Introducing a new Marketing Society Fellow, Mark Critchley
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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. In the second in our series of interviews with this year’s new Fellows, hear from Mark Critchley, marketing director, SSL International.
Congratulations on becoming a Marketing Society Fellow. What’s the secret to your success?
I don’t think there is a magic formula. For me it’s always about trying to create value, how we can grow, do things different and deliver.
Did you think you would end up where you are?
I’ve always written myself five-year personal targets, which include career ambitions so ultimately I always aimed to become a marketing director. I’m very fortunate to have achieved it and lucky that SSL International gave me the opportunity to work on such great brands with brilliant and passionate people.
What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?
The cream rises to the top. Therefore it’s a matter of staying 100% focused, keeping up the hard work, being creative and delivering on what you said you will do. With a bit of luck (some of which you make yourself) you have a good chance to achieve what you want.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever done?
Picking lettuce during my university summer holidays. I actually did it for two summers. Remarkable, as it was back-breaking work. However it did pay for my holiday in Greece in year one, which led directly to me getting my first job after university with Prince Foods and the second year paid for a Peugeot 205, which I bought at auction and then sold two years later for the same price I bought it for!
What do you like most about your job?
Durex is part of our portfolio of brands at SSL, so talking about sex is not a bad way to spend your day. That said we also have Scholl, so I do get into some passionate discussion about shoes and feet. The trick is try and avoid not combining the two!
And least?
Emails.
What advice would you offer to marketing directors looking to become better leaders?
For me it’s about trying to be as clear as possible in terms of what you are trying to achieve, tell the story with good justification why. Then it’s about creating new market space, bringing it to life and engaging with the consumer in the most compelling, creative and relevant way.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Apple pie and ice cream, goes down a treat every time especially when the pie is warm… delicious!
Posted: September 2nd, 2010 | Author: elen.lewis | Filed under: leadership | Tags: mark critchley, marketing society fellow, SSL | Leave a Comment »
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