Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Hobbies
Timeline
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Claire Lilley

Lisburn,Antrim

Summary

A highly accomplished and results-driven marketing leader with over 20 years of experience in the FMCG sector. Known for a proven ability to develop and implement strategic marketing plans that align with business goals, enhance customer engagement, and drive revenue growth. With strong commercial acumen and a data-driven approach, adept at translating insights into impactful marketing plans. A dedicated professional committed to staying at the forefront of the industry as an active member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
12078
12078
years of post-secondary education

Work History

European Marketing Manager

NielsenIQ
EMEA
08.2021 - Current
  • Lead the development and execution of top-tier marketing strategies that generate demand and drive business growth across existing and white-space client segments.
  • Spearhead comprehensive, multi-channel marketing campaigns—including digital (social media, SEO, PPC, programmatic) and traditional (live and virtual events)—to maximize reach and engagement across diverse international markets.
  • Direct the creation of high-impact content tailored to address client challenges, demonstrating strategic insight into audience behavior and international market nuances.
  • Strategically evaluate and optimize campaign effectiveness using key performance indicators, while managing and monitoring marketing budgets to ensure cost-effective results.
  • Collaborate closely with sales teams to align marketing efforts with core business challenges, providing effective sales enablement tools and ensuring timely lead follow-up.
  • Oversee