Jo is naturally inquisitive. Completing a PhD in chemical physics gave her a thorough grounding in how to ask the right questions and importantly, how to understand the answers…but she soon realised that she found people and brands infinitely more interesting than molecules!

Jo started work at Nestlé in 1999 and worked in many roles, always with a focus on championing the consumer. She worked in operational roles, strategic roles and also led the consumer careline’s transformation from the “complaints department” to a valuable source of consumer understanding. For five years Jo was the consumer consultant to Board level on ethical issues. Latterly Jo enjoyed time working internationally, based in Global HQ in Switzerland and specialising in the global consumer trend of increased interest in nutrition and health.

Jo thrives on passing on her knowledge as a professional trainer. She also believes in life-long learning herself and thanks to a wonderful mother-in-law as a teacher she is currently learning the art of authentic Gujarati cooking.

Click here to read about Jo’s specialist subject and click here to read Jo’s blog.

Associate Experts:

Gareth has been in marketing for 20 years, working client-side for companies such as Unilever and Kraft and most recently as Marketing Director for Innocent drinks. He has a track record of delivering double digit growth through brand renovation, incremental innovation and team capability. Gareth recently set up the brand consultancy Brand Chat, which unlocks brand and innovation growth by uniquely leveraging the power of on-line communities.

Helen spent over 20 years on client-side, in a multitude of marketing and brand management roles. As an independent consultant she now specialises in the development and delivery of marketing training material.

Sally worked in brand management client-side for 10 years before setting up her independent consultancy, Brand Designs, which specialises in commercially focused brand planning and execution.

Simon spent 20 years in client-side marketing, working on numerous retail and foodservice brands including the high street chain ‘Coffee Republic’ as marketing director. Having set up PointActive in 2007, he now works as an independent marketing specialist, developing capability in building more powerful brand and product propositions.

Tony has over 20 years experience working on brands right across the supermarket, both client-side and as Director at Added Value. Tony is a highly experienced facilitator and he set up Franco & Co in 2005, which specialises in ideas and creative thinking.

Nutrition Consulting is a dedicated nutrition consultancy run by two highly qualified nutritionists. With over 20 years experience of the food industry, both client side and as consultants, Johanna Hignett and Janet Aylott provide nutrition expertise to several organisations ranging from food manufacturers and retailers, to PR agencies and trade associations.