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MAD//Fest is all about bringing together the industry’s top brands + agencies in cool, creative spaces. So we’re excited to announce a bigger, better + bolder MAD//North line-up in 2026!
MAD//North will return to St John's - Manchester's new neighbourhood for the creative industries where big name brands, major agencies + innovative businesses are changing the city’s landscape - physically and metaphorically.
And when MAD//North is in town, expect St John's to be buzzing with 4,000 influential marketers, inspiring content, the best solution/service providers, DJs, parties, entertainment, food, drink + much more. Why? To connect the marketing community, inspire new thinking + crystalise what makes the north a creative + innovation powerhouse!
The 2026 programme is currently in production - subscribe here for speaker alerts + more!
Maisie Adam
// Comedian
Maisie Adam is fast on her way from being one of the brightest rising stars of the UK comedy scene to becoming a household name.
Maisie's anecdotal material and witty charm have quickly won her praise across the country, and she has appeared on Live At The Apollo, A League Of Their Own, Have I Got News for You, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats and the Royal Variety Performance.
She is also the host of the hugely successful Big Kick Energy podcast which she co-hosts with friend and fellow comedian Suzi Ruffell, and won Sports Podcast of the Year in the Sports Broadcast Awards just 5 months after the first episode aired.
Maisie’s Comedy Special: Appraisal was released on SKY in 2024.
Rory Sutherland
// President Emeritus, Ogilvy UK
Rory Sutherland: Alchemist and Behavioural Science Impresario
A lifetime spent working on the creative side of the advertising agency Ogilvy UK has provided Rory with the perfect environment for developing a fascination with the vagaries of human decision making – indeed he sees the world of advertising and marketing as a sort of Galapagos Island for behavioural science. An accidental TikTok star as well as a celebrated speaker and writer, Rory has found his blend of wit and behavioural insight resonates with audiences far beyond the boardroom. It’s this same passion that inspired him to found Ogilvy’s Behavioural Science Practice, a team of psychology graduates who look for unseen opportunities in consumer behaviour, and to write his Book Alchemy: the Surprising Power of Ideas that don’t quite make sense (2019). He has variously been President of the IPA, Chair of the Judges for the Direct Marketing Jury at Cannes and has spoken at TED Global. Rory has also co-written Transport for Humans (with Pete Dyson) and is the technology correspondent of the Spectator Magazine. His 12-week CPD accredited MAD//Masters course helps marketers make sense of accelerated disruption and use a tried and tested mix of creativity, innovation and behavioural science to their competitive advantage.
Jonathan Warburton
// Chairman, Warburtons
Jonathan Warburton has held the position of Chairman of the family business since 2001 – overseeing the company’s transition into a national brand. Beginning his career outside of Warburtons, Jonathan spent time gaining knowledge of the baking industry, as well as sales and marketing experience during his time with Unilever.
Joining Warburtons at the age of 23, he progressed from National Account Manager to Sales Director and then Marketing Director – overseeing the development of Warburtons iconic TV ad campaign featuring members of the Warburton family.
As a fifth generation Warburton, Jonathan – along with cousins Brett and Ross – assumed control of the business in 1991, following the retirement of their fathers.
In the decade that followed, Jonathan held the role of joint Managing Director and Commercial Director, laying out the three cousins’ strategy to take the family business from a Northern brand to a truly national one and setting out their vision to become Britain’s Favourite Baker.
Jonathan received an Honorary Doctorate from Manchester University in 2003.
Outside of the business, Jonathan is a keen sportsman, skiing enthusiastically and playing golf erratically! Married to Kim, they have four children, Charlotte, twins Harry and Jack, and Angus.
Adam Field
// VP, Brand Marketing, Berghaus
I have spent the past two decades working within and leading global marketing teams across some of the biggest brands in retail, sports, entertainment and gaming. My experience has focused around digital-first and brand marketing strategy. I have built, re-structured and led global teams to deliver transformational marketing strategies to achieve business objectives.
Trevor Robinson OBE
// Founder and Executive Creative Director, Quiet Storm
Trevor Robinson OBE is responsible for some of the most talked-about, innovative advertising of our era, including the multi-award-winning, game-changing “You’ve been Tango-ed” campaign. More recently, his business is best known for its equally humorous work on brands including Haribo, Google, On the Beach, Vimto, Yakult, and Channel 4's Black in Business. He is renowned for his contribution to society and for encouraging future creative talent. He set up Quiet Storm in 1995 – the first creative agency and production company dedicated to transforming businesses, lives, and society through creativity. He launched a not-for-profit organisation, Create Not Hate, in 2007, an initiative that gives underrepresented young people the opportunity to experience the advertising industry and help unlock their creative potential while tackling the social issues they face every day (specifically gun and knife crime). He was awarded an OBE in 2009 for services to charity and advertising.
Zoe Harris
// Chief Marketing Officer, On The Beach
Jeremy Way
// VP of Partnerships, City Football Group
Jeremy is VP of Partnerships at City Football Group & Manchester City and oversees the Partnership Strategy & Creative team and the Partnership Marketing & Operations team. Jeremy has been with the group over 11 years in a variety of positions and leads all aspects of partner management, delivery, data intelligence, and planning, developing the Club's commercial partnerships strategy.
Jeremy has over 17 years experience in sports media and partnerships, and prior to CFG Jeremy worked at Mindshare, a leading global media agency, securing partnerships, sponsorships and non-traditional media activity for blue chip and consumer brands across a variety of media and sports.
Eleanor Barker
// CMO UK & I, Lipton teas & Infusions
Eleanor Barker is the UK & Ireland Chief Marketing Officer at LIPTON Teas & Infusions, where she leads the marketing agenda across brands including PG Tips, Lyons Tea and Pukka Herbs. Her work focuses on building distinctive brands, strengthening category relevance, and creating campaigns that feel genuinely useful and culturally in tune with people’s lives.
In her role, Eleanor has helped guide the return of PG Tips’ familiar brand asset, Monkey, the development of the new Pukka “Nothing Beats Nature” platform, which brings the brand back to its roots in simple, nature‑led wellbeing and the next chapter of Lyons tea in Ireland with the 'Put the talk into Tea campaign'. She works closely with teams across marketing, R&I, category, sales and agency partners, shaping ideas collaboratively and keeping the work anchored in consumer insight.
Eleanor’s approach is practical and people‑centred: she believes good marketing comes from clear thinking, consistent brand behaviour and environments where teams feel trusted to do their best work. Before joining Lipton Teas & Infusions, she built experience across multiple FMCG and consumer categories, always with a focus on how brands can earn their place in everyday life.
Robert Faulkner
// Chief Business & Communications Officer, Wrexham AFC
Sara Holt
// Chief Marketing Officer, Center Parcs
Sara joined Center Parcs as Chief Marketing Officer in 2025 and brings a wealth of experience in entertainment marketing, having worked for some of the UK’s best-known brands.
Prior to joining Center Parcs, she was UK and Europe Group Sales and Marketing Director at Merlin Entertainments for iconic entertainment brands such as Alton Towers, The London Eye, Thorpe Park and Sealife. She was previously Digital Marketing Director at LEGO in the global product development team and has held top roles at the BBC and Global Media.
Matt Bulcroft
// Marketing Director, Global Brands Ltd (Hooch)
Matt Bulcroft is Marketing Director at Global Brands, where he leads a 50-strong team across brand strategy, creative, digital, and activation. Since joining the business in 2008, he’s worked his way up from sales to senior leadership, giving him a rare 360° view of how brands connect with consumers.
Today, Matt is the driving force behind some of the UK’s most loved (and talked-about) drinks brands, including Hooch, VK, and Franklin & Sons. From bold, tongue-in-cheek campaigns to heritage storytelling and premium serves, he’s passionate about building brands that punch above their weight and cut through in crowded markets.
Alongside brand building, Matt spearheads workforce modernisation at Global Brands, championing new ways of working and harnessing technology to keep teams agile, creative, and future-fit.
When he’s not shaping the future of drinks marketing, you’ll find him on the golf course, at Elland Road supporting Leeds United, or out in the Peak District with his dog.
Tim Donald
// CCO, Sneak Energy
As CCO at Sneak, Tim is responsible for continuing to position Sneak as one of the most innovative and disruptive brands in the functional drinks category, through design, creative and brand strategy. Tim has over 15 years of experience, predominantly in advertising agencies, working with global brands such as Johnnie Walker, Beats by Dre and Nike.
Steve Seddon
// Chief Marketing Officer, ICE Travel Group
Cara Chambers
// Chief Marketing Officer, C&C Group
Cara Chambers brings three decades of marketing and innovation experience to the stage, having worked with some of the most recognisable brands in drinks and FMCG. Her career began at Guinness before taking her through Scottish & Newcastle, Heineken and Whyte & Mackay, eventually leading brand, communications and innovation at Sainsbury’s Bank during a key period of transformation.
She went on to shape the marketing direction of household favourites as Marketing Director at Baxters Food Group, and later took on global responsibility for Caorunn Gin and a portfolio of acclaimed Scotch whisky brands such as Old Pulteney at International Beverage.
Alongside her senior roles, Cara has also worked as a consultant and is a qualified business coach — something that fuels her passion for building strong teams and helping people do their best work.
Today, Cara is Chief Marketing Officer at C&C Group, home to iconic brands like Tennent’s, Bulmers and Magners, as well as a growing line-up of premium brands including Menabrea, Heverlee, Outc!der and Orchard Pig. She’s known for combining commercial sharpness with a people‑first approach — and for keeping things grounded, practical and genuinely enjoyable. Her pet hate is 'Marketing Speak', and seeks always to keep things simple.
Adam Smith
// Head of Retail Media, Iceland Foods Ltd
Adam Smith is the Head of Retail Media at Iceland Foods, where he leads the Retail Media proposition. Formerly a Category Trading Manager, Adam was promoted to spearhead Iceland’s strategic expansion into digital advertising and in-store media. Adam's role involves overseeing both physical and online advertising initiatives, ensuring that Iceland delivers a best-in-class service to its clients.
His team is central to Iceland’s efforts to modernize its retail experience and compete with other major UK supermarkets in the rapidly growing retail media space.
Dan Rubel
// Brand and Marketing Director, Currys
Dan is the Brand & Marketing Director at Currys – responsible for brand, advertising, social, CRM, PR, promo planning, store innovation and omni channel creative & content. Dan has been at Currys since September 2018 and previously had held a variety of marketing, strategy, customer experience and general management roles – mainly at the Very Group and Procter & Gamble. Outside of work, he’s a dad, a keen tennis player, a reluctant gym goer and an emotional Manchester United fan.
Emma Thackray
// Co-Founder, Hip Pop
Antony Bradshaw
// Head of Digital Data & Analytics, Dominos Pizza UK & I
Antony joined Domino’s in 2022 and currently leads the Digital Data & Analytics function, driving data-led decision-making across the organisation.
In this role, Antony oversees a team focused on advanced analytics, AI innovation and digital performance optimisation, ensuring Domino’s remains at the forefront of technology and customer experience.
Under Antony’s leadership, Domino’s has pioneered several cutting-edge initiatives, including the development of AI-powered solutions such as pizza image recognition technology, likelihood to buy chicken modelling for paid media to support the launch of Domino’s new sub-brand CHICK ‘N’ DIP, and is leading the migration to a cloud data platform. These innovations have significantly improved operational efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction, supporting Domino’s ambition to deliver a seamless digital journey for its 13 million active customers.
With a strong background in data strategy and digital transformation, Antony has played a key role in integrating analytics into every aspect of the business, from marketing and trading to supply chain optimisation. His work has helped Domino’s maximise the value of its data assets and accelerate growth in an increasingly competitive market.
Outside of work, Antony is passionate about fitness and adventure. He enjoys CrossFit training and climbing, often seeking new challenges that test both physical strength and mental resilience.
Honor Baldry
// Digital Marketing Director, PureGym
Digital Marketing Director at PureGym, attracting new members to our 700+ gyms around the world. Love fitness and the part my team plays in inspiring healthier nations.
Jamie Scahill
// Co-Founder, Manchester Union Brewery
Rob Edwards
// Head of Media & Digital, Arla Foods
As Head of Media and Digital activations, Rob’s department take responsibility for planning and delivering all branded digital activity in the UK for brands like Lurpak & Anchor Butter, Cravendale Milk and the Arla master brand, while working with agency partners to deliver wider campaigns.
With Arla’s global Omnichannel ambition, Rob has lead the approach to retail media and the development of full funnel planning, while pushing new thinking around measurement and performance for all media activations.
Ellie Cross
// Head of Brand Partnerships, Starling
As Head of Brand Partnerships, Ellie leads Starling Banks' partnership activity. With a career to date focussing on shaping brand community campaigns, Ellie joined Starling in 2021 and has since led key high-profile brand projects which have included National Sponsorship of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, Arsenal FC, Principle Partner of Southampton FC Women and talent relationships with the Lionesses.
Ewan Baggott
// Football Freestyler + Content Creator
Ben Kerr
// Founder, Cold Glass Productions
Dawn Paine
// Co-Founder / CEO, Aurora
Dawn has enjoyed an award winning and successful +25 year career in leadership roles across the creative industries, entertainment, retail and technology sectors.
She is the Co-Founder and CEO of People Powered Creative Agency agency Aurora.
She was Vice President Marketing at Universal Pictures and prior this, UK Marketing Director at Nintendo UK.
Over a 10 year period, she oversaw the transformation of the video game and entertainment landscape in the UK, directly overseeing the record breaking launch of the Wii and Nintendo DS, in what was the most successful period of Nintendo’s 110 year history. Taking their market share from 5-80% in the space of 12 months.
Dawn was also the only female on the global Nintendo leadership team.
Prior to this Dawn held senior European and Global management roles at Infogrames and Playstation.
She has masterminded over 50 high profile film and TV entertainment launches including Despicable Me 2, Les Miserables and Downton Abbey.
She is a long-standing member of gender equality campaigning organisation WACL and is now their Co-Chair for WACL Nations & Regions leading their presence in the North – and has chaired their national mentoring and events programme for next generation talent. She has also consulted and sat on the boards of some of the UK’s most dynamic creative and digital start-ups.
A Scouser born and bred, Dawn lives in Liverpool with her husband, son Milo and Snips the Beagle.
Dr. Jo Twist OBE
// Chief Executive Officer, BPI
Dr Jo Twist OBE (she/her) is CEO of the BPI, representing more than 500 label businesses and the UK recorded music sector. She has a 25-year background in creative industries, interactive entertainment and technology and sits on several boards and advisory groups including the UKRI AI Strategic Advisory Team, Creative PEC Board and the Mayor of London’s Cultural Leadership Board. She was Chair of the BAFTA Games Committee (2013-2022) and a BAFTA Trustee (2018-2022).
Jo is a Visiting Lecturer at Goldsmith's University, VP for accessibility charity SpecialEffect, Patron of mental health charity Safe in Our World, Wiggin Foundation Trustee, BRIT Trust Trustee and King's Appointed Trustee for Historic Royal Palaces.
In 2016 she was awarded an OBE for services to the creative industries, was named one of the Evening Standard’s Progress 1000 Most Influential People in 2019 and entered the Computer Weekly Hall of Fame in 2021.
Emily Heath
// Global Brand Director, Rexona/Sure
Jessica Myers
// Chief Customer Officer, The Very Group
As chief customer officer, Jessica oversees marketing, creative, digital customer experience, and data and analytics. She joined Very in October 2022 as chief marketing officer and since then has spearheaded the group’s new brand platform ‘Let’s make it sparkle’, featuring brand characters, Kerry, Terry and Cherry, the flamboyant flamingos. Jessica joined Very from Metro Bank, where she built and led the company’s first ever brand and marketing function and was a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to Metro Bank, Jessica spent five years heading NatWest Group’s brand team with responsibility across its 10 portfolio brands, including RBS, NatWest, Royal Bank, Coutts and Ulster Bank.
Pardeep Duggal
// Global Marketing Director, BUPA
Richard Robinson
// Executive Director, Ingenuity+
Connecting the marketing world, leading change and making good things happen for brands, agencies and talented folk.
Executive Director of Ingenuity+ and Exco member of The Ingenuity Group, the UK's largest connector of brands with agencies and agencies with brands.
Former co-owner and Managing Director of Oystercatchers and Econsultancy, and prior to this Publicis Worldwide Regional Business Leader (EMEA) leading P&G, Head of Marketing at McDonald's Restaurants and International Marketer with The Coca-Cola Company.
Named as one of the ten most influential leaders in digital & tech by BIMA, and a member of Campaign's A-List for 2025. Published by the Wharton School of Advertising, regular BBC news reviewer, former Brand Expert for Channel 5, Chartered Marketer, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and award-winning Diversity advocate.
When time allows a remarkably slow marathon runner & cold water swimmer.
Paul Cooper
// Head of TAU North, TAU Marketing Solutions
Paul Cooper is a tech and media pioneer who has helped shape the North of England into one of the UK’s leading digital and marketing centres. From early work at one of the UK’s first online agencies to 14 years at WPP, he played a key role in turning MediaCom North into the largest media agency operation outside London, driving major wins such as Sky's £70 million digital account in 2022.
Paul led the integration of JWT Manchester and the acquisition of Code Computerlove turning the agency into a full-service operation that specialised in looking at the whole customer journey to deliver growth for clients, scaling digital capability and championing Northern talent.
Paul now joins TAU Marketing Solutions as Head of TAU North, supporting leading brands based in the North of England as they scale with AI and Intelligent Marketing Architecture. Alongside this role he also serves on the IPA Council and sits on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Employer Integration Board, where he helps steer the region’s creative and digital skills agenda.
Neil Jones
// Head of Media, Boots
Ian Maskell
// Founder/CEO, P E C O R I N O Group
Florence Howell
// Ice Cream Marketing Director UKI, The Magnum Ice Cream Company
Hayden Clottey
// Head of Sport, InterTalent
Ben Newbury
// Head Of Brand Marketing, Yorkshire Tea
Creative and brand strategist with 15+ years’ experience building distinctive, well‑loved brands.
Working in marketing on Yorkshire Tea since 2017, and part of the team that has seen the brand grow from challenger to the UK’s No.1 — driven by clear brand thinking, strong creative partnerships and a stubborn belief in doing things properly.
Known for collaborative leadership, an entrepreneurial mindset and turning sharp insight into work that people genuinely care about. Experienced in shaping brand portfolios, leading high‑performing teams and making creativity work hard commercially.
Matt Hanlon
// Director of Omnichannel & Media, Boots
Matt Hanlon is Director of Omnichannel & Media at Boots, where he leads Boots Consumer Media and Boots Media Group (BMG) in reimagining how brands connect with the UK’s health, wellness, and beauty customer.
A passionate advocate for the power of data, creativity, and customer insight, Matt is focused on building brand partnerships that matter, ones that spark growth today and earn lasting trust for the future.
His perspective is shaped by senior roles at Nike, PepsiCo, and ASOS, where he helped drive digital transformation and global campaigns for some of the world’s most recognisable brands. These experiences fuel his belief that the best brand connections happen when insight, technology, and storytelling come together.
At Boots, Matt brings that belief to life, championing new ways for brands to engage with customers through trusted, meaningful, and measurable media experiences. He is recognised for his clarity and thought-provoking perspective on the future of retail media and customer engagement.
Bridey-Rae Lipscombe
// Chief Marketing Officer, P.Louise
Amy Stamper
// Director, Head of Paid Social, Impression Digital
Amy leads the strategic development of Paid Social at Impression, drawing on over 10 years of experience partnering with brands from Unilever, to Wizz Air, Semrush, and Vax.
Amy's approach is all about putting evidence into action to drive profitable growth and scale through paid channels. Her current obsession is knowing when to ‘flow’, enriching campaigns with data and innovative creative to drive consistent performance, and when to ‘fight’ - pushing back on stale ‘the algorithm knows best’ assumptions to get the edge over the competition.
Sam Williams
// Strategy Partner, AMV BBDO
Sam is a Strategy Partner at AMV BBDO, where he has spent the past 11 years helping to shape big creative ideas that have delivered growth for iconic brands including Guinness, Currys and Starbucks.
He played a central strategic role in building Currys’ highly effective Beyond Techspectations platform, helping reposition the brand from a retailer to a trusted technology expert and driving sustained commercial and cultural impact (with a good bit of humour thrown in).
Previously, Sam worked at influencer agency theAudience and digital agency AKQA, delivering work for global brands including H&M, Dove and Nike. This blend of brand, digital and social experience informs his modern, effectiveness-led approach to strategy.
Rich McHardy
// Founder & Co-founder, The McHardy Collective & The BD100
The McHardy Collective is a catalyst for growth. We are the go-to connector for brands and agencies seeking to build lasting, meaningful partnerships that are mutually beneficial.
If you’re an agency leader looking to open up new business opportunities or you’re a brand wanting to connect with the best creative talent around, The McHardy Collective can help you build lasting partnerships and drive growth across all creative disciplines through a single point of contact.
Prior to launching The McHardy Collective in 2012, I spent 15 years sharpening my business development skills for several leading international agencies, including five years at WPP. I have also been the Co-founder of The BD100 since 2017 when it launched as a community, published league table and annual awards event in partnership with The Drum. I'm also proud to be a Guinness World Record holder for mental health awareness.
Dawson Roberts
// Content Creator, @DawsOnScreen
Dawson is an ambitious content creator focusing on the world of entertainment, film and TV. He creates daily videos exploring the newest releases while also curating bold ideas that push the limits of what social media is used to.
Whether it be travelling around the world playing table tennis for Marty Supreme or sitting on the sofa chatting about The Traitors, Dawson is always keeping up with the ever-changing industry. Having been creating content online for 10 years on different platforms, Dawson has finally found his passion and audience talking about the things he loves the most.
Dana Fletcher
// Brand Partnerships Manager, TikTok
Dana helps brands cut through on social. At TikTok, she works with some of Europe's fastest-growing lifestyle and beauty brands, scaling their presence and driving meaningful growth. With 11+ years experience in brand strategy, content ideation and performance marketing.
Alex Brown
// Co-founder and CCO, Campfire
Emily Rennie
// Content Creator, @whatemwatches
Emily is an entertainment creator and interviewer specialising in all things Film and TV. A member of TikTok’s exclusive Film & TV club, she has collaborated with leading networks and channels including the likes of Sky and Disney+. She shares her insights daily on what to watch and the latest happenings in the entertainment world.
Jade Beaty
// Content Creator, @livethedash
Valerie Bounds
// Co-Founder, Chief Strategy & Creative Officer, Aurora
Valerie Bounds is a big-picture strategist, creative pioneer and cultural architect with 3 decades helping brands scale from local relevance to global impact. Her career began at the birth of the digital era, shaping early UX and digital strategy at Ogilvy/WPP, before launching the first ASOS brand and leading digital innovation for organisations including Universal Music, The British Council, MSN, AMEX, Nestlé Group, Bank of America, Manchester City FC and Ford. A culture obsessive, Valerie works at the intersection of entertainment, technology and brand — from creating the first website for cult TV phenomenon Red Dwarf to collaborating with Pete Townshend on pioneering digital platforms for artists. In 2021, Valerie co-founded Aurora alongside former Nintendo CMO Dawn Paine, combining deep agency craft with senior client-side leadership. Aurora works directly with brand leaders using its proprietary People Power approach to drive growth by mobilising people, communities and fandoms. Recent work includes the launch of Everplay Group, delivering a 13% rise in share price on the day of launch, and the globally recognised #HelpUkraineSong campaign, which achieved 450 million+ reach. A Campaign, DADI and BIMA Awards judge and profiled in The Drum’s “World’s Most Creative Women”, Valerie is a passionate advocate for gender equality and DEI. She speaks about people-powered brands and how to turn local sparks into global movements.
Shelley Macintyre
// Interim CEO, Brands & Licensing, BBC Studios
As Interim CEO, Brands & Licensing at BBC Studios, Shelley Macintyre is responsible for building iconic brands from the world class BBC Studios’ IP, by meeting fans where they are, on their terms. From show to shelf, Shelley’s division fuels fandoms and maximises the commercial value of IP. She oversees digital growth activities alongside innovative licensing models across consumer products, gaming, live events, publishing, music (and much more!).
Her remit spans BBC Studios’ iconic franchise portfolio, including Doctor Who, Bluey, Top Gear, Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, and BBC Earth.
Before joining BBC Studios, Shelley held senior leadership roles across both large corporates and high-growth scale-ups, and was recently named as one of Marketing Week’s Top 100 Marketers of 2025.
Shelley has spent around 18 years in senior positions at Unilever, The Coca-Cola Company, and Suntory Global Spirits, helping to shape some of the world’s most recognised consumer brands. Shelley has also partnered with founders to pioneer new markets and built commercial success: she led marketing and revenue growth at Sipsmith, leading its integration into the Suntory Global Spirits portfolio, and was General Manager at allplants.
Susan Finnegan
// Head of International & Placemaking, Liverpool City Council
Elliot Muscant
// CEO and Founder, Open Partners
Sedge Beswick
// Consultant
Richard Midgley
// Founder, Ponderosa
Richard Midgley founded award winning agency, Ponderosa, in 2009 and it has grown to be one of the North's most respected creative agencies with a turnover of £7m, employing over 50 people. In 2018 he co-founded Audience Collective bringing together specialist agencies to create an independent agency group with a turnover of over £20m. Richard is a brand strategist by trade and has worked on brands such as Ronseal, HSBC, Crabbie’s, Lambs Navy Rum, Hisense and Russell Hobbs.
Ben Morrison
// Creative & Strategy Managing Partner, Open Partners
Ben Morrison is the Creative & Strategy Managing Partner at Open Partners, where his work focusses on helping clients growth through culturally relevant creative platforms that drive commercial effectiveness.
With a background in journalism and now over 15-years in the marketing industry; spanning both agency and brand side, Ben has designed global strategies for giants in tech, FMCG, and government. Most notably, he served as Global Social Strategy Lead at Unilever’s U-Studio, where he was responsible for driving award-winning activations for iconic global brands including Magnum Global, Lipton, and PG Tips, by tapping into culturally relevant conversations to make them stand out.
Rachel Roberts
// Managing Director, ZEAL
Rachel Roberts is Managing Director of ZEAL. As the agency’s first ever employee, Rachel has played a defining role in shaping its evolution, culture and commercial success. With more than 20 years’ experience leading some of the world’s fastest-moving FMCG brands, she brings deep category knowledge and a strong commercial lens to the agency.
Rachel has been instrumental in driving ZEAL’s client growth across food, drink, and health and wellness categories. She has played a central role in delivering 30% YoY growth for the business over the past five years, leading senior client relationships and new business partnerships with cornerstone brands including Nestlé, Carlsberg Britvic, Kellanova, Arla and Essity.
Under her leadership, ZEAL has evolved from its promotional roots into a modern creative commerce agency, bridging brand strategy with real-world retail effectiveness. Known for her collaborative and fast-paced leadership style, Rachel leads with empathy, clarity and a relentless focus on outcomes, bringing teams and clients along at speed.
A vocal advocate for female leadership, Rachel regularly speaks on the future of agency models, the rise of retail media, and the next era of brand activation that connects culture with commerce.
Nancy Sadler
// Senior Brand Manager, Essity (TENA Men)
Nancy Sadler is a seasoned marketing leader with over 15 years’ experience driving growth and innovation within the FMCG arena. Currently Senior Brand Manager at Essity UK, Nancy leads strategy and brand development for the TENA portfolio, including TENA Men – a category at the forefront of challenging stigma around male incontinence and driving open dialogue around men’s health.
With a reputation for being passionate, tenacious and results-driven, Nancy combines strategic vision with hands-on execution. Her work is defined by a commitment to innovation, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and a focus on meaningful consumer impact.
Under Nancy’s leadership, TENA has placed a spotlight on breaking taboos and normalising conversations around health topics many find difficult to talk about. Her passion for connecting with consumers through authentic storytelling, coupled with her commercial acumen, makes her a respected voice in modern marketing and one that you definitely don''t want to miss out on hearing from at Mad//Fest Up North!
