Introducing a new Marketing Society Fellow, Peter Kirkby

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Every year, The Marketing Society awards Fellowships to a small number of marketers who have demonstrated outstanding marketing leadership, chosen by a panel chaired by the President of the Society, Roisin Donnelly, corporate marketing director, P&G. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be interviewing this year’s new Fellows. First, hear from Peter Kirkby, VP Global Marketing Excellence, GlaxoSmithKline.

There are plenty of people with Marketing jobs far larger than mine, so ‘success’ is a relative measure! However, for me the key has been making sure I’m having fun both inside and outside work….family and sailing have played a big role here!

Did you think you would end up where you are?

I certainly hoped that I’d have a role like the one I have now. Delivering results by enjoying the job, combined with a decent dose of ‘luck and circumstance’ have made it possible.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

The advantage team diversity can bring to thinking and results. Diversity is good!

What’s the worst job you’ve ever done?

Selling books door-to-door in Detroit on commission as a summer job. We worked 8.00am until 9.00pm six days a week, and on Sunday’s had regional sales meetings. It also involved living in a disused Convent…. The good news was that I made the £1,500 I needed to travel around Mexico for a month.

What do you like most about your job?

Working in a great team with the ability to initiate and drive change across a diverse global business.

And least?

Email and email.

What advice would you offer to marketing directors looking to become better leaders?

As the Marketing ‘levers’ available become more complex, help teams simplify thinking and make better choices through the rigour of solid strategic planning upfront.

What is your guilty pleasure?

About eight weekends a year away from home racing the boat with friends…there is no better way of ‘wasting’ time!

Congratulations on becoming a Marketing Society Fellow. What’s the secret to your success?

Posted: August 25th, 2010 | Author: elen.lewis | Filed under: leadership | Tags: glaxismithkline, marketing society fellows, peter kirkby | Leave a Comment »

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