Senior leaders on the move - bp pulse, Lloyds Banking Group, OVO, Virgin Money, and the LEGO Group
While the summer months are typically quieter for recruitment, we have seen some exceptional moves for senior leaders into new companies, along with some well-deserved internal promotions. September is looking to be a lively and exciting time for marketing and digital/tech leaders looking to make their next career move, as the pipeline for new roles hots up. We offer our huge congratulations to the following senior leaders on their new roles, and we wish them enormous success.
Kiran Amin, Marketing and Communications Director, bp pulse
Congratulations to Kiran who has joined bp pulse – the electric charging provider – as Marketing and Communications Director. Kiran is an expert consumer marketer with more than 17 years’ experience working for high-profile brands. From launching new brands and multi-million-pound campaigns to successfully repositioning products and leading large teams, Kiran will be a brilliant asset to the bp pulse team.
Previous roles include Senior Marketing Consultant at Bridge F61; seven years at Sky including their Head of Loyalty, Head of Brand Marketing, Head of Entertainment Marketing and Head of Digital Content roles; and almost three years at The Walt Disney Company. As described by her team, “Kiran is a great person to work for, learn with and talk to."
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imkiranamin
Michelle Booth, Head of Growth, Activation and Innovation: Mass Affluent, Lloyds Banking Group
Experienced and purpose-led marketer, Michelle, joins Lloyds Banking Group as Head of Growth, Activation and Innovation following an impressive career, inspiring teams and the wider industry as a specialist and public speaker in marketing, innovation, and digital transformation.
Previous roles include more than three years at NatWest, including the Head of Marketing Strategy and Innovation, and Head of NatWest Brand and Digital Squad roles; Brand and Marketing Director at Bó; and more than five years as Head of Digital at Arthur, to name but a few. As described by peers, “Her strategic marketing skills were evident and really allowed us to develop our proposition.”
In addition, Michelle is an experienced trainer in digital marketing, working as a trainer for ISBA (Incorporated Society of British Advertisers) – the only professional body representing leading UK advertisers – for more than ten years.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleboothcmo
Josephine Kiernan, Head of Communications Planning, OVO
Josephine has been promoted to Head of Communications and Planning at OVO – the climate-focussed energy company – following her successful delivery of the Head of Brand & Advertising, and Brand & Marketing Lead for Migration roles.
Josephine’s brand, marketing, and communications experience spans both client and agency-side, having managed national and global campaigns for high-profile clients, including Absolut, Ray-Ban, Tesco, TikTok, and Unilever. Previous roles include Senior Account Director at Think Jam, and more than five years at BBH London.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-kiernan-68237a72
Gita Samani, Strategy Director, Biglight
Congratulations to Gita on her new role as Strategy Director at Biglight – a design agency that has worked with adidas, Bowers & Wilkins, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Rapha, Timberland, The North Face, and Vans. With more than 20 years’ experience working in retail and digital, Gita has built an exceptional career portfolio, providing strategic advice to brands and retailers across the globe.
Most recently, Gita spent four years at Astound Commerce, including the EVP Growth Strategy, Strategy Director, and Consulting Director roles. Other roles include Digital Consultant at T.M.Lewin, Interim eCommerce Director at AYR, Senior Ecommerce Consultant at Beauty Pie, Director of Ecommerce and Operations at The Modist, Interim Director of Ecommerce Operations - Europe at Michael Kors, and Interim Head of Digital Strategy & Experience at New Look.
Managing Director at Astound Commerce, Emma Sahota, says, "Having worked with Gita for approx. 2 years I can safely say she is an MVP of the highest degree. Truly strategic with a laser focus on building out executable frameworks and capabilities to drive growth."
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gita-samani-66a264
Rose Tomlins, Head of Brand and Customer Insight, Virgin Money
Rose joins Virgin Money as Head of Brand and Customer Insight with more than 20 years’ experience within insights, brand, and strategy with both in-house and agency roles. Rose’s track record shows a clear talent in building effective global customer-centric brand and marketing strategies in highly competitive markets.
Previous roles include more than four years as Brand Director at Bally's Interactive, five years at Firefish as Director and then Group Director, Principal Strategist at Seren Partners, and more than seven years at GfK NOP, including three years as Director.
Rose is said to be, “frequently my first port of call if I had a complex client or leadership problem I needed help with".
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-tomlins
Claire Waugh, Senior Vice President Marketing, the LEGO Group
Claire’s recent promotion to Senior Vice President Marketing at the LEGO Group follows more than 20 years of marketing and brand management, leading strategic corporate marketing transformations, along with an energetic and optimistic culture that generates strong results. Her promotion follows four years as Vice President Retail Marketing.
Previous roles include Chief Marketing Officer at Jack Wills, more than three years as Marketing Director (Fashion & Beauty) at Burberry, and more than ten years at Starbucks – including the EMEA Director of Strategic Programmes and Marketing Director roles.
A respected leader, Claire "absolutely puts the team first and empowers the team to deliver as a team rather than a set of individuals, in a tough retail environment this approach has been absolutely crucial in creating a togetherness in uncertain times".
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-waugh-863b8171
If you feel ready to move towards the next stage in your career, or if you’re hiring for your team, please get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for B2C and B2B marketing and digital/tech roles in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.