James Barker

Responsible for European brand strategy and managing campaigns with seven-figure media invest, guiding stakeholders across disciplines and regions. Launched 2019 ATL campaign in core European markets while leading creative development of 2020 activations, concept testing and product experiments. Chaired company-wide brand updates and managed financial reporting for the brand team. Reported to KAYAK’s SVP of Marketing with direct/indirect reports and C-suite facetime.

Managed European campaigns from brief to delivery with in-house talent and external agencies, including brand TVCs, DRTV and high-profile broadcast sponsorships (e.g. Formula 1); ensuring compliance, measuring performance and optimising activity. Localised creative for LATAM market launches, introduced a transformative Digital Asset Management system to the global marketing function and chaired a multidisciplinary squad following KAYAK’s acquisition of a key competitor, momondo.

Managed new market launches for KAYAK and sub-brands, developing campaigns with top-tier creative agencies, media publishers and in-house talent, including TVCs, OOH, digital content and sponsorships. Assisted global brand repositioning while leading development, production and A/B testing of ~250 DRTV assets across 10+ European locales, requiring continual uplift analysis and creative optimisation. Organised social events for the 150+ Berlin office.

Managed HSBC Bank’s global sports sponsorship business, developing campaigns for high-profile events across EMEA and APAC markets, including the World Golf Championships, Rugby Sevens World Series and Wimbledon Tennis Championship. Developed central assets and creative guidelines, leading localisation across a global network of stakeholders.

Managed digital activity for VISA’s European markets and award-winning 360º activity for Kerry Foods, enlisting a YouTube gaming influencer and their multi-million subscriber base in a campaign that delivered a return of 3:1 and a prosperous long-term brand strategy for their FMCG portfolio. Managed various ATL projects and additional agency-led initiatives.

Joined Saatchi & Saatchi’s most creatively-awarded account, managing their online, print and in-store activations in addition to dynamic digital display and social media campaigns. Conducted market research and assisted successful client pitches, absorbing the agency’s philosophy of ‘Nothing is Impossible’