Behind every standout event, initiative and campaign in the South East lies a passionate team of volunteers committed to supporting, connecting and championing the region’s marketing community. The CIM South East Committee brings together professionals from diverse sectors, backgrounds and career stages, each contributing their experience, ideas and energy to drive marketing forward in our region.
In this interview series, we’re stepping behind the scenes to introduce you to the people shaping the conversation. From what inspired them to get involved to the campaigns they admire and the insights they bring to the table, you’ll meet the individuals powering CIM South East and discover what fuels their commitment to the profession.
We begin with Christine Bowles, our Communications Ambassador. With a background that bridges PR, brand and marketing communications, Christine brings clarity, warmth and a strategic edge to our regional voice. In this conversation, she shares what drew her to CIM, her career highlights and the advice she’d give to marketers at every stage.
What inspired you to join the CIM South East Committee, and what role do you play within the team?
This is my second time volunteering with CIM – I was previously on the Levitt Group for Senior Marketers Committee as a Social Media Ambassador. I’ve also volunteered with CIPR, Career Ready, and Birkbeck College, supporting young people and early-career professionals.
I live in the South East, so this felt like the right next step. As Communications Ambassador, I look after content, event promotion, PR, education collaboration and making sure our social media stays compliant. It’s a great way to connect with others in the industry, share knowledge and give something back.
How has being part of the committee impacted your career and understanding of the marketing industry?
I’ve only been with the South East group a few months, but I’m already enjoying shaping our comms and planning events – from webinars to the annual conference. It’s reminded me how much thoughtful communication and inclusive planning matter – and how volunteering gives you a broader view of the industry and sharpens your professional skills too.
What upcoming initiatives or projects are you most excited about for the South East Region?
I’m really looking forward to the CIM South East Annual Conference. We’re partnering again with Henley Business School – a world-class venue – and the theme is Leading the Digital Future: Agile and Responsible Marketing. We’ve got some brilliant speakers lined up. It’s on Wednesday 8 October at Henley – one to put in the diary and watch out for on our socials!
In your opinion, what makes the South East Region unique in terms of marketing opportunities and professional growth?
It’s a combination of things. First, this is a region with a strong sense of community – a local hub where marketers can access tailored events, practical training, and great networking. Second, we focus on real-world development – not just theory. Whether you're just starting out, running your own business, or leading a team, there’s something here for every stage. We also know graduates often struggle to bridge the gap between study and practice. So, we work with students and early-career marketers to offer hands-on experience, mentoring and employer-recognised opportunities that help build confidence and skills.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring marketers looking to join CIM, what would it be?
In this interview series, we’re stepping behind the scenes to introduce you to the people shaping the conversation. From what inspired them to get involved to the campaigns they admire and the insights they bring to the table, you’ll meet the individuals powering CIM South East and discover what fuels their commitment to the profession.
We begin with Christine Bowles, our Communications Ambassador. With a background that bridges PR, brand and marketing communications, Christine brings clarity, warmth and a strategic edge to our regional voice. In this conversation, she shares what drew her to CIM, her career highlights and the advice she’d give to marketers at every stage.
What inspired you to join the CIM South East Committee, and what role do you play within the team?
This is my second time volunteering with CIM – I was previously on the Levitt Group for Senior Marketers Committee as a Social Media Ambassador. I’ve also volunteered with CIPR, Career Ready, and Birkbeck College, supporting young people and early-career professionals.
I live in the South East, so this felt like the right next step. As Communications Ambassador, I look after content, event promotion, PR, education collaboration and making sure our social media stays compliant. It’s a great way to connect with others in the industry, share knowledge and give something back.
How has being part of the committee impacted your career and understanding of the marketing industry?
I’ve only been with the South East group a few months, but I’m already enjoying shaping our comms and planning events – from webinars to the annual conference. It’s reminded me how much thoughtful communication and inclusive planning matter – and how volunteering gives you a broader view of the industry and sharpens your professional skills too.
What upcoming initiatives or projects are you most excited about for the South East Region?
I’m really looking forward to the CIM South East Annual Conference. We’re partnering again with Henley Business School – a world-class venue – and the theme is Leading the Digital Future: Agile and Responsible Marketing. We’ve got some brilliant speakers lined up. It’s on Wednesday 8 October at Henley – one to put in the diary and watch out for on our socials!
In your opinion, what makes the South East Region unique in terms of marketing opportunities and professional growth?
It’s a combination of things. First, this is a region with a strong sense of community – a local hub where marketers can access tailored events, practical training, and great networking. Second, we focus on real-world development – not just theory. Whether you're just starting out, running your own business, or leading a team, there’s something here for every stage. We also know graduates often struggle to bridge the gap between study and practice. So, we work with students and early-career marketers to offer hands-on experience, mentoring and employer-recognised opportunities that help build confidence and skills.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring marketers looking to join CIM, what would it be?
Get involved! I used to just read the journal and log my CPD – but joining a committee opened up so much more. You learn a lot, meet fantastic people, get a better understanding of the issues shaping the profession – and it’s great for your profile too. Plus, volunteering gives you that warm feeling that you’re doing something positive.
What’s one marketing campaign you always remember – whether you loved or hated it?
The This Girl Can campaign by Sport England has always stayed with me. Launched in 2015 to get more women active, it tackled head-on the reasons why so many girls and women drop out of sport, especially fear of judgement. It came out when I was doing my MSc in marketing part-time at Birkbeck College, and we studied it as a standout case of behaviour change marketing. It really hit home – I’ve got two daughters and a son, and I’d seen for myself how boys often use sport to bond in a way girls don’t. What I loved was how real and unapologetic it was – showing active women with “jiggly bits” and sweat patches and not caring. It used TV, cinema, outdoor and social to brilliant effect. It worked too – 41% of women aged 14–40 who recognised the campaign became more active; that’s 2.8 million across England. Powerful stuff!
Want to see what we’re up to? Check out the latest updates on our CIM South East webpage And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn.