​KPMG launches CMO Advisory headed by Carmen Bekker

KPMG has officially launched a new CMO advisory team headed by global marketer, Carmen Bekker, to help CMOs and brand leaders gain new perspectives to grow their businesses and brands.

Bekker is the latest senior addition to the firm’s rapidly growing customer, brand and marketing Advisory business which launched in June 2017. Since then, the team has jumped from 43 specialists to 72, including nine partners. Recent additions include senior industry leaders Lisa Bora (ex-Google), Mark Hassell (ex-Virgin Australia) who joined as partners, and Melanie Evans (formerly GM of Business to Business IT at Telstra) who joins as director.

Bekker has had over 20 years experience servicing leading international brands in London, Europe and Australia. She was management partner and European marketing director for flagship WPP agency J Walter Thomson London and prior to that business director at Saatchi & Saatchi in London and Sydney.  

She has also developed transformational strategy and campaigns for major global brands such as Procter & Gamble, Toyota, Visa, Unilever, Nestle, Debenhams and Qatar Airways. Bekker also led the long-form broadcast content arm JWT Entertainment and worked on UK advertising industry best practice with the IPA in London. Most recently Bekker has split her time between London and Sydney – consulting directly to agencies and select clients.

Announcing her appointment today, KPMG's partner in charge for customer, band and marketing advisory said what sets Carmen apart as a leading voice in marketing is the fact she’s been at the top of the game in London and Europe for well over a decade and brings her fresh international perspective back to Australia - which is exactly what our clients want.

“Our rapid growth since we launched our practice has proven there is increasing demand for new approaches in Australia’s marketing landscape," he said. "The launch of a new CMO Advisory practice under Carmen will take our business to the next level as we move into 2018.”

Bekker said CMOs and brand leaders have a huge responsibility to consistently deliver and innovate for their organisations in today’s rapidly changing environment and it's time to gain a new perspective on brand growth.

"They face challenges from global trends as they navigate the new world, including media transparency, marketing spend accountability, and creating meaningful customer engagement," she said. "By leveraging best international practices, and bringing the experiences of our colleagues within KPMG, we will help CMOs and brand leaders gain new perspectives to grow their businesses and brands.

“I will champion diversity within the wider industry with a focus on female leadership, and also on diversity in the work that brands create when marketing to customers. Australia has all the ingredients to be an innovative leader within the global marketing sector, and I look forward to playing a role in this at KPMG."

Bekker commences with KPMG Australia today.

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