CIM’s South West Marketing Leaders (SWML) community is launching a series of roundtables as a forum for high level discussion. It’s part of a series of developing events for senior marketing and business development professionals in the region.

The first roundtable, DNA of a Marketing Leader: decoding the pathway to success, sponsored by Hays, will take place on 1 July 2015 in Bristol.

The roundtable will be an open debate on the findings of Hays’ latest report ‘DNA of a Marketing Leader’. Hays interviewed over 370 leading marketers across the UK to find out what makes them tick and their route to leadership - from their educational background, international experience, personal characteristics, challenges and advice for the next generation. While digital marketing has revolutionised how we communicate - the business underpinning strategic marketing remains unchanged or has it?

Clare Kemsley, Managing Director at Hays Marketing will facilitate the debate, Clare comments:

“The marketing landscape is continuously changing as customers' needs develop. To better understand what this means for marketing professionals we asked leading marketers across the UK how they got to where they are today and what characteristics they think are important for the next generation of marketers. Their career paths vary greatly, but many share something in common – The DNA of a Marketing Leader. This roundtable will explore the educational background, qualifications, route to leadership, international experience and personal characteristics marketing leaders need to make it to the top today.”

Two more SWML roundtables are planned for Autumn 2015 on 30 September and 28 October 2015. Discussion highlights will be disseminated to a wider audience via CIM SW digital channels, its SWML partners and Hays PLC.

SWML is a community for all Chartered Marketers, Fellows and marketing leaders in the South West. CIM, Bristol Media, the leading South West creative organisation and the University of West of England  have joined  together to provide a range of opportunities for senior marketers to meet like-minded people, share strategic knowledge, debate key issues, learn from the  latest research and position the marketing profession as a driver for growth.

The sponsor for the event taking place on 1 July is Hays Marketing, the leading recruitment expert. Hays works with hundreds of employers of all sizes across the UK to find marketing professionals who will make an immediate impact in organisations.  

Participation in the roundtables is by invitation only. If you would like to propose a senior level participant for any of the roundtables in 2015 or suggest a topic, please email: Rupa Grewal, CIM South West Board Member.