Dean Harris
// Head of Co-op Media Network, Co-op
Dean Harris leads Co-op Media Network, shaping the growth of Co-op’s convenience-focused retail media business. With over 15 years of experience spanning advertising, strategy, and loyalty, he’s helped brands tap into data-driven media that makes shopping faster, easier, and more relevant for customers. Since launching in 2024, Co-op Media Network has expanded its data capabilities, introduced new digital solutions, and positioned convenience media as a must-have for advertisers. A regular keynote speaker and industry commentator, Dean is passionate about making retail media simple, effective, and built for the way people really shop.
Becki Jarvis
// Research Director, Trinity McQueen
Becki is a hands-on insight consultant who never stands still. Her work takes her out of the office and often walking the floor, mapping the path to purchase, evaluating store refits, shaping category strategy, and uncovering new opportunities for growth. Behavioural science sits at the heart of everything she does, helping clients make smarter, evidence-based decisions that change behaviour and drive results.
Becki has spent thousands of hours observing, interviewing and analysing customers—both in-person and online—and can regularly be found in grocery, convenience and high-street retail environments across the UK and the US.
A proud northerner, Becki brings a no-nonsense, clear-cut approach to customer insight and consultancy for her clients. Trinity McQueen is an agency that shares this passion. An independent global insight agency known for closing the say-do gap to find clarity and growth to put the customer at the heart of decision making.
Emma Padwick-Graham
// Head of Performance, Autotrader
Joe Procter
// Co-Founder & Executive Chair, Open Partners
Joe Procter is the Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Open Partners, which he launched in 2017 with a vision to create The Agency of Next, designed to be agile, future-focused, and client-first. With over 25 years of agency experience leading marketing transformations for national and international brands, Joe oversees Open Partners’ overall strategy and corporate governance.
Cat George
// Head of Creative Content & Social Marketing, Working Title Films
A creative and tenacious marketeer with over 20 years experience in Filmed Entertainment from production to release, leading large and small teams at a global and local level. Commercially aware with a strong ability to influence, and a track record of executing ambitious and innovative marketing campaigns and partnerships which achieved cultural relevance. A collaborative, team player who can bring together diverse groups of specialists.
Film Experience Includes: Fast,Jurassic, Bridget Jones, Despicable Me, How to Train Your Dragon, James Bond alongside documentaries such as Being James Bond and Long Live Montero.
TV Experience: Too Much, Action
KEY STRENGTHS
Outstanding Creative Vision: passionate about creative excellence, always with the audience first. Experienced in delivering at pace, always striving to innovative and execute seamlessly to drive increased awareness and engagement.
Inspirational Leadership: setting clear strategic direction & KPI’s, offering guidance when needed and standing by a ‘we and not I’ approach. Passionate about personal development, empowerment and mentoring. Seen by my commitment to being a Kings Trust mentor and for championing an initiative to encourage greater diversity in Film.
Watch ep 1 here:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPj6nKBHfmc
Partnership/Digital Expertise: Brand, Media, Social Platforms and Influencer/Creator partnerships. Owning ideation to execution, striving to create visible and definable impact every time.
Rachel Kerrone
// Brand & Marketing Leader, Consultant
Rachel Kerrone spent eight years building Starling Bank from an unknown start-up into one of the UK's best loved and most trusted banks: 4.6M customers, 77% national brand awareness, and the first UK challenger bank to hit profitability.
Rachel is passionate about making banking better for customers. At Starling, she was a key part of launching an award-winning children's banking product and features that put vulnerable customers first. She ensured Starling was an early supporter of women's football in the UK, both professional and grassroots. She scaled the marketing budget by over 30x and built a high-performing team that delivered category-leading work.
The work earned Starling four consecutive Which? Best Banking Brand awards, and Rachel has been recognised multiple times in both Marketing Week's Top 100 and Campaign's Power 100.
Before Starling, she brought challenger energy to legacy giants including RBS, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs, proving fresh thinking works anywhere if you've got the conviction to push it.
Now she's advising ambitious brands on how to adopt a challenger mindset, challenge convention and unlock growth by rewriting the rules, because marketing should make customers' lives genuinely better, not just sell them things.
Juliet Simpson
// CEO, Stripe Communications
Juliet is Founder and CEO of Stripe Communications a PR, social, influencer & content agency with offices in Edinburgh and London. At Stripe Juliet is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the business, exploring growth opportunities and providing high-level strategic senior counsel to clients.
Over her 30-year career Juliet has worked both in house and in consultancy for some of the world’s leading brands in the UK, Australia, and Canada. Prior to starting Stripe, she was Head of PR, Corporate Communications and mass market campaigns for Vodafone and she also started up and ran the Edinburgh office of global PR consultancy Citigate SMARTS. She is a Fellow of the Marketing Society, a member of WACL Exec and sits on the Heriot-Watt International Business School Board.
Paul Stafford
// Head of Very Media Group, The Very Group
Daniel Lythgo
// Brand Manager - Magnum UK, The Magnum Ice Cream Company
A curious and creative marketeer, Dan has led Magnum’s brand campaigns and activations since 2023. He began his career at Unilever, where he built a passion for insight‑driven, consumer‑centric marketing, shaping innovation and communication strategy for iconic brands including TRESemmé and Cornetto.
As Brand Manager for Magnum, the UK’s No.1 ice cream brand, Dan has delivered standout creative and media work, including the award‑winning 'Stick to the Original' and 'Nothing Cracks Like Magnum' campaigns. He is also a champion of finding new ways to connect with consumers, establishing Magnum’s 'Pleasure Pass' platform, offering music fans VIP access to their favourite artists through authentic talent collaborations and festival partnerships.
Samira Brophy
// Senior Creative Excellence Director, Ipsos
Samira is an Ipsos expert on brand and communication work, with 20 years of experience spanning creative and research roles. She leads Ipsos’ early-stage campaign development offer, is a thought leader on creative effectiveness and works with clients to adopt a MISFIT mindset and make bolder, highly creative campaigns that audiences value.
Eleanor Thornton-Firkin
// Head of Creative Excellence in the UK, Ipsos
Eleanor has been obsessed with advertising ever since she saw the first Absolut bottle ads back in the late ’80s. There was no mistaking the brand in those ads, as the bottle was such an iconic presence – in other words, she loved the power of distinctive assets before the phrase was even coined. Flash forward a number of decades and the power of assets to signify the brand and reduce friction in storytelling is a core part of her day-to-day. Her passion as an advertising researcher is to find the intersection of insight and action, going beyond data to support and enable great creative.
Dominic McGregor
// Managing Partner, Fearless Adventures
Kate Nightingale
// Chief Behavioural Officer, Humanising Brands
Kate Nightingale is a consumer, retail and design psychologist.
She is the Chief Behavioural Officer and Founder at Humanising Brands, a behavioural strategy, design, experience and innovation agency. Our mission is to create a better world by making brands more HUMAN.
Kate is the creator of HUMAN Brands©, which connect more deeply with the essence of what makes us human and outperform other brands across major KPIs.
Kate worked with brands like Swarovski, Nespresso, Puig, Dowsing & Reynolds, Klarna, EE, Ocado, Harvey Nichols, Samsung, Zopa Bank, Disney, Crowd DNA as well as various start-ups and large established luxury marketplaces and department stores.
Kate was named RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert 2026.
A renowned keynote speaker, moderator and chair, Kate featured at eTail (London & Toronto), Campaign Brand Forum, Retail Week Masterclass. Frequently requested by brands for their internal conferences such as Puig, Nespresso, Disney and Stanley, Black & Decker.
Kate founded Women of Retail community in 2023 to celebrate female and diverse voices of the retail industry.
Kate lectures at Regent's University and London College of Fashion.
Kate's insights often appear in press titles including Marketing Week, The Business of Fashion, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Sky News, BBC News and Channel 4 News as well as in TV programs like 'Secrets of the Supermarket Buyers' and Bargain Holiday Secrets on Channel 4.
Don McGrath
// Executive Creative Director, Supersonic
30 years experience working in top advertising and marketing agencies, gaining fully integrated and invaluable experience. I've worked with lots of great people and a few not so great, and have learned from them all in equal measures. Founded Supersonic in 2023 with a team of brilliant people and now delivering 'ideas at the speed of right'.
Jacqui Grimsey-Jones
// Brand Director, loveholidays
Gareth Harrison
// Strategy & Innovation Director, SocialChain
Gareth is a Strategy and Innovation Director working at the intersection of culture, creativity, and commercial effectiveness. He helps brands navigate social and digital environments by turning social intelligence into clearer decisions, stronger creative work and measurable business impact.
He specialises in social-first and influencer-led brand strategy, with a particular focus on how communities and creators can shape modern brand building. Rather than treating social as a distribution channel, Gareth works with teams to design strategic systems that connect social insight to brand effectiveness principles and long-term growth.
Known for a clear point of view and a practical mindset, Gareth regularly challenges how social is planned, measured and valued inside organisations. His focus is on helping teams move beyond vanity metrics, overused tactics and short-term optimisation, toward more distinctive, community-led and effectiveness-driven approaches.
Jason Spencer
// Business Development Director, ITV
As Business Development Director for 14 years, Jason has led the growth in revenue of ITV’s commercial teams across the UK outside London, working with advertisers and agencies. He has led on new advertiser-focussed commercial initiatives including Backing Business, Alliance of Media Independents Fund, and ITV’s GenAI creative production services. Beyond his current role, Jason sits on the board for egta, the trade body for European TV businesses.
Jason started his media career at Manchester Evening News before spending more than a decade at media agencies - firstly as a media planner at Carat and PHD in London, before becoming Managing Director of PHD North.
Nicky Unsworth
// Non Executive Director, Open Partners
Fernando Desouches
// Managing Director, BBD Perfect Storm
Fernando Desouches is the Managing Director of BBD Perfect Storm New Macho based in London. He helps brands grow through positive male narratives, creating platforms for companies like Unilever, PepsiCo, Beiersdorf, The Kraft Heinz Company, Bumble, and UN Women’s HeForShe.
Fernando has become a world-leading authority in understanding how brands can effectively reach men within the current cultural shift and context surrounding masculinity and the male narrative. He believes brands and the media can play a key role in reducing the social pressure on men that often ends in frustration and is on a mission to help more brands grow through positive gender narratives.
He is a podcast regular and has spoken at events for the United Nations, The Marketing Society, Cannes Lions, Adweek EU/NY, The Times, The BBC and The Guardian. His insights are included in the curriculums at the University of Chicago and the University of Warwick.
He serves on the boards of Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice, and the Global Boyhood Initiative. Recognised by the IPA in their 2020 iList for promoting inclusivity, he was also named one of Campaign Magazine's 40 Over 40 in 2022 and honoured by UN Women for his work with the Unstereotype Alliance.
Vicki Maguire
Vicki Maguire is a rare breed – a world-class creative, a woman leading the charge and a force for modernising our industry.
She was appointed Havas London’s first female Chief Creative Officer in January 2020 – just eight weeks before the global pandemic hit. Despite that, she helped steer the agency to its best-ever year creatively – winning its first Cannes Gold Lion in nearly a decade for the Black Plaque Project – led one of the most successful new business drives in its history, culminating in Havas being awarded the hotly-contested Asda account in May 2021, produced work that built fame and commercial resilience for clients, and drove culture which engaged and helped consumers and communities.
She was named Creative Leader of the Year in both 2020 and 2021 by Campaign Magazine, which cited the agency’s ‘creative renaissance’, as well as a Female Frontiers honouree for her ground-breaking achievements in advertising. She was also named on the IPA’s inaugural iList – recognising the industry’s 30 most outstanding diversity and inclusivity game-changers – and an IPA Fellow for ‘services to advertising’ in its New Year Honours list, plus Campaign’s 40 over 40 in 2023.
In 2021, Vicki claimed one of the highest-profile gigs in the industry: Cannes Lions jury President, where she presided over the Brand Experience & Activation Lions jury. She returned in 2022 to sit on the Sustainable Development Goals Lions jury, and again in 2023 to judge the Dan Wieden Titanium Lions. This year also saw Havas London’s ‘Me, My Autism, and I’ for Vanish clean up on the awards circuit, with the campaign winning a host of major awards including a Cannes Gold Lion (one of three) and a prestigious D&AD Yellow Pencil (one of six).
At Grey, her ‘Staying Alive’ film for the British Heart Foundation starring Vinnie Jones collected more than 45 major awards, but most importantly it's saved more than 50 lives (and counting). The Angina Monologues, also for the BHF, earned Vicki a coveted British Comedy Award. She also worked on multi-award-winning campaigns for Vodafone and M&S, as well as overseeing the creative team behind the UN’s People Seat campaign with Sir David Attenborough.
In 2016, she became the chair of the Creative Circle Awards – becoming the first woman ever to hold that position. Active within organisations such as WACL and SheSays to promote the advancement of women in advertising.
Alex Reeves
// Managing Editor, EMEA, Little Black Book
Alex has been on the Little Black Book editorial team since 2017, but has been writing about advertising since 2012. Former editor of UK commercial production publication The Beak Street Bugle, what began as a career covering the craft side of the British industry broadened significantly when he joined the global platform of LBB. He’s now managing editor for the EMEA region.
A keen escapist, Alex tries to get as much time as he can away from screens, whether that’s tending to the veg he grows, cooking and fermenting said vegetables, or taking long walks while listening to pulp sci-fi audiobooks.
Ffion Turner
// WPP Media Analytics, WPP Media
Ffion is a senior leader within WPP Media Analytics, bringing a wealth of expertise cultivated since joining WPP Media as a graduate in 2004. Her core focus lies in translating complex data into actionable insights, establishing, and managing marketing analytics projects for clients across the UK and globally.
Ffion's specialisation is in measuring and optimising marketing investment across brands and portfolios, ensuring that financial outlays directly deliver against strategic business objectives.
Richard George
// Head of Organic Performance, Wavemaker
Richard is an experienced and focused leader with a passion for all things digital marketing and AI organic search. With over 28 years’ experience in search, he is currently a board level Managing Partner at Wavemaker a WPP Media brand based in the UK.
Tom Ridges
// CEO, Herdify
Tom Ridges is Founder & CEO of Herdify, a behavioural-science software platform used by brands to help them grow by harnessing real-world word-of-mouth.
Tom has spent years exploring how influence travels through real communities. That curiosity led his team to build a model grounded in behavioural science and network effects, capable of detecting where a brand is spreading through real-world conversations and interactions. Brands use this insight to target their advertising and drive growth.
Prior to starting Herdify, Tom spent 20 years working with data for organisations such as Microsoft, where he helped brands of all shapes and sizes harness their data for growth.
Matt Beane
// Head of FMCG - TikTok Shop UK, TikTok Shop
Matt Beane is Head of FMCG at TikTok Shop in the UK. Matt is responsible for driving growth for small businesses and big brands across the category, enabling TikTok Users to find new products through the platform's discovery commerce model. Prior to this role, Matt was pivotal in the expansion of TikTok Shop across Europe. Before TikTok, Matt was the CCO of Heroes, spent 8 years at Amazon leading the UK books business and launching Amazon Fresh, and held various commercial and operations roles at Tesco.
Alex Rogerson
// Marketing Director, Morrisons
Alex joined Morrisons in 2012, rising to his current role as Marketing Director.
During the pandemic, Alex led communications for the brand through the ‘Feeding the Nation’ strategy. In recent years he brought back the iconic ‘More Reasons To Shop At Morrisons’ brand platform after 20 years dormant.
Prior to Morrisons, Alex spent 8 years agency-side, beginning with various awesome Northern agencies before joining DLKW (now MullenLowe) as Account Director.
Jessica Clerke
// Business Lead, Retail Media Commercial Strategy, John Lewis Partnership
With over 20 years of Commercial Retail Experience in both Department Stores and Grocery, I have translated this skillset into leading the commercial strategy for John Lewis Partnerships Retail Media ambition.
This role involves owning the professional development of our Retail Media team, developing processes that make our business more efficient and enabling internal business visibility and buy in to RM growth strategies.
Lindsay Rapacchi
// Director of Research and Insight, Bauer Media Outdoor
Lindsay Rapacchi is Director of Research and Insight at Bauer Media Outdoor UK, bringing over 25 years of experience in media, most of it in Out of Home.
Known for turning complex marketing theory into accessible, actionable insight, Lindsay leads research that shapes strategy, supports client growth, and champions the power of brand-led marketing.
With expertise spanning consumer behaviour, market trends, and data-driven storytelling, Lindsay plays a central role in shaping Bauer Media Outdoor’s thought leadership and innovation agenda.
James Taylor
// Founder & CEO, Particular Audience
James Taylor is the Founder and CEO of Particular Audience, an AI-native retail media company trusted by leading global retailers. Founded in 2017, Particular Audience powers how products are ranked across search, recommendations, and sponsored placements—driving materially higher revenue, conversion, and relevance from retailer-owned digital shelves.James is a recognised authority on retail media infrastructure and automated decisioning, focused on replacing manual, keyword-based ad systems with AI that maximises profit while protecting shopper trust.
Mark Watts
// Sales Leader : Nations & Regions, Channel 4
Will has nearly 30 years’ experience securing brand partnerships across entertainment, media and sports. He joined AEG, one of the world’s largest entertainment companies, in 2014, leading the brand partnerships division responsible for selling and delivering the sponsorships for AEG Presents in Europe: 8 major festivals, 3 music series, 5 entertainment venues and hundreds of artist tours.
His Global Partnerships team deliver over 100 separate sponsorships a year, across all brand categories. Specialising in naming rights and presenting partnerships, recent deals include 'Uber presents All Points East', 'Eden Sessions presented by Volvo', 'Brits Week delivered by DHL', ‘LIDO presented by Sum Up’, 'American Express presents BST Hyde Park' and the soon-to-be-opened London music venue the ‘British Airways Arc’.
Outside of work, Will is Chair of Trustees for a domestic violence charity. And he has been in the same rock band since his teens, still quite possibly the worst band in the UK.
Beth Smith
// VP Customer Success, Particular Audience
Beth is the VP of Client Success at Particular Audience, where she bridges the gap between client needs and product development. She manages global accounts and drives revenue through data excellence, ensuring optimisation strategies deliver measurable value. Currently, she is leading the company’s operational expansion into the UK and Europe, building the region from the ground up.
A retail veteran with 15 years of experience, including 10 in digital transformation, Beth previously spent six years at IKEA, holding the position of Head of Ecommerce for UK & IE.
Mark Pougatch
// Broadcaster, ITV Sport
Chris Mawdsley
// Head of Media Strategy, BBC
Karen Carney
// Broadcaster and Former Footballer
Stuart Smith
// Programme Editor - 2026 FIFA World Cup, ITV
I have worked in television production for almost 3 decades, and for ITV Sport for the past 25 years.
In this time I have covered 7 World Cups, 6 European Championships and 6 Rugby World Cups, as well as working on ITV's coverage of the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, the Six Nations and the Superbowl, amongst many other sporting events.
The highlights include working on the 2022 World Cup quarter-final between England and France, with 23 million viewers watching, as well as the finals of the Euros in 2020 & 2024, which both saw England reach the final. Hopefully Thomas Tuchel's side can lift the trophy in New York in July, and my working highlights aren't all matches that England lose.
Ben Brown
// Media Director, Allwyn
Ben is Media Director at Allwyn, responsible for the paid, owned, influencer and partnership media for the National Lottery and its family of games that raise over £32m per week for Good Causes. That's £50bn + since the Lottery began. Prior to this he was a media consultant to brands, platforms and agencies and, before that, a media agency lead at UK, EMEA and Global level. He lives in Wimbledon but doesn't play tennis.
Nina Hossain
// Journalist, ITN
Nina Hossain is an award-winning journalist with nearly 30 years of broadcasting experience.
Born in Huddersfield the Durham graduate started her career at ITV Border, before being hired by the BBC as a reporter and presenter at BBC London.
Nina moved to ITN in 2004 and now anchors the ITV Lunchtime News and News at Ten.
Her career has seen her present coverage of all the major news stories in that time, including the death of the Queen, the Queen’s funeral, and the King’s Coronation.
Since 2015 she has presented on every election overnight programme, and fronted special programmes and podcasts on a range of stories including politics, terror attacks, the Grenfell Tower fire, the pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine and the 2012 London Olympics.
Lucy West
// Head of News, ITV Granada Reports
Andrew Dagnell
// Director of News and Current Affairs, ITV
Andrew Dagnell was appointed Director of News and Current Affairs of ITV in January 2025. He oversees all national and regional news content and programming produced by the broadcaster, as well as its current affairs slate, including Tonight, Exposure, Peston and the Martin Lewis Money Show.
He was previously Editor of ITV Network News, where he had worked for 10 years steering coverage during the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Covid pandemic and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as exclusives and investigations including the Partygate investigation, exposes on social housing and the Post Office and the award-winning coverage of the riots on Capitol Hill.
Andrew began his career in broadcasting in breakfast TV. Before that he worked in regional and national newspapers.
Cree-Summer Haughton
// Digital Reporter, ITN
Cree-Summer is an award winning journalist and digital reporter for ITV News, specialising in investigations, social affairs, and human-interest storytelling. Originally from Birmingham, she entered journalism through an apprenticeship route at ITV Central and has since built a reputation for accessible, impactful reporting that connects traditional broadcast journalism with new digital audiences.
Her work focuses on under-reported stories, including unregulated cosmetic procedures, youth culture, and social justice issues. Cree-Summer regularly produces and presents original content across television and social platforms. Alongside her broadcast work, she creates explanatory and investigative journalism for TikTok, where she engages younger audiences with news in a clear and relatable way.
Sally West
// Performance Marketing Lead, De'Longhi Group
As Performance Marketing Lead at De'Longhi UK, Sally is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of brand and performance media across platforms, managing agencies and acting as subject matter expert across retailer media. She brings a blend of agency-side and brand side experience from global giant Vodafone.
Bethan Harris
// Shopper Marketing Executive, De'Longhi Group
As Shopper Marketing Executive at the De'Longhi Group, Beth is responsible for the retail marketing execution and brand presence for the De'Longhi, Kenwood, and Braun brands across major UK retailers, driving commercial growth through targeted retail activations.
Drew Mark
// Senior Agency Partner, Tesco Media
Drew Mark is a Senior Agency Partner at Tesco Media, leading the Omnicom partnership. He specialises in data-led media strategy and identity-based activation, leveraging Tesco’s unique closed-loop measurement to bridge the gap between digital engagement and real-world retail outcomes.
James Cross
// Founder and CCO, Meanwhile
James Cross is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Meanwhile in Manchester, which was recently named Campaign’s Start-Up Agency of the Year.
Previously, he was Creative Director of BBC Creative, where together with partner Tim Jones (also a founder of Meanwhile) won a BAFTA for the corporation’s Tokyo Olympics campaign, along with over 200 creative and effectiveness awards in their 5-year stint.
Previous to this James has worked at several McCann Worldgroup offices, independent agencies, and has even written several screenplays, including Bat Shit with Romesh Ranganathan and Rich Hall, and the award-winning documentary, Pot Of Gold.
Simon Gregory
// Chief Strategy Officer, Meanwhile
Born in Liverpool, grew up with archaeology, living in Brand Strategy.
From Direct Marketing to Digital to Integrated comms I've played with Meerkats and led O2 (VCCP), spent a decade with Tesco, Barclays and Paddy Power as CSO of BBH London and Ireland, and am currently loving being back up North with Meanwhile on tombola, Chester Zoo and Netflix.
Bez from the Happy Mondays
// Dancer, Meanwhile
Mark Berry, better known as Bez, is an English dancer and DJ. He was a member of the rock bands Happy Mondays and Black Grape.
Hannah Brotherton
// Head of Brand & Demand Generation, tombola
Head of Brand & Demand Generation with a range of experience in the D2C space. Skilled in brand building, brand and digital strategy, media buying, cross channel marketing and social media. Strong marketing professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Film and The Visual Arts from University of Leicester.
David Hamilton
// Category Controller, Benecol
David Hamilton is a Category Controller at Benecol, part of the Raisio Group. He brings over 20 years of FMCG experience, having worked across both retailer and brand environments, with deep expertise in Category Management, Trade and Shopper Marketing. David is passionate about shopper marketing and leads the Category & Shopper team at Benecol, combining data-driven shopper insights with impactful retailer activations to drive in-store and online conversion, delivering a measurable ROI.
Gill Huber
// Managing Director, Ingenuity+
Gill is a proven connector in the marketing world, with a career built on leadership roles across media, communications, and marketing. As Managing Director of Ingenuity+, Gill supports senior marketing leaders optimise their operating models and forge high-performing agency partnerships. Her recent partners include the Financial Times, Bupa, Aviva, Honda, and Center Parcs.
With a background that includes leading Oystercatchers and serving as Chief Client Officer at Posterscope, Gill brings a holistic view of the industry from both the agency and intermediary perspectives.
She is a proud member of WACL, sits on the MSc Strategic Marketing Advisory Board at Imperial College Business School, and is a dedicated supporter of NABS, where she Co-Chairs the Stranger Than Summer Committee.
Zoë Lister
// Voiceover Artist, Zoë Lister (with Supersonic)
Zoë Lister is an accomplished voiceover artist, best known as the voice behind the global viral sensation Jet2 Holidays adverts. Beyond the booth, Zoe is an experienced presenter and host, having interviewed literary heavyweights such as Nick Hornby and Bella Mackie, as well as fronting regular content for the Dawkes Music YouTube Channel. Zoë is also a seasoned actor and writer. She played the long-running role of Zoe Carpenter in Hollyoaks (2006–2010), before transitioning behind the scenes to write over 50 episodes of the series. Her screenwriting credits extend across a range of high-profile children’s and teen dramas including The Worst Witch (CBBC/Netflix), Free Rein (Netflix), The Lodge (Disney), The Dumping Ground (CBBC), and Zero Chill (Netflix). These days, Zoe divides her time between content creation, festival appearances, and delighting live audiences with her now-iconic delivery of “Nothing Beats a Jet2 Holiday!”, living proof that some lines really do become part of the cultural lexicon. Zoe was most recently awarded with a British Icon of the Year Award from Quality Street 2025...
Simon Hofmeister
// Head of Fashion & Sports, Commerce, TikTok
Simon has over 15 years' digital advertising industry experience working network, brand and platform side. He began his career at AWin working with top-tier retail and telco brands before moving to ASOS to head up partnerships and later paid media globally, followed by a move to TikTok in 2022 where he currently heads up the Fashion & Sports Commerce team.
Candace Chau
// Brand Manager, MPM Products USA
Candace Chau is a Brand Manager with MPM Products, focused on helping Reveal, a fast-growing pet food brand in the US, build brand awareness and drive activation throughout the funnel. With a background in consumer goods, D2C, and subscription services, she specializes in digital engagement and transformation, from website rebuilds to influencer marketing.
Paul Dahill
// Managing Director, Sales, Koddi
A passionate Retail Media advocate with over 15 years in commerce media, Paul Dahill leads EMEA Sales for Koddi. Starting his career at Amazon, Paul went on to head EMEA commercial operations for the Retail Media startup HookLogic, where he played a key role in its $250 million acquisition. Known for his deep technical and strategic expertise, Paul brings a comprehensive perspective to the evolving Retail Media landscape.
Andrew Mullins
// Brand Impact Director, JCDecaux
Andrew Mullins has been with JCDecaux for 10 years and is the Brand Impact Director of the company's award-winning Brand Impact team. He leads a talented group of Project Managers in delivering bespoke outdoor advertising campaigns across JCDecaux's diverse portfolios, including Retail, Rail, Roadside, and Airport environments. Andrew has collaborated closely with a large number of brands and media agencies to deliver impactful creative campaigns for JCDecaux over the last 10 years. Prior to his time at JCDecaux, Andrew spent eight years at ITV, where he managed digital campaigns for major sponsorships such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Richard Roycroft
// Senior Programmatic Manager, StackAdapt
Richard Roycroft has worked through multiple waves of change across the region’s media landscape. After leading commercial and digital teams at Reach PLC in Manchester, he moved into the world of programmatic with StackAdapt, a leading demand-side platform.
Today, as a Senior Programmatic Manager at StackAdapt, Richard partners with some of the region’s top independent agencies and brands, helping them drive growth and performance across every major programmatic channel.
Adam Biddle
// CEO, GH05T
Adam Biddle is the CEO and co-founder of GH05T, a London-based social media and content agency. He has worked in social media for over 18 years, including founding the first social agency for celebrities and holding senior leadership roles at theAudience (WME x Sean Parker) and VICE Media Group.
