How did you get to where you are today? I started out in strategy consultancy working on brand positioning and innovation across all kinds of sectors from ice cream to mobile phones. This gave me a thorough grounding in what makes brands grow. But I had a real desire to apply these skills hands-on, so after five years I made the move to industry and joined RHM, where I've worked on a number of exciting innovation projects for the Sharwood's brand. In the past year I've been responsible for taking major new launches to market, the most recent of which has been Sharwood's snacks and dips.
What was the best decision you have made in your career and why? Moving to industry has enabled me to see things through the other end of the telescope. I took from consultancy the importance of having a clear strategic direction and a big brand idea. The move to RHM has allowed me to get to grips with how to make strategy tangible and successful in practice.
Who do you most admire in the grocery industry? Brands that excite consumers or engage on a more emotional level. Small, exciting new brands like Gü Chocolate Puds, for example, but also those big mass-market brands that identify a powerful insight they can own, like Persil with its brilliant 'dirt is good' campaign.
Do you have a mentor and how have they helped you in your career? I've had several unofficial mentors. From Paul Walton at The Value Engineers, for example, I learnt that there's always a simple way of understanding a complex problem.
What is the most important thing you have ever been told? Never fear failure.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing people excited and motivated by an idea.
What is the one thing that you could not do your job without? An insatiable curiosity and the belief that things could always be bigger or better. And muesli in the morning.
If you could start your career again, what would you do differently and why? Perhaps I'd take a few more risks and create an opportunity to learn something new.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry today? Attitude and passion is as important as aptitude. And try not to skip breakfast.
What do you like doing when you are not working? Normally a noisy bar with friends, but it could be a new restaurant or even a new country.
Where do you hope to be in five years' time? Tackling new and bigger challenges.
What was the best decision you have made in your career and why? Moving to industry has enabled me to see things through the other end of the telescope. I took from consultancy the importance of having a clear strategic direction and a big brand idea. The move to RHM has allowed me to get to grips with how to make strategy tangible and successful in practice.
Who do you most admire in the grocery industry? Brands that excite consumers or engage on a more emotional level. Small, exciting new brands like Gü Chocolate Puds, for example, but also those big mass-market brands that identify a powerful insight they can own, like Persil with its brilliant 'dirt is good' campaign.
Do you have a mentor and how have they helped you in your career? I've had several unofficial mentors. From Paul Walton at The Value Engineers, for example, I learnt that there's always a simple way of understanding a complex problem.
What is the most important thing you have ever been told? Never fear failure.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing people excited and motivated by an idea.
What is the one thing that you could not do your job without? An insatiable curiosity and the belief that things could always be bigger or better. And muesli in the morning.
If you could start your career again, what would you do differently and why? Perhaps I'd take a few more risks and create an opportunity to learn something new.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry today? Attitude and passion is as important as aptitude. And try not to skip breakfast.
What do you like doing when you are not working? Normally a noisy bar with friends, but it could be a new restaurant or even a new country.
Where do you hope to be in five years' time? Tackling new and bigger challenges.
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