Strong, well managed brands convey the clear message that they will deliver on their promise. How can brands retain their ability to drive sales as the world becomes smaller, new markets and competitors emerge and consumers increasingly expect more from their trusted brands, yet, via the Internet have the world's markets at their fingertips?
Australia has proven to be a resilient economy in challenging global economic circumstances but how can brands best position themselves as a new phase approaches, the mining boom falters, consumer purse strings tighten and international competition continues? The Brand Finance Forum gives the opportunity for our distinguished speakers to discuss the effect of globalisation on their organisations.
CEOs, CMOs, CFOs and senior managers of corporate brands.
Mary-Ellen is the Head of IP at Brand Finance.
Mary-Ellen read BA Dip (Art) Education at Alexander Mackie College University New South Wales, Australia. She is a Certified Licensing Professional and a member of The Licensing Executives Society, The International Trademark Association, The British Brands Group and The Cosmetic Executive Women’s Network.
With 25 years blue chip experience in intellectual property management, protection and exploitation, Mary-Ellen is an expert witness in numerous high profile trade mark disputes and is a recognised international royalty rate expert. She regularly appears on CNN Business, Phoenix Television (China), CNBC and other networks. She has also spoken at various IP related conferences around the world and regularly writes on branding and intellectual property related issues.
Prior to joining Brand Finance, Mary-Ellen was the Head of Intellectual Property and Director of Chiltern plc’s wealth management group. She was responsible for both the negotiation of the global lingerie license for Elle Macpherson Intimates and the launching the Elle Macpherson Body Products in Boots in the UK in 2005. During which, she also worked with numerous celebrities on the exploitation of their rights through licensing and endorsements.
Since 2001 Adrian Fleming has worked for Kodak in various capacities across Asia including the Managing Director role for Australia and New Zealand.
Adrian brings a wealth of knowledge spanning all aspects of print and communication from software to hardware to emerging technologies.
As the General Manager of Digital Printing Solutions for Asia Pacific, Adrian is responsible for driving the change from a traditional offset print focus to a new digitally focused sales organisation designed to meet the needs of the modern graphic communications market.
Adrian has a background in computer systems engineering and has worked in many aspects of the printing industry for over 20 years.
Russell is the CEO of Wolters Kluwer across the Asia Pacific region and is responsible for the financial performance of the organisation and to ensure the business is in a position to deliver outstanding results to customers. Russell has significant experience in the enterprise software and business information industries, having previously held senior executive roles at IBM, Hyperion Solutions and Veda Advantage. During his time at IBM, Russell spent many years interacting with the small business segment across the Asia Pacific, particularly in relation to how they utilise technology to improve productivity, enhance decision making and boost financial performance. During his time at Veda Advantage, Russell experienced extensive media exposure, commenting on issues ranging from the supply of credit to small business, cash flow management and the links between GDP growth and small business performance. Russell holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and an MBA.
Mark has 20 years experience in marketing and strategic brand management, with senior roles across various industries including financial services, energy, education and transport and logistics.
Across these roles he has had customer, product and revenue accountability as well as brand leadership, including major brand launches as well as transitioning large customer groups through significant change.
He joined Aurizon, initially managing the split/establishment of two brands as a result of the de-merger of the passenger and freight businesses, and following that the retail marketing component of the IPO for QR National, the largest in Australia since Telstra.
Christopher is a respected finance manager, seasoned investment banker and qualified chartered accountant and company secretary. He brings more than 20 years experience to his current role as Chief Financial Officer at Genea Limited; an international IVF and fertility technology company. In this role, Christopher directs all financial and administrative aspects of the business including strategy and planning, financial analysis and reporting, M&A and investment appraisal, treasury and funding, and statutory compliance.
Prior to joining Genea, Christopher was the Regional Director for NSW at the CFO Centre, a consulting service providing independent financial advisory, financial management and company secretarial services. His extensive experience has taken him around the globe working for a range of employers including KPMG, Citibank, ANZ and Allco Finance Group.
Christopher holds a BA (Hons) in Economics and Econometrics from the University of York. In addition he is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accounts in England and Wales, a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
Mark Colvin graduated from Oxford University with a degree in English Literature. He began his career at the ABC as a one of the foundation staff of the ABC's rock music station 2JJ (now Triple J). With his strong language skills in French, Italian and Spanish he was appointed as Foreign Correspondent in London at the age of 28. After returning to Sydney he became the founding presenter of the World Today. He reported on 4 Corners between 1988-1992 before returning to Europe as Foreign Correspondent. He has been presenter of PM since 1997.