Will Gardner, Co-Founder of Motive, stands out in the corporate world not merely as a strategist or a marketer, but as a visionary who blends value-driven goals with potent marketing strategies. With a vast experience spanning across NGOs, MMEs, and digital start-ups, Will's insights into consumer behaviour and marketing have elevated businesses into market leaders. This transformation stems from his belief in unlocking the latent potential within employees by fostering a culture rooted in values.
Will's academic foundation from Cambridge University, combined with his early career at Mars, provided a fertile ground to nurture his marketing acumen. Holding influential positions, such as the Brand Manager for Whiskas in the UK and the Senior Brand Manager for Pedigree in Switzerland, he swiftly showcased his prowess in navigating the intricate realms of branding and strategy. His subsequent elevation to the European Brand Development Director for Mars further affirmed his growing reputation. However, it's not just his corporate journey that makes Will an esteemed figure in marketing. His work with Moonfruit as the Head of Marketing led to the company bagging BBC2’s Online Innovation Award, highlighting his ability to integrate creativity with market needs. At OxfordSM, his direction in shaping the marketing strategies for behemoths like Unilever, GSK, and Lloyds TSB gave a testament to his unparalleled skills in understanding and dictating market trends.
As he transitioned roles from the VP of Marketing Strategy to the VP of Global Marketing Capability Strategy at Unilever, Will transformed not just brands but also corporate cultures. He revamped the collaborative mechanism among Unilever's vast network of marketers, proving that strategic excellence, combined with purpose, can achieve sustainable success. Will's relentless pursuit of purpose-driven business models culminated in the creation of Collectively in 2014. This digital media entity, in collaboration with over 35 multinational companies, carved a niche by promoting sustainable consumption practices. His recent affiliations with GameShift and the co-founding of Motive further showcase his commitment to pioneering change and value-driven growth.
What sets Will Gardner apart as a keynote speaker is his genuine ability to weave narratives from his rich tapestry of experiences. He's not just preaching theoretical constructs but is sharing lived experiences, challenges faced, and strategies implemented. For businesses, from fledgling SMEs to expansive corporate entities, desiring to place purpose at the helm, Will offers not just advice but transformative solutions. In essence, Will is not just a marketer or a strategist. He's a storyteller, a change-maker, and a beacon for businesses aspiring to meld purpose with profit. He doesn't just talk about change; he embodies it. Hire Will Gardner today!
