of the world’s largest Christian media and music providers, David C Cook announced today that John Aden will serve as the ministry’s new CEO, effective immediately.
At some of the world’s top companies, including Walmart Inc., Mac Tools and Frito-Lay, and for more than 25 years, Aden has been a senior executive delivering record growth, leveraging scale, driving innovation and building high-performance teams across the globe. As president of Mac Tools, he pioneered strategic partnerships with NASCAR, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and two TV shows, Monster Garage and Pimp My Ride, turning a struggling company into an industry leader. Most recently, John excelled in roles as executive vice president and senior vice president at Walmart, including leading the $50 billion General Merchandise unit to exceed all expectations and turning the declining Hardlines division into one of the fastest growing categories in Walmart.
Yet, Aden considers David C Cook his biggest assignment to date.
“I see this moment as such a critical time for the global church. The pandemic, politics and other challenges have taken a toll. Yet, I know that a united, vibrant church is God’s most powerful agent for reaching a lost world,” said Aden. “As I look back at my career, I am absolutely convinced that every experience, every skill developed, and every opportunity has been in preparation for my role at David C Cook. I believe there’s nothing more important for me to do at this stage in my life than use my unique talents to help serve, equip and grow the Church.”
David C Cook retained Korn Ferry, an internationally known executive search firm, to conduct an exhaustive executive search, using rigorous qualifications established by the board of directors. Out of more than 200 applicants, Aden rose to the top and was the unanimous choice based on his notable global leadership experience, background in delivering customer-centric solutions, emphasis on innovation and impressive resume of enhancement and growth.
Under Aden’s leadership, expect big things to happen, because he’s known for it. With global experience spanning five continents and 28 different countries, Aden plans to use the tools of customer insight, leveraging scale, and innovation to help authors, artists and creatives share God’s truth and build disciples around the world.
“Innovation is in the DNA of this ministry,” said Aden. “With this talented team, authors and musicians, David C Cook is uniquely positioned and qualified to be used by God to revitalize the local church—especially the tens of thousands of small churches with limited resources. I’m calling on a generation of content creators, digital developers and like-minded partners to join us as we lead and act NOW.”
Aden begins his role today with an intense focus on reigniting the heritage of David C Cook. The same priorities of consumer insights, innovation, solutions and scale that have made the organization great since 1875 will be activated to quickly accelerate into the future.
Aden believes the future is bright for David C Cook and that there is a new generation of authors, artists and digital creatives who share in the ministry’s passion for serving the church with world-class innovation. Aden desires for David C Cook to become a destination for creative geniuses being called to impact the church through relevant, creative and thoughtful, Christian resources.
About David C Cook
David C Cook is a global nonprofit equipping individuals and church leaders with vital learning and worship resources. David C Cook’s desire is for individuals and faith groups to experience the transforming power of the gospel through music and media that fit the culture, language and spiritual needs of their communities.
David C Cook was founded in Chicago, Ill., in 1875 by David Caleb Cook, a businessman who began publishing pamphlets on lessons and songs that equipped local churches for ministry to children displaced by the Great Chicago Fire. Over the years, David C Cook has grown from a Sunday school curriculum publisher to one of the world’s largest providers of dynamic and relevant media and music designed to equip the global church and individuals with creative, Christian content.
