Join the The Marketing Leadership Masterclass

Thomas is the managing director of the Marketing Leadership Institute. He is a former senior marketer, turned partner of McKinsey, turned organizational psychologist. Thomas conducts research at the intersection of business growth and leadership – including the world’s largest study – with over 68,000 assessments – on what makes for an impactful marketing officer. Every year, he speaks at countless company events and conferences.

In her role as Chief Marketing and Innovation officer for Diageo, owner of iconic brands like Johnnie Walker, Guinness, and Smirnoff, Syl led all global marketing, media, design, innovation, R&D, and reserve—Diageo’s luxury division. Her experience ranges from luxury goods to FMCG and retail/franchisee models, and she has a deep understanding of both developed and emerging markets.

An experienced Board member, Syl is President of the Marketing Society, sits on the board of the Marketing Academy, and is an Executive Coach for their Fellowship program. She has been a Non-Executive Director of Domino’s Pizza Group plc, on the executive committee of the World Federation of Advertisers, a Trustee for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, and Chairman of Distill Venture’s Investment Committee.

Syl has been consistently recognized for her service to industry. She was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queens 2020 Honour list in recognition of her services to business and equality in the workplace. She has been Marketer of the Year and one of WFA’s Top 5 Global CMO’s, Debrett’s 500 Most Influential People in Britain, Campaign’s Top 5 Marketers, Ad Age’s Women to Watch, and Forbes 50 Most Influential CMOs.