Marc Ortmans

Brand strategist

Marc has worked across the media industries as a Founder, CEO, Director, Strategist, Marketing and Creative Director. He has managed projects for global brands, teams of 50 people, and annual turnovers up to €10m. Currently he advises on brand strategy and brand communications, and is Chair of GEN UK representing the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UK.

Marc started at the BBC and Channel 4 in London before co-founding Ortmans Young International and later ran global design agency group Button. He helped launch UEFA Champions League, First Direct bank, the Homeless World Cup, and created the first satellite TV branding in UK for Satellite TV, bought by Rupert Murdoch and renamed Sky. Along the way he picked up a shelf load of awards including BAFTA, D&AD, Paris Citi and New York Festivals.

Presentation title: Building brand futures

Abstract

What is a brand? Is it a logo or something more? Marc explores what a brand really is and how to make one from a blank sheet of paper. Established brands face challenges when markets change and competitors offer new products and services. Marc shows how to transform a brand that has become tired and needs repositioning to re-engage with its market. He will share examples of brands he has been involved in creating such as UEFA Champions League, me:time and Global Entrepreneurship Network, and show how to change perceptions and energise customers and staff alike.