Adam leads a broad portfolio of global brands, sporting institutions, CEOs and cultural figures, helping them use social and content as strategic tools for growth, influence and engagement.
Elliott Smith
// Social Media Lead, THG Nutrition, Myprotein
Currently the Social Lead for THG Nutrition, I oversee the organic social teams across global markets for Myprotein, MP Activewear and MyVitamins. I have spent most of the last decade working in Social Media for Award Winning Agencies and Global Brands across FMCG, Retail, Gaming, Sports, Fashion and Tech including JD Sports, PLT and with clients such as LG, KFC and more.
Eni Shabani
// Founder, Rising Ballers Group
Eni Shabani is Founder and Director at Rising Ballers Group, the fastest growing football media brand in the game partnering with like-minded global brands on award-winning campaigns.
A passionate and purpose-led entrepreneur, Eni founded Rising Ballers to combat the lack of support and representation young and aspiring football players had. Originally working as a private equity consultant, Eni saw how disheartened his brother Brendon felt while playing at academy level and wanted to do something to help change that. Recognising a gap in the digital market for a community platform that would speak directly to grassroots football fans, Eni set about building a network to shine a light on young ballers. Fast forward to now, Rising Ballers Group is a fully-fledged football media brand and cultural impact studio on a mission to create culture and opportunity within football for the next wave – Eni’s impact spans far and wide.
The Rising Ballers network, inclusive of women's football brand, She's A Baller, has one of the most engaged, authentic communities out there boasting a following of 15M+ and impressive repertoire of brands partnered with. From activating successful campaigns and projects with the likes of Adidas, PlayStation and Premier League to running grassroots talent-finding tournaments up and down the country, the RB network educates and entertains communities while keeping young representation at its core.
Megan Lilley
// Head of International Client Services, StackAdapt
Megan Lilley is the Head of International Services at StackAdapt, where she leads the global Client Services organization. Based in London, she provides strategic oversight across international markets, ensuring customer needs, experience, and long-term value are closely aligned with StackAdapt’s global growth initiatives.
Prior to joining StackAdapt, Megan held senior leadership roles at Index Exchange, Sojern, and Amazon Ads, bringing deep expertise in scaling teams, driving operational excellence, and building strong customer partnerships across complex, global organizations.
Ashley Goldie
// Senior Media & Content Director, Rexona/Sure
Ashley Goldie, at Unilever, leads media planning and brand activations across the UK & Ireland for globally recognised Personal Care brands including Rexona/ Sure, Dove, Dove Men+Care, Lynx, Simple and Vaseline. She has a proven track record of building innovative, creative campaigns that connect brands with people and deliver meaningful impact.
Claire Hoyle
// Head of Marketing, Birds Eye UK Ltd
As Head of Marketing for Goodfella’s and Aunt Bessie’s across the UK & Ireland, I play a key leadership role within the Nomad Foods UK&I Marketing Leadership Team. I lead the development and execution of consumer‑led marketing strategies for two of the nation’s most loved brands, while owning full P&L responsibility and guiding a high‑performing team.
I oversee brand investment, annual marketing plans, and three‑year growth strategies—bringing commercial rigour, creativity, and a passion for building brands that resonate. A lifelong food lover and champion of insight‑driven marketing, I am dedicated to delivering meaningful growth and memorable brand experiences.
Josh Boydell-Smith
// Head of Brand and Marketing, We Love Cake / Bells of Lazonby
Josh is Head of Brand and Marketing at Bells of Lazonby, a family-owned bakery on the edge of the Lake District. Josh leads the development of the disruptive Free From brand 'We Love Cake'. 'We Love Cake' has rapidly become the second largest Free From Sweet Bakery brand in the UK and worth over £10M in-market. Utilizing disruptive marketing strategies, Josh specializes in making challenger brands grow fast.
Josh started his career at Kellogg’s, working his way from customer services to the marketing department, developing marketing plans for some of the UK's largest food brands.
Nick Drewe
// Strategic Insight Manager, JCDecaux
Nick Drewe works across research strategy to strengthen how the Out-of-Home industry understands effectiveness - from creative and optimisation to planning, evaluation and thought leadership. A regular speaker, Nick was named AdWanted's Rising Star 2025, and has played a key role in multiple award-winning projects in innovation and campaign measurement. His focus is on making research more robust, nuanced, and actionable in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Kymberley Thomson
// Senior Social Media and Community Manager, Primark
Kymberley Thomson is Senior Global Social Media & Community Manager at Primark, leading the brand’s global social strategy for over four years. With 16+ years’ experience across fashion and retail, including ASOS, F&F at Tesco and River Island, Kym is a community-first, culture-led social leader known for building brands, scaling teams and turning social into real commercial impact. She’s also a regular industry speaker, sharing how social can drive fame, trust and business growth.
Eve Young
// Associate Creative Director, SocialChain
Deb Caldow (Ralls)
// Marketing Director, Guinness
Deb Caldow (Ralls) is Guinness Marketing Director, responsible for continuing to grow one of the world’s most distinctive and iconic beer brands. Now the #1 beer and non-alcoholic beer in GB, her team are focussed on delivering continued momentum.
Prior to this role, Deb led Diageo’s Breakthrough Innovation agenda, building future-facing pipelines that create value for consumers, brands and the business.
Before joining Diageo, she was Global Brand, Sustainability and Sponsorship Director at Costa Coffee, where she was part of the leadership team during the brand’s $5bn acquisition by The Coca-Cola Company. During her tenure, she led expansion into new markets, channels and formats—doubling the business while setting a path to halve the brand’s carbon impact.
Earlier in her career, Deb spent seven years at Diageo building Gordon’s and Baileys in the UK, alongside roles at Arcadia Group, Accenture and Britvic. Passionate about sustainable brand growth, her leadership purpose is to lift others as we all climb.
Mike Pearson
// Head of Creative and Promotions, Europe, Wayfair
Mike Pearson is Head of Creative and Promotions for Europe at Wayfair, where he leads work across channels, funnel stages and every other buzzword you can imagine.
Originally from South Africa, Mike’s career has taken him from Europe’s top agencies to launching a new ad agency in Shanghai, working across Africa, Asia and Europe for brands like Coca-Cola, Nike, Huawei, Nestlé, Alibaba, Oppo and Shangri-La Hotels - picking up accolades for creativity and effectiveness along the way.
Highlights include collaborating with Jamie Foxx to shake up the brandy category in Africa, creating the campaign that finally banned the ivory trade being in Hong Kong, and launching Coca-Cola's first ever multi-generational mobile games to mark their Lunar New Year campaign in China.
Mike is obsessed with making work that actually matters, building brands people care about, and of course working on amazing OOH advertising.
Leigh Herbert
// Managing Director, Republic of Media
Leigh Herbert is Managing Director of Republic of Media, an award-winning independent media planning and buying agency and part of The Freethinking Group. With over 18 years’ experience working across retail, financial services, public sector and challenger brands, Leigh specialises in helping organisations connect media investment more directly to commercial outcomes, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery. He has played a central role in shaping Republic of Media’s growth as an independent agency, championing a “freethinking” culture that empowers teams to challenge convention, think entrepreneurially and deliver smarter solutions for clients. As an advocate for employee ownership and people-first leadership, he believes the strongest agencies are built on trust, curiosity and a genuine desire to make a difference for both clients and colleagues.
Dom Dwight
// Former Marketing Leader, Yorkshire Tea
Mary Keane-Dawson
// Chair, BIMA
Sharon Furey
// Head of Investment, Sky Media
As Head of Investment at Sky Media Manchester, Sharon is responsible for working with media agencies and their clients to deliver advertising solutions across Sky’s full range of platforms, products and propositions. Having joined Sky more than 20 years ago, she has seen huge change and development from the days of Sky+, to harnessing Sky’s huge tech and data opportunities to drive effective advertising strategies.
Sam Dolan
// Founder, Jazz Hands (Yorkshire) Ltd
Sam is the Owner and Founder of Jazz Hands (Yorkshire) Limited, a one-woman brand strategy agency built on the belief that if no two people are the same, no two brands should be either.
Jazz Hands takes a refreshingly individual approach to every problem or opportunity — no templates, no copy-and-paste thinking, just thoughtful strategy designed to fit the human behind the brand. Sam works directly with every client, bringing clarity, creativity, and a healthy dose of honesty to the process.
Doing the right thing — even when it’s difficult — sits at the heart of everything Sam does, fuelled by Northern grit and a no-nonsense mindset. She’s passionate about building iconic brands with confidence, personality, and purpose — the kind that feel unmistakably themselves.
Working with Sam is rarely dull. Buckle up, it’s always a fun ride. Because what’s life without a smile?
Colin Horan
// Strategic Partner, FMCG, Bauer Media Outdoor
Colin has over 15 years’ experience in the Out of Home industry, with the past decade spent at Bauer Media Outdoor, where he currently leads the FMCG category. He works closely with many of the UK’s biggest FMCG brands, helping them build strong, effective brand strategies through OOH. Colin is also closely involved in shaping Bauer Media Outdoor’s commercial strategy, ensuring it continues to evolve in line with this fast-moving category. He believes the ongoing transformation of OOH makes it one of the most exciting and creative channels available to brands today.
Robert Smart
// Retail and CPG Lead, LiveRamp
Rob Smart leads the Retail and CPG commercial division at LiveRamp, bringing more than 15 years of experience across market insights and martech. He possesses a unique perspective on how diverse industries translate complex data into actionable growth. In an increasingly attention-deficit market, the most successful brands are those that use data not just for efficiency, but to create more relevant and useful customer experiences.
Outside of the commercial world, Rob is a keen gym-goer, an average cook, and an occasional musician who balances his analytical side with a healthy appreciation for a good pun.
Dominic Adams
// Food, eCommerce and Membership Marketing - Senior Manager, Co-op
Dominic Adams is Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Co-op, with over 10 years of experience in eCommerce, CRM, and digital marketing. Throughout his career, Dominic has specialised in driving measurable growth across digital channels, optimising customer journeys, and building performance‑driven marketing strategies that balance creativity with commercial impact across UK retail.
Charlotte Goodsir
// IMC Marketing Manager, TikTok
Simon Atherley
// Head of Marketing Effectiveness Practice, Kantar
Si Atherley is Kantar's Head of Marketing Effectiveness for the UK. He is responsible for connecting Kantar's expertise and data across a wide range of effectiveness topics to help define best practice.
He joined Kantar in 2010 and since then has been leading large effectiveness measurement programmes for the likes of Heineken, Kellogg's, and Unilever.
Si has close insight into the effectiveness research that sits behind award winning campaigns from leading Kantar’s creative development research into Cadbury’s award winning ‘glass and a half in everyone’ campaign.
Si also leads Kantar’s partnerships to progress industry’s understanding of effectiveness topics through new studies and analysis working closely with major platforms and industry bodies.
Dan Fanshawe
// Senior Client Director, Kantar
Louisa O’Connor
// Managing Director, Seen Presents
As The Drum’s Leader of the Year, and MD of multi award-winning brand experience agency, Seen Presents; Louisa has over 20 years of experience running project and production teams around the world and growing accounts with the most iconic brands, including Amazon, TikTok and Netflix. Her sweet spot is working with intangible brands and creating tangible experiences for them across B2B and B2C ensuring that audiences genuinely feel something at every event.
Kee Hong Low
// Creative Director, Factory International
Alastair Turner
// Managing Director, EI8HT / Aviva Studios
Al Turner is Managing Director of EI8HT PR & Marketing, a specialist research, marketing and creative agency specialising in the event and experience industry. He has over 20 years’ experience in PR, working closely with consumer trend agencies, trade associations as well as international government.
Al is also the author and presenter of the ibtm World Trends Report, the most comprehensive trends report in the global events and experience industry, and has presented its findings and predictions in four continents. His insight into the Virtual Experience Economy has changed the way the industry is looking at the next decade, and its understanding of AI, metaverse, technology, ethics, security and sustainability trends.
He is a regular speaker on events at a number of universities including The University of Hertfordshire, MMU (Manchester), Westminster, Greenwich, Sheffield, Birmingham University College, Coventry, and St Margrets (Edinburgh). He is also a regular contributor to The Events Academy educational programmes.
Kenyatte Nelson
// Chief Membership & Customer Officer, Co-op
As Co-op Chief Membership & Customer Officer, Kenyatte is responsible for driving the growth agenda, pan Co-op, via the creation and communication of compelling member and customer propositions that deliver profitable membership growth.
He is responsible for Marketing & Communications, Membership & CRM, Partnerships and Community Engagement.
Prior to joining Co-op, Kenyatte spent time at NBrown, Missguided and The Very Group where he held Exec and Operating Board roles as Chief Marketing and Customer Officer and is a Non Executive Director of the British Retail Consortium.
Before moving to the UK, he spent 16 years at Procter & Gamble in various general management roles across the Americas and EMEA.
Hayley Sivner
// Head of Strategy, TBWA\MCR
Hi, I’m Hayley – a multidisciplinary, award-winning and effectiveness-fuelled brand strategist, experienced in defining and building the UK’s most loved brands.
I’m passionate about the transformative potential of when brands, technology and behaviours collide, and proudest of work that leaves a positive dent in popular culture.
As Head of Strategy at TBWA\MCR, I’m tasked with asking the right questions in order to build disruptive brand and communications strategies that drive an unfair advantage for my clients; getting under the skin of categories as diverse as theme parks to fine jewellery.
In doing so, I’ve picked up IPA Effectiveness, Effie’s, Marketing Society and Cannes Lions awards along the way.
Always in search of problems that need untangling, the work I’m most proud of is still ahead.
Jessica Wrightson
// Senior Brand Partnerships Lead, Quantcast
Jess has spent nine years at Quantcast focused on commercial strategy for its self-serve platform, working across the Big Six agency groups and now partnering directly with brands to grow strategic relationships.
Jess is passionate about cutting through the complexity of digital marketing- translating data & technology into clear, practical strategies that help brands make smarter decisions and achieve their business goals with confidence.
Outside of work, you will find her at the gym or running around the park, enjoying the fresh air with her two young daughters.
Simon Michaelides
// Director General, ISBA
Andrew Garrihy
// Interim CMO, Advisor & Executive Coach, The CMO Coach
Andrew Garrihy spent a decade inside China's biggest tech companies as they tried to conquer the world. As Chief Brand Officer at Huawei Consumer Business, he led marketing across 170+ countries, taking the brand from #7 to #1 in Spain, Italy and Portugal and achieving a 22% premium tier share in the UK within three months. At DiDi, he launched three new markets and hit 30% market share in 30 days.
Most Western marketers have only ever competed against Chinese companies. Andrew has competed as one. He's seen both operating systems from the inside: the speed, the chaos, the radical difference in how decisions get made, brands get built and markets get won.
Before his years in Chinese tech, Andrew held senior marketing roles at Samsung, Vodafone and Qualcomm. He was a WFA Global Marketer of the Year finalist.
Today, Andrew helps companies fix international marketing when it's stalled or broken, working as a fractional CMO and advisor. He also coaches senior marketing leaders through the career transitions that break most people, through his practice The CMO Coach and as part of The Marketing Academy's portfolio of executive coaches. He hosts The International Marketing Leader podcast, featuring conversations with exceptional leaders navigating international complexity.
His MadFest North keynote draws on his rare insider perspective to answer a question every Western CMO needs to be asking: what can you learn from the companies that are about to eat your lunch?
Mark Evans
// Co-Founder, The Climb Institute
Client side marketing for 25 years, now enjoying a fruit salad portfolio career across advisory, NED, trustee, advisory, podcasting and much more.
Mark Agnew
// Keynote Speaker, Adventure Agnew
Mark Agnew builds resilient teams that view change and growth as an exciting challenge, not just an obstacle to overcome.
Mark and his teammates made history when they kayaked through the entire Arctic Northwest Passage. The 103-day adventure was packed with polar bears and near-death experiences. Their success earned Mark two World First Records—the title European Adventurer of the Year and Endurance Asia Feat of the Year.
He was made a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and named a Top Explorer by the World Explorer Collective, not to mention his best-selling book of the expedition—There Will Be Headwinds.
One day of the expedition went viral. As Mark lay in his sleeping bag, he was woken by a deep guttural growl. The chaos that followed is the basis of his Find Your Polar Bear framework, to thrive though change.
Lisa Morton
// Founder and CEO, Roland Dransfield
Lydia Robinson
// Retail Media Commercial Partnerships Manager, John Lewis & Partners
Lydia is responsible for the commercial partnerships that underpin the John Lewis Insights & Media business. She’s passionate about ‘bringing the outside in’, forging and sustaining brilliant partnerships with the agencies and vendors that will help us go further together.
Outside of work, she’s a proud Yorkshirewoman, a terrible but persistent tennis player, an avid runner, and a passionate dog aunty (yellow lab - 9 months - pictures given willingly on demand).
Lou Humpage
// Brand Strategy & Planning Lead, Skipton Building Society
As Brand Lead at Skipton Building Society, Louisa has spent the past three years pushing the brand to think bigger, be braver, and use data to make smarter, sharper decisions. She leads the strategy behind Skipton’s brand advertising, driving a more confident media approach, reshaping audience segmentation, and fronting award winning partnerships like Make Your Move with Channel 4 and Mail Metro Group.
A big focus has been helping Skipton pivot to include a younger audience, identifying the need to evolve who the brand speaks to and ensuring the advertising genuinely reflects this shift, from channel choices to creative context.
Most recently, she led Skipton’s media agency review, bringing a commercially minded, challenger mentality to ensure the Society is working with partners who match its ambition.
A planner by trade, Louisa spent 12 years agency side before joining Skipton, working across a varied mix of clients and learning the art of brilliant media planning up close, balancing creativity with commercial sense and always fighting for work that actually moves the needle.
Jill Scott
// Former England footballer and broadcaster, Crowd Network
Jill Scott MBE, born in Sunderland, England, is a celebrated former professional footballer renowned for her commanding midfield presence and significant contributions to women's football.
Jill is the second most capped England player with 161 appearances for the England national team, making her one of the select few Lionesses to reach such a milestone. She represented England in ten major tournaments and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 on home soil. Jill also represented Great Britain at the 2012 and 2020 Olympic Games.
After announcing her retirement from professional football in 2022, Jill transitioned seamlessly into a number of new ventures. Jill participated in and won the 2022 edition of "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" Additionally, she serves as blue team captain on Sky's "A League of Their Own" and is part of the regular ‘Stick to Football’ panel for The Overlap alongside Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher.
Jill also co-hosts her own successful podcast, Long Story Short, with her great friend Karen Carney.
Lisa Goodchild
// Chief Trouble Maker, Digilearning
Lisa Goodchild is an entrepreneur and founder with over 20 years’ experience in the digital and creative industries. She is the founder of Digilearning, a UK charity focused on social mobility, digital education and early-career access, and Digiwoo, a digital consultancy working with brands and platforms globally.
Through Digilearning, Lisa works to remove systemic barriers facing young people from under-resourced backgrounds, providing access to skills, mentors, networks and real-world career opportunities. Her work brings industry and education together through practical training, live experiences and partnerships with leading businesses, festivals and institutions.
Lisa is the co-creator of Social Mobility Month, a national campaign uniting organisations across the UK to rethink the future talent pipeline and create fairer access to opportunity. She is also leading the development of an innovative career-lifestyle platform and game that combines AI-powered coaching, gamified learning and community to support young people into meaningful work.
Known for her energy, authenticity and ability to turn ideas into action, Lisa is passionate about building ecosystems where potential is recognised early and opportunity is not determined by background.
Lianre Robinson
// CEO, The Marketing Academy Foundation
Lianre is CEO at The Marketing Academy Foundation - a charity that enables career starts in marketing for young talent from disadvantaged backgrounds. An award-winning digital marketer, with 20+ years' experience across global companies like LADbible, Livity and Jack Morton Worldwide.
She is passionate about the intersection of technology, culture, and communities, and their impact on brands. Most recently as GM EMEA at 1021 Creative, a global cultural curation studio; as CEO of Codec, a cultural intelligence platform; and as an advisor to various industry start-ups and scale-ups.
She is the Exec Chair of Campaigning for leading industry organisation WACL (Women Advertising & Communications Leadership) whose mission is to accelerate gender equality in our industry, and a proud mentor for the She Says ‘Who’s Your Momma’ program.
Matt Richards
// Olympic Swimmer
Charlotte Henshaw
// Elite Athlete, PaddleUK/ParalympicsGB
Charlotte Henshaw MBE is one of the world’s leading Paracanoe athletes and 5 x Paralympian across two different sports.
She is an 11 x Paracanoe World Champion & won 3 golds at the Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Charlotte began her sporting journey as a Para swimmer – representing Great Britain for over a decade – during which time she competed at 2 Paralympic Games, winning silver at London 2012 and bronze at the Rio 2016 games respectively.
Charlotte been an athlete mentor working with athletes at the start of their journey to untap their potential using a holistic approach. She has also been a member of the British Paralympic Association’s Athlete Commission for 8 years.
Off the water, Charlotte is passionate about disability inclusion and empowerment and promoting the Paralympic movement and the huge impact it can have on society. After a 2020 diagnosis of endometriosis, she is also a keen advocate for women’s health issues, working with charities to ensure that the conversation around women’s health issues continues to be at the forefront of the sporting world and beyond. She is also motivated to improve the profile of smaller sports which don’t necessarily get the coverage afforded to others.
Charlotte was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Years Honours list for Services to Canoeing.
Shaunagh Brown
// Brand Partnerships consultant, Crowd Network
Shaunagh Brown is a former England international and Harlequins Women player whose route to elite sport was anything but ordinary. Before rugby, she represented England in hammer throw at the Commonwealth Games, worked as a gas engineer, qualified as a commercial diver and served as a firefighter in Kent. High performance has always been part of the story, just rarely in a straight line.
Since retiring from professional rugby, Shaunagh has become a sought after keynote speaker, host and commentator, known for blending sharp insight with warmth, humour and lived experience. She speaks on leadership, resilience, inclusion and the power of difference, challenging audiences to rethink what high performance really looks like.
As a host, she brings straight talking curiosity and the confidence to ask the questions others skirt around. Honest, refreshing and brilliantly entertaining, Shaunagh creates conversations that feel human, unscripted and genuinely memorable.
Ella Toone
// Manchester United & Lionness Footballer
Gary Neville
// Broadcaster and Co-chair, The Overlap
Sarah Ray
// Commercial Podcast Director, Global
Sarah Ray is Commercial Podcast Director at Global, one of the world’s leading Media and Entertainment groups.
On-air, on Global Player and Outdoor through these platforms combined Global entertain and reaches 51 million individuals every week. Global’s DAX (Digital Ad Exchange) provides advertisers with access to over 130 million people listening to music streaming services, digital radio, and podcasts around the world.
Sarah is responsible for driving and overseeing commercial opportunities across Global’s podcast and visualised podcast output. Working with specialist podcast partnership and agency teams, she connects advertisers with Global Studios’ growing slate, spanning Global originals and owned titles like The News Agents and Live and Let Dyers, shows from our radio brands including LBC’s Full Disclosure and Radio X’s The Kickabout with Johnny Vaughan, and exclusive hits like LuAnna and My Therapist Ghosted Me. As Global’s podcast business has evolved, Sarah’s role now also includes working with commercial partnerships across our video-led production partners, The Fellas Studios and The Overlap, helping brands tap into Gen Z attention, sports and culture moments, and the power of community-led content at scale.
Prior to this, Sarah worked at the BBC as Commercial, Rights and Business Affairs Manager where she was responsible for all commercial deals around their radio, music and podcast content. This included advertising in BBC podcasts ex-UK, publishing and audiobook deals, content licensing, live events, and TV options from podcast IP.
Before working at the BBC, Sarah spent 10 years at Channel 4 working with production companies and talent agents to negotiate partnerships for advertisers which involved programme content and C4 talent. This included product placement, programme podcasts, branded social content and programme themed advertising breaks. Sarah began her media career at the Financial Times where she worked as online advertising and events manager.
Joe Copeman
// Commercial Director, Global
Joe Copeman has joined Global as Director, Commercial, Global Studios, to accelerate the growth and future success of Global Studios. With over a decade shaping the international audio and podcast market, he brings a strong track record of building high-performing teams and scaling innovative media businesses.
Before joining Global, Joe played a pivotal role in launching Acast’s UK operation in 2014, growing it from an early-stage start-up into the world’s largest independent podcast company. During his time there, he held senior leadership positions including Managing Director UK/IE/INT and most recently SVP Advertising, helping establish podcasting as a strategic channel for brands and agencies worldwide.
Prior to Acast, Joe held creative sales and leadership roles at major media organisations including Sky, Pearl & Dean, ITV building deep expertise in cross-media sales, commercial strategy, and client partnerships.
Joe joined Global Studios because of Global’s bold, future-facing strategy, championing video-first IP and investing in culturally relevant creators through acquisitions such as The Fellas Studios and The Overlap.
Imogen Tazzyman
// Executive Creative Director, McCANN
Scott Perry
// Chief Marketing Officer, Fox's Burton's Company
James Wallingford
// Head of Innovation, AVANTGARDE
Steve Edwards
// Tesco Media, Head of Agency
Dianne Bourne
// Lifestyle Editor, Manchester Evening News
Becky Martin
// Marketing Manager UK EMEA, MPM Products Ltd
A lifelong cat lover, Becky brings her passion for pet wellbeing into everything she does. With a deep interest and knowledge in cat nutrition and behaviour, she’s found her dream role as Marketing Manager at MPM Products Ltd, home to Applaws, Reveal, and Encore. Becky leads brand and retail activation across global markets, driving visibility, impact, and growth in a fast paced, fast expanding category. She champions bold, brand experiences that emotionally connect pet owners with the brands. Her work turns insight into action, transforming strategy into clear, compelling activation that delivers standout presence across major UK, European, and Australian retailers. At her core, Becky believes great pet food should enrich the lives of pets and the people who love them.
Kevin Borrett
// Retail Marketing Planner – EuroMillions, Allwyn: Operator of the National Lottery
Over 25 years of sales, retail, coaching and execution experience. Currently working as Retail Marketing Manager on EuroMillions execution for Allwyn – Operator of The National Lottery - across 44,000 retailers and different customer types from large Grocery retailers to independent outlets with semi-perm POS and Digital Media, also working on projects such as “Share The Win, Share the Fun” where we reward individual retailers if a player wins big. Also knowing what we do and achieve at Allwyn, that money goes back into Good Causes, with both National and local community projects is a hugely rewarding. Last year we gave over £2.5bn to good causes up and down the country.
Previously working at Coca-Cola for nearly 20 years across Field Sales, National Sales, Coaching, Commercial Operations and Training with the shopper, retailer and execution at the heart.
Outside of work life I am an FA qualified football coach for over 30 years working with children and adult teams at grassroots and semi-pro levels
John Keane
// Founder Media Strategy Director, BBJ&K
John Keane is Co-founder and Media Strategy Director of BBJ&K, an independent media planning and buying agency headquartered in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Built on the belief that great media starts with genuine audience understanding, BBJ&K has grown from a two-person start-up into a multi-disciplinary team delivering award-winning, data-led campaigns for regional, national and international brands.
With a career spanning more than three decades, John has witnessed – and relished – the evolution of media from traditional channels such as press and out-of-home, where he learnt his craft, to today’s complex, connected ecosystem. He is known for combining strategic rigour with commercial clarity, ensuring clients not only reach the right audiences but achieve measurable business outcomes.
A passionate advocate for independent thinking, John has championed BBJ&K’s investment in technology, insight and AI-enabled planning to create smarter, more accountable media strategies. His leadership style centres on long-term partnerships, talent development and a culture that challenges convention while remaining results-focused.
Deeply committed to the growth of the UK’s creative and media landscape, particularly in the regions and the West Midlands, John works closely with industry bodies, media owners and emerging talent to help drive progress.
Outside of work, he is an investor and outdoor enthusiast, most often found exploring the British countryside with his dogs.
Leighton Steggles
// Shopper Activation Manager – Nestlé Coffee, Nestlé
Leighton is an award-winning commercial and shopper marketing professional with a proven track record of building brands, elevating shopper activation, and driving meaningful commercial impact across the UK FMCG landscape. With nearly two decades of experience across major categories—including beer, snacking, cereals and coffee—Leighton has developed a reputation for combining strategic thinking with a deep understanding of shopper behaviour and retailer dynamics.
Having progressed through national account management and commercial leadership roles, Leighton now plays a key part in shaping shopper activation for Nestlé, delivering campaigns that not only drive performance but strengthen long-term retailer partnerships. Known for his creative and solution thinking mindset, relationship-building and one-team mentality, he brings energy, clarity and collaboration to every project.
Leighton is passionate about purposeful work, having contributed to initiatives such as FareShare’s 1-million-meal donation and Coop’s Nestlé Milk Plan Campaign. Looking ahead, he aims to broaden his scope across Nestlé’s divisions, with a particular focus on people development and cross-functional impact.
Outside of work, Leighton is driven by family, travel, charity involvement, golf, and the principle of always being the best version of yourself.
Chris Noice
// Communications Director, Association of Convenience Stores
Chris has over 15 years of experience representing the convenience sector, having joined ACS in 2009. As Communications Director, Chris is responsible for all ACS external and internal communications, media relations, a wide-ranging research portfolio which includes the industry leading Local Shop Report, and ACS' Assured Advice partnership with Surrey and Buckinghamshire Trading Standards. Chris is an official spokesperson for ACS, appearing frequently in print, on national television and radio, to make the case for local shops to external audiences.
Jess Fitzpatrick
// Director, Breaking Ads Agency
Director and founder
Rebecca Fry
// Managing Partner, Growth, Flywheel
Since joining Omnicom Media UK in 2021, Rebecca has driven the growth and diversification of its commerce proposition. After establishing the DTC and Social Commerce teams, her focus now spans commerce and retail as UK Head of Growth for Flywheel, across eRetail, in-store retail, Amazon, DTC and TikTok Shop.
Reflecting the consumer shift towards omnichannel shopping missions, her work is underpinned by the development of connected commerce strategies that reach shoppers in relevant, engaging and creative ways.
Prior to joining Omnicom, Rebecca worked client-side, leading a commercial and commerce team within FMCG.
Jessica Doulton
// Managing Partner, Retail Media, Flywheel
Jessica leads the UK Retail Media teams at Flywheel within Omnicom Media, where she has established market-leading partnerships with key organisations including dunnhumby, Nectar, Amazon and Criteo.
With a decade of experience in retail media, Jessica has worked with a broad portfolio of leading brands such as Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Diageo and Pernod Ricard, helping them navigate and scale within an increasingly complex commerce landscape.
Passionate about driving industry best practice, Jessica set up the ISBA Retail Media Steering Committee, leading industry-wide conversations on responsible retail media investment across brands, retailers and technology platforms. She also played a key role in developing the published Responsible Retail Media Framework.
Will Dowdy
// Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships, AEG Presents
Will has nearly 30 years’ experience securing brand partnerships across entertainment, media and sports. He joined AEG, one of the world’s largest entertainment companies, in 2014, leading the brand partnerships division responsible for selling and delivering the sponsorships for AEG Presents in Europe: 8 major festivals, 3 music series, 5 entertainment venues and hundreds of artist tours.
His Global Partnerships team deliver over 100 separate sponsorships a year, across all brand categories. Specialising in naming rights and presenting partnerships, recent deals include 'Uber presents All Points East', 'Eden Sessions presented by Volvo', 'Brits Week delivered by DHL', ‘LIDO presented by Sum Up’, 'American Express presents BST Hyde Park' and the soon-to-be-opened London music venue the ‘British Airways Arc’.
Outside of work, Will is Chair of Trustees for a domestic violence charity. And he has been in the same rock band since his teens, still quite possibly the worst band in the UK.
Nick Jekyll
// Co-founder, Paradise
Nick Jekyll is the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Paradise, an award winning creative agency located in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Nick co-founded Paradise at the age of 22, and under his leadership, the agency has grown to a team of over 25 talented professionals. He has successfully overseen a diverse range of projects for prestigious clients such as the BBC, Universal, Ministry of Sound, Stella Artois, AEG, Monster Energy and Netflix.
Paradise has earned numerous awards for their outstanding work in brand strategy, experiential and social media reflecting their commitment to creativity, innovation, and excellence. Beyond his role at Paradise, Nick leverages his expertise to support brands and startups as a Creative Director and consultant. His insightful guidance continues to drive success and foster innovation across the industry.
Emma Bartholomew
// Paradise
Elliott Santon
// Head of Global Sponsorships, DHL Express
Elliott Santon is Head of Global Sponsorships at DHL Express, leading one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic partnership portfolios. With responsibility for over 60 major global partnerships, he oversees DHL’s engagement across premier sporting properties as well as music, fashion and purpose-led platforms, ensuring each partnership delivers measurable brand and business impact.
Having spent 19 years with DHL, Elliott brings deep institutional knowledge and a strategic, commercially driven approach to global brand partnerships. He is passionate about building long-term, culturally relevant collaborations that connect people and communities while reinforcing DHL’s purpose of connecting people and improving lives.
Danielle Hendry
// Agency Partnerships Manager, TikTok
Javel Brown
// Agency Lead, TikTok
Zanib Latif
// Agency Partnerships Manager, TikTok
James Marshall
// Managing Director, Marshall Communications
Lydia Gough
// Senior Business Development Manager, Aardman
Beth Marchant
// Senior Strategy Manager, Global Partnerships, System1
Pippa Strutt
// Director of Brand and External Communications, Nest Pensions
Pippa leads the brand, marketing, communications and creative teams at Nest, the UK’s largest workplace pension. She’s on a mission to bring warmth and humanity to pensions – a category that is regularly described in the focus groups she’s been in as ‘complicated’ and ‘dull’. Prior to Nest, Pippa spent many years in-house and agency side, developing fame-driving and behaviour change campaigns for major FMCG and lifestyle brands.
Sadie Teasdale
// Group Head, Blis
Sadie Teasdale is Group Head at Blis, the omnichannel DSP, and a prominent advocate for the Northern media industry. A true trailblazer for the region, Sadie established and launched Blis’ Manchester office, defining the regional strategy and successfully scaling the team to 13 specialists over the past four years.
With a career spanning 20 years, Sadie’s expertise is built on a foundation of roles at Condé Nast, The Guardian, News UK, and ESI Media. Beyond her commercial leadership, she is deeply committed to the regional creative community; she served as the 2022 President of Bloom North and continues to support the organisation’s mission as a Trustee.
Lauren Williams
// Digital Marketing Specialist, TransPennine Express
I am a Digital Marketing Specialist with over 8 years’ experience in the travel industry. At TransPennine express I lead on all things digital marketing, shaping the organisation’s digital presence, using both tactical and paid initiatives to engage customers and encourage direct sales with us.
I am results driven with expertise in accelerating revenue growth especially within in a highly competitive marketplace. I have a strong commercial mindset with data led decision making to deliver always on revenue driving digital activity. My core strengths lie in performance marketing channels including Search Marketing, Paid Social, and Programmatic Display, and I work with agencies to optimise campaigns designed to maximise ROI and capture demand across the full customer journey. Over the years I have been involved in several major digital transformation projects, including app launches, new and improved retail systems and channel development.
Although I am commercially driven, I have supported our creative and campaign development, from large scale brand evolution to tactical initiatives to drive growth in our potential and current audiences. This includes digital activations, leveraging campaign planning to respond to market conditions, seasonal trends, and shifting customer behaviours.
I continue to champion new digital opportunities for TransPennine Express, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve and fully engaged in an evolving digital landscape.
Dan Phoenix
// Digital Planning Lead, Wavemaker
Dan is a Digital Planning Lead at Wavemaker, leading fast growth clients across e-commerce, retail, and transport sectors. With 8 years of experience, he stands out for his ability to integrate performance and brand marketing, delivering digital strategies that accelerate revenue today, while strengthening brand equity for the future.
Sarah Cornish
// Creative Agency Partnerships Manager, TikTok
Ben Ducker
// Executive Creative Director, IMA
Ben Ducker’s first job was in a young offenders’ institute, working alongside people his own age and learning human behaviour fast. Rapport depended on honesty, humour and authenticity, not slogans.
He’s carried that approach into marketing: audiences are sceptical individuals asking why they should care, trust, remember or share. In an attention scarce world, brands must earn interest, not assume it.
From emotive storytelling to data driven campaigns, Ben applies an “inmate mindset”, grounding ideas in human truth and communication that respects people, builds trust and creates work worth noticing and talking about every day for real audiences everywhere today.
Rox Nejad
// Head of Brand, Autotrader
Roxanne Nejad is Head of Brand at Autotrader, where she's focused on shaping the next chapter of relevance for a brand embedded in Britain's car-buying culture.
With 15+ years building culturally-driven brands across music, fashion, and fintech — from Columbia Records, boohoo, Savage X Fenty to Cleo AI — she brings a sharp creative instinct and a track record of growth to one of the UK's most recognised brands. Now leading brand at scale, Roxanne is focused on what she does best: building teams and making brands matter.
Dylan Pugh
// Managing Director, Sport Industry Group
Dylan Pugh is a senior sports industry executive and Managing Director of Sport Industry Group, where he leads initiatives that connect and celebrate the UK sport industry.
Prior to his current role, Dylan held senior leadership positions at Spotify, driving strategic growth and partnerships within the platform’s evolving media landscape, as well as various other roles in the digital media world. An earlier career in professional rugby has also shaped his competitive mindset, leadership style and lifelong commitment to sport.
Sarah Ware
// Social Strategy Lead, The Very Group
Sarah has over a decade’s experience in social media, content & influencer strategy, working primarily with fashion and retail brands. She is currently Social Strategy Lead at The Very Group, having joined in August last year. She has delivered a new Social Media Strategy for the business, bringing together Organic, Influencer & Paid to deliver content that is distinctively Very. Prior to this she was Head of Social Media at Jimmy Choo, and has worked for brands such as ASOS, Dunelm & Unilever to build distinctive social-first strategies that connect culture and commerce.
Adrian Everett
// Co-Founder & CEO, NEAFS
Adrian Everett is the Co-Founder & CEO of NEAFS, leading the brand’s growth across next-generation nicotine delivery and the consumer experiences that power it. A visionary, hands-on entrepreneur and former Royal Air Force pilot, Adrian combines high-performance discipline with bold commercial instinct, spotting emerging shifts early and building businesses that move faster than the category.
Before NEAFS, he built E-Lites into the UK’s leading e-cigarette brand, which was later acquired by Japan Tobacco International, a milestone that cemented his reputation for scaling innovation in highly regulated markets.
At MAD//North, Adrian joins a Q&A on industry innovation, sharing how to lead with vision, stay relentlessly consumer-led, and turn new tech, insights, and product thinking into real-world adoption at scale.
Mary Earps
// Professional Footballer: Lioness & PSG Goalkeeper
Mary Earps is a Lioness and first-team goalkeeper who cemented her status as Europe’s No.1 after leading England to victory at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. She has since been crowned FIFA World’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper, won the WSL Golden Glove (2023), and been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
During the 2023 World Cup, Mary made global headlines by challenging Nike’s decision not to sell goalkeeper shirts. The public outcry led to a reversal, and a commissioned report revealed her commercial impact rivalled top NBA stars, generating $397k in value. Dubbed the “Queen of TikTok,” her platform drives over 5.5x more engagement than her club, underlining her cultural and digital influence.
Mary is driven to leave women’s football better than she found it, championing visibility for goalkeepers and inspiring the next generation. Her impact has transcended sport: she is the first and only women’s footballer to be immortalised at Madame Tussauds, and following the historic Euro 2022 win, a London Underground line was named in honour of the team.
A fan favourite on and off the pitch, Mary has appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show, ITV’s Beat the Chasers and worked as a Sky Sports pundit. She has graced the cover of GQ, been named GQ Man of the Year, and recognised by Vogue as a force for change. Off the field, she is a coffee enthusiast and commercially astute leader who values time with loved ones.
Robert Webster
// Founder and CEO, TAU Marketing Solutions
Rob Webster has been a leader in marketing innovation from the dotcom era to today's AI-driven solutions. He developed pioneering Search optimisation and behavioural targeting platforms for companies later acquired by Yahoo! and AOL. As Chief Strategy Officer at Crimtan, Rob helped shape programmatic advertising by designing DSPs, data platforms, and creative solutions. He later founded Canton Marketing Solutions (acquired by Goodway Group), where he guided major brands in adopting Marketing technology in house. His work at WPP and Mediacom helped convert Marketing technology from a back-office cost centre to an important agency asset. Now, as Co-Founder and CEO of TAU Marketing Solutions, Rob helps agencies and brands adopt new AI in ways that genuinely improve outcomes rather than add complexity.
Ben Phillips
// SVP Global Partnerships, MAD//Sports
Erika Maitland
// Client Services Director, Sport Industry Group
Client Services Director at Sport Industry Group and producer of MAD//Sports. Over 10 years experience spanning global marketing, commercial partnerships and event production. I now work in the business of sport and connect it to intersecting industries.
Ian Houghton
// Co-founder, MAD//North
Dan Brain
// Co-founder, MAD//North
Claudia Nicholls-Magielsen
// Incoming Executive Director of Marketing, Fundraising and Engagement, Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
Beccy Dye
// Head of Brand & Marketing, Leeds Building Society
Marianne McGoldrick
// Vice President Global Content, Merlin Entertainments
Ed Turner
// Head of Strategy, Ogilvy One UK
Ed Turner is the Head of Strategy at Ogilvy One UK where he leads a multi-disciplinary team reinventing customer engagement for global brands. Prior to this, he served as Head of Strategy for WPP Open X in Europe, driving integrated solutions for The Coca-Cola Company across the WPP network. With a varied background in media, creativity and digital transformation Ed specialises in designing strategies that leverage technology and data to deliver impactful customer experiences.
Zuzanna Gierlinska
// Chief Revenue Officer, TAU Marketing Solutions
Zuzanna Gierlinska is one of Europe’s most experienced leaders in programmatic, CTV and data-driven marketing, with more than two decades shaping digital and commercial strategy across Microsoft, Oracle, Spotify, Google, MiQ and GroupM Nexus. She has led the development of major platform capabilities including Microsoft’s first media network and exchange, Oracle’s EMEA DMP and data marketplace, Spotify’s programmatic and automation offering, and MiQ’s AI-powered SIGMA platform. Her work spans publishers, platforms, AdTech and MarTech, giving her a rare end-to-end understanding of how data, media and technology converge in real operating environments.
