Celebrating CMO Mark’s First Year at Simon-Kucher

Mark Cullen became Simon-Kucher’s Chief Marketing Officer in 2021. Since then, we’ve realized a new team structure in marketing, creating new positions and opportunities. Behind the scenes, he’s also working hard with a brilliant team on refreshing our messaging and visual identity (watch this space!). We reached out to Mark to find out his passions, his goals, and what drives him in his role. 

Hi Mark, thanks so much for talking to us about your time at Simon-Kucher. Before we begin, could you briefly introduce yourself?

I’d love to! I joined Simon-Kucher in 2021. I’m originally from Liverpool but I’ve lived in London for the last 35 years, working mainly in advertising, financial, and professional services.

I try to keep a good work-life balance, spending time with my partner.

So much has happened in marketing since you’ve joined over a year ago! How would you summarize your experience in just a few words, and what’s been a highlight?

Fun, a tad exhausting, but motivating – so much to do, so little time!

The highlight was getting the whole of the marketing team together, in person, for the first time since 2019. We met in Germany in March. It was wonderful to connect with the team face to face. Zoom doesn’t replace being human!

Why did you originally choose to join Simon-Kucher?

I wanted to build something, and there’s something rather special about a firm that creates growth. For years, before I went into marketing, I built a career in banking – reducing costs and closing businesses.

It’s fantastic to work for a business that tries to create growth and build something better. My job is to get that story out to the wider market, and that’s a great challenge!

What are your goals for the next five years?

I’m awed by the hidden knowledge in the firm, so I’d like to highlight and celebrate that more. I also want to make sure that we’re top of mind when a client is struggling with their commercial and pricing strategy.

Currently, when it comes to marketing too many companies are wasting money with incoherent messaging delivered in a sea of beige creative.

My goal is for us to be laser-like in our focus, clear in our messaging, with tightly targeted creative that stimulates and makes our audience want to talk to us.

What motivates you?

A sense of fun, creativity, and curiosity.

I’m a bit of a geek and tend to like exploring new things and ideas. Recently, when I was in New York, I spent the few hours going round an aircraft carrier. It was something new and interesting!

A few years ago, I also spent time on a Bollywood film set – it was so inspiring to be surrounded by such creativity.

How do you balance life at and outside of work?

My partner has been known to slam my laptop shut. So, I’ve learned when to stop.

Outside of work, I love to go to the cinema and cycle – or my version of cycling, which is very slow, no hills allowed.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I have two.

My very first boss told me that when you see potential in someone remember to lower the ladder down to help them up and grow.

And my father, who was in the army, gave me this saying that has served me well: “Worry about the things you can control and not the things you can’t”.