ABOUT ME

I build strong brands and help make marketing more effective.

Here’s how:

FIVE REASONS TO WORK WITH ME

1 - In-depth knowledge

Over 20 years working for leading UK and Global brands.

2 - Strong marketing skills

From multi-channel marketing campaigns to customer retention.

3 - Full stack brand expertise

Positioning, architecture, design, messaging, management.

4. Informed approach

Skilled in strategy, planning, research, data and measurement.

5 - Adaptable and practical

Have delivered for businesses of all sizes and budgets, big to small.

CAREER

A CV filled with senior roles, great brands and rewarding projects.

  • Independent Consultant / Edinburgh / 2024 onwards.

    Head of Brand Strategy and Insight / abrdn / Edinburgh / 2021 to 2024

    Senior Brand Planner / Aberdeen Standard Investments / Edinburgh 2018 to 2021

    Senior Brand Manager / Standard Life / Edinburgh / 2011 to 2018

    Head of Marketing / News International / Glasgow / 2010 to 2011

    Consumer and Trade Marketing Manager / Discovery Channel / London / 2008 to 2010

    Brand Manager / Sky / London / 2007 to 2008

    Marketing Executive / Sky / London / 2003 to 2007

  • 2024 onwards

    Working Rite / Employability Charity / 4 projects spanning full brand transformation to implementation.

    Wordtree / Strategic Communications Agency / Marketing strategy, segmentation and activity planning.

    Blair Black Films / Factual TV Production / Brand strategy, creation and delivery.

    Forrit / Enterprise Digital Technology / Storytelling, messaging and origin story.

    Pre 2024

    Interactive Investor / Wealth management platform / Brand and customer communications strategy.

    Big Issue Invest / Funder / Specialist advisor and mentor to multiple social enterprises.

    Turn The Tables / Social Enterprise / Brand strategy and naming.

    National Support Network / Digital Wellbeing Platform / Proposition and segmentation.

    Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop / Specialist art production facility / Branding and design development.

    Into Work / Employability Charity / Brand strategy / messaging and identity.

    Career Ready / Youth Development / Brand change management.

    Hearts and Minds / Brand advisory.

  • Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop / Specialist art production facility / Trustee / 2017 to 2024

    Venture Scotland / Youth Development - Trustee / 2016 to 2018

  • Inspiring Scotland / Specialist Volunteer Network / Education and advisory support / 2017 to present.

    Love Will Save The Day FM / Digital radio Station and community / Strategy and governance support / 2023 to 2025.

  • BA (Hons) Marketing, University of Stirling, 2002.

Black logos for Aberdeen Standard Investments, abrdn and Blair Black Films on a white background.
Black logos for Discovery Channel, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, and Forrit on a white background.
Black logos for News UK, Sky, and Standard Life on a white background.
Black logos for Turn The Tables, Wordtree and Working Rite on a white background.

IMPACT

A track record of delivering high impact work.

Led full marketing and brand transformation that helped drive new revenue in first 3 months.

Created and launched new brand for a new business in under 6 weeks.

Designed practical marketing strategy and audience segmentation for B2B marketing.

Delivered first ever global voice of client programme for FTSE 100 company.

Helped increase consumer awareness by +25% in under 12 months.

Helped land Andy Murray sponsorship and used new brand model to increase value x3.

Delivered marketing campaign that achieved record viewing audiences for major TV channel.

Helped launch one of the UK’s biggest and most enduring brand lines - “Believe in better”.

PERSONAL PROFILE

Soft-skills

Listening | Understanding | Curiosity

Analysis | Pragmatism | Clear communication

Critical thinking | Creative ideas | Positivity

Problem solving | Simplification | Focus

Interests outside of work

  • I enjoy listening to records old and new, going live music performances and listening to online radio stations.

    I also produce and present my own live monthly radio show.

  • I enjoy a good cup of coffee (ideally with good company).

    I make the most of the great coffee scene and incredible local roasters we have in and around Edinburgh.

  • I am still very interested in casualwear - jackets, footwear and all in between.

    I enjoy finding great brands that put time and care into how they produce their products.

    I also enjoy keeping an eye on new brands and trends.

  • I love getting outdoors for nice long walks with my pals.

    I have also enjoyed doing “walk and talk” meetings for years now - it’s great that’s catching on more now.