As Chief Revenue Officer at TAU Marketing Solutions, she brings extensive experience in commercial strategy, market positioning and revenue growth alongside deep domain expertise in programmatic, CTV and AI-enabled media. Known for helping brands and agencies cut through platform and workflow complexity, she adds critical capability at a time when AI success depends on practitioners who understand supply paths, broadcaster constraints, platform behaviour and where human judgement must sit in automated systems
Mark Bamber
// Agency Partnerships Manager, TikTok
Scott Melvin
// CEO, The Overlap
Izzy Panton
// Commercial lead, The Overlap
Sarah Salter
// Vice President, Global Partnerships and AI Innovation, WPP Media
Ellie Connor
// SEO Content and PPC Manager, Danone
Sam Benton
// Director of Sales & Digital Training, MAD//Masters
Eva Steiner
// Senior Art Director, Ogilvy UK
Eva Steiner is an award-winning Senior Art Director and AI Ambassador at Ogilvy UK. Born in Germany, shaped in NYC and San Francisco, she has a broad experience of working on some of the leading brands on Ogilvy’s roster including Lloyds, Pets At Home, Formula 1, and many more. Throughout her career, she’s bagged awards for viral charity campaigns and created a wake up robocalling service for Formula 1.
Archana Dhankar
// VP Marketing, EMEA, Proofpoint
Archana Dhankar is a distinguished global marketing leader and VP of Marketing, EMEA at Proofpoint. With over 20 years of experience, she is a LinkedIn Top Voice and a recognised expert in B2B strategy, demand generation, and AI-driven marketing.
A TEDx speaker and Warwick Business School MBA, Archana bridges the gap between technical data and creative storytelling. She is a pioneer in the "AI Architect" movement, helping organisations leverage emerging tech to scale growth. Beyond her corporate role, she is an influential digital creator and founder of FashionForRoyals, championing personal branding and the future of work for modern professionals.
Laura McNally
// Content Director, Autotrader
Laura is Content Director at Autotrader, where she leads brand storytelling across owned channels, shaping organic content strategy and creative for Social, YouTube and Editorial. Working closely with SEO and performance teams, she ensures content is not only culturally relevant and creatively distinctive, but also strategically optimised to be discovered, read and remembered.
Before joining Autotrader, Laura managed the global social media presence for Red Bull in Salzburg, and also travelled the world with Red Bull Racing to bring fans closer to the drama of Formula One through powerful content - from the paddock to the podium!
A strong believer in audience-first content, Laura champions the sweet spot where creativity, brand and search intent meet 🤝.
Dave Trolle
// Marketing Director, Face the Future
More than 20 years experience working across a range of verticals across eCommerce. Dave is currently the Marketing Director at leading independent Skincare and Selfcare retailer Face the Future. Dave looks after all of Face the Future marketing across the funnel, with Retail Media becoming a new area of expertise over the last 12 months, due to the ongoing partnership with Particular Audience.
In addition to this role, Dave founded a marketing consultancy, Customer First Digital in 2020, to support ecommerce brands and retailers create sustainable growth. This has now developed into a partnership marketing agency, with services to include affiliate and influencer marketing.
Bill Dennett
// Regional Team Lead, Uber Advertising
Bill is the Regional Team Lead at Uber Advertising, responsible for leading sales efforts across the UK regions outside of London. With over a decade of experience across OOH, publishing, digital, and commerce media, he brings a wealth of cross-channel expertise to the table.
He is incredibly passionate about better understanding consumer behaviour, constantly seeking new ways to bridge the gap between brands and their audiences. Bill thrives on finding innovative ways to connect with users that go beyond surface-level engagement to drive real, lasting impact.
Kay Manning
// EMEA Retail Partnerships Lead, Pacvue
Jovanni Sterling
// Agentic Associate, Kiln
Jovanni is a visionary leader, award-winning music artist, and founder of Come Outside CIC - a social impact movement that’s changing lives by reconnecting people through community and the outdoors. He’s also a passionate advocate for the power of AI, using innovative tools to create meaningful solution’s both personally and professionally.
Jovanni first rose to prominence as a bold and authentic voice in UK music, winning both MOBO Unsung and BBC Three’s The Rap Game UK. His talent has taken him to major stages like Reading and Leeds Festival, and led to creative partnerships with global brands such as Adidas and Virgin Media.
Driven by a deep commitment to inclusion and connection, Jovanni launched Come Outside CIC to encourage people from all walks of life to experience the benefits of being active in nature. From walking and hiking to running and exploring, the initiative creates safe, welcoming spaces where everyone can move, connect, and feel a sense of belonging. What began as a small local group has now grown into a nationwide community, with over 850 members actively engaged in its private group chat.
Through music, innovation, and movement, Jovanni continues to inspire others and lead with purpose. Proving that when people come together, real change happens.
Krusha Vekaria
// AI Analyst, Accenture Song
I’m a creative technologist at Accenture Song, working at the intersection of software engineering and AI to help clients explore innovative agentic solutions that better serve people and communities. My work focuses on understanding how emerging AI can create meaningful, real-world impact. Alongside this, I actively advocate for gender equality and social mobility in tech, leading initiatives that open doors and inspire the next generation to see a place for themselves in the industry.
Georgina Snape
// AI Work Transformation Consultant, Accenture
I’m a purpose-driven digital change maker at Accenture Song, working within our Accenture Adobe Practice to explore innovative and creative ways to transform how our clients and communities thrive in the age of AI. With a professional background and qualifications in both fashion and technology, I bring a unique perspective to experience transformation. I’m also a passionate advocate for the next generation of female talent, proudly serving as an ambassador for Digi-Learning to help unlock their potential and inspire future leaders.
Josephine Keller
// Head of Digital Marketing, Dr. Oetker (UK)
Head of Digital with over 10 years’ experience driving growth through strategic, insight led digital marketing across both agency and client-side roles. For the past decade at Dr. Oetker UK, I’ve worked across our leading brands including Dr. Oetker Baking, Ristorante, Suprema, and Taylor & Colledge, building the in-house digital function from a single role into a high-performing team of five.
With a hands on approach, I focus on aligning digital activity with commercial objectives to deliver measurable growth, exceed KPIs, and demonstrate clear ROI. I’m passionate about combining creativity with performance, building strong teams, and ensuring digital plays a central role in driving brand relevance and long term business success.
Duncan Wood
// Managing Director, The Ingenuity Group
Ian Crocombe
// Founder, Partner, Deft
Tom Ollerton
// Founder, Automated Creative
Justin Pearse
// Editor, New Digital Age
Chris Jones
// Managing Director, Elonex
Chris Jones is the Managing Director at Elonex, bringing over 20 years of expertise in high-performance, multi-channel brand marketing. Before joining Elonex, Chris held senior leadership roles at Global, where he played a pivotal role in shaping innovative marketing strategies and driving brand growth across diverse media platforms. With a deep understanding of consumer engagement, digital transformation, and data-driven marketing, Chris excels in creating impactful campaigns that deliver measurable results. His leadership at Elonex focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance brand visibility, ensuring clients achieve maximum audience impact in today’s dynamic advertising landscape.
Jannat Anwar
// Storyteller: media creative, writer, actor & presenter., DigiLearning x Accenture
Simon Binns
// Co-Founder & CEO, SilverScape Studios
Simon is a passionate advocate for the adoption of new creative technologies, drawing on his many years of experience leading global creative agencies. He began his career in advertising and was a Board Director at leading agencies Ogilvy and BBH. As a proud Mancunian he is
delighted to be building a business in the heart of his hometown, at the Old Granada TV building, now re-invented as Versa SilverScape Studios.
Ian Armstrong
// Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, SilverScape Studios
A former global marketing director with over 25 years’ experience in the advertising industry, Ian
led the branding and marketing strategies for the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Honda and more.
Now specialising in Virtual Production, Ian is on a mission to transform how creative industries
produce high-end content.
Dave Tree
// Cinematographer & Creative Technology Director, SilverScape Studios
Dave has been a cinematographer, director of photography for over 25 years, working across
commercials, television and music, with experience in VFX. He specialises in Virtual Production,
leveraging AI and LED screens to enhance production value and expand creative toolsets. His
portfolio includes work for prestigious brands including Burberry, British Airways, M&S, Nike,
Honda, Kelloggs, Jaguar and Nintendo.
Pip Rustage
// Photographer & Founder, Creative Boom
Pip Rustage is an accomplished photographer with over 20 years of experience, creating powerful OOH campaign imagery for top global brands like New Balance, Pepsi Max, Henri Lloyd, and Team Sky.
Clients trust Pip to bring complex creative briefs to life, producing high-impact visuals that perform across advertising, social media, and digital platforms.
Pip thrives in collaborative environments, seamlessly integrating with creative teams to deliver powerful imagery that helps brands authentically connect with their audience.
Known for tackling technical challenges head-on, Pip excels at capturing human movement, high-speed motion, special effects (SFX), and other dynamic elements, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in photography.
Her meticulous attention to detail, whether it’s in lighting, lens selection, or post-production, ensures every image is not only visually striking but also technically flawless.
For agencies and production companies looking to set new standards for visual storytelling, Pip is the photographer who can take their campaign to the next level.
Rachel McClelland
// Executive Producer & Co-Founder, State of Mythos
Rachel McClelland has 25 years’ experience across UK film and television and now helps producers and production companies package projects and connect with financiers. She is the founder of House of Dogstar and co-founder of State of Mythos, with upcoming initiatives including the Mythos Manchester event taking place in June 2026 and the subsequent launch of the House of Dogstar platform.
Nick Sacks
// Sales Director, Sportfive
Giulia Mazzia
// Commercial Director, Chelsea FC Women’s
Giulia Mazzia is Commercial Director at Chelsea FC Women, where she leads global partnerships, match-day revenue, and commercial strategy for one of the fastest-growing brands in global sport. Her focus is on building culturally relevant partnerships and fan experiences that connect clubs and brands with modern audiences.
Prior to Chelsea, Giulia held senior commercial roles at Arsenal FC, AC Milan, and Manchester City FC, delivering sponsorship strategies and partnerships that drove international growth and brand relevance.
Working at the intersection of sport, culture, and marketing, Giulia partners with global brands to help them show up credibly in one of the fastest-growing and most culturally influential areas of sport. Her work centres on redefining how brands engage with women’s football and unlocking new commercial models for the next generation of fans.
Alex Johns
// CEO, J&W Nicholson & Co Ltd
Alex Johns is the CEO of Nicholson Drinks, one of the UK’s oldest spirits brands, founded in London in 1736. Once renowned for its chain of Nicholson pubs (now owned by Mitchells & Butlers), its portfolio of over 200 flavours, and global distribution to more than 100 countries, Nicholson has a long heritage in British drinks. The brand was acquired by Pernod Ricard in the 1980s, before returning to the Nicholson family in 2014. Alex took the helm in 2021 with a vision to reimagine its place in the modern spirits landscape. Alex began his career in cricket, though unlike three members of his family—England captains Peter May, Harold Gilligan, and Arthur Gilligan—he never wore the national armband. Instead, he carved out a successful career in sports sponsorship and media. In 2004, his entrepreneurial instincts led him to launch a digital advertising company, which he scaled and later sold to JCDecaux in 2010. Since then, Alex has held board and non-executive roles across a range of VC- and private equity-backed businesses. Passionate about building authentic partnerships, Alex is focused on redefining how cocktails are served in high-volume environments through its revolutionary ontap cocktail solution. This vision is already taking shape through Nicholson’s landmark partnership with Chelsea FC and its activation at Stamford Bridge—following successful trials during the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, where the brand is rapidly expanding its International presence.
Ryan Losasso
// Creator, Live the Dash
Content creator at Live the Dash
Vicky Foster
// Lead Client Director, Epsilon
Alex Williamson
// Executive Creative Director, OK COOL
Simon Lloyd
// Chief Marketing and Customer Officer, ex BBC, Virgin Atlantic and Aldermore Bank.
Jemma Townsend
// Marketing Director, ASK Italian
Jemma is Marketing Director at ASK Italian, leading marketing and food strategy across the UK estate as part of the executive team shaping the brand’s next phase of growth.
Before joining ASK, Jemma spent over 12 years at Aldi, laterly stepping in to the role of Marketing Director. She led the retailer’s media strategy and played a central role in shaping some of its most culturally resonant campaigns, from Kevin the Carrot to the Team GB partnership, helping turn bold creative ideas into meaningful commercial results.
She is known for blending brand ambition with commercial discipline – strogly believing that marketing should be culturally relevant, creatively brave and accountable for growth.
Alongside the day job, Jemma mentors through Bloom UK and the Marketing Leadership Masterclass, supporting the next generation of marketing leaders to build confidence, clarity and impact.
Breakfast
LIVESTREAM: Welcome to MAD//North
Livestream of the Factory Stage
Welcome to MAD//North
Ian Houghton
Co-founder, MAD//North
Dan Brain
Co-founder, MAD//North
LIVESTREAM: Welcome to MAD//North
Livestream of the Factory Stage
Who Attends?
80%
of tickets are for top tier brand marketers, agency leaders + media leaders via our complimentary guestlist initiative.
20%
of tickets are available to buy for martech/adtech innovators, platforms + solution/service providers.
MAD//UpNorth ‘26
- Get Involved
Interested in speaking, attending, sponsoring, exhibiting or meeting 6000 industry decision makers? Contact us to get involved with a punchy, vibrant + distinctive meeting of the north’s marketing tribes.
Sponsor//Exhibit at MAD//UpNorth ‘26
6000 attendees. 100% brands, media and disruptors. 0% time wasters.
MAD//Fest is all about bringing together the industry’s top brands + agencies in cool, creative spaces. So we’re excited to announce a brand new campus format for 2026!
MAD//North will return to St John's - Manchester's new neighbourhood for the creative industries where big name brands, major agencies + innovative businesses are changing the city’s landscape - physically and metaphorically.
And when MAD//North is in town, expect St John's to be buzzing with 6,000 influential marketers, inspiring content, the best solution/service providers, DJs, parties, entertainment, food, drink + much more. Why? To connect the marketing community, inspire new thinking + crystalise what makes the north a creative + innovation powerhouse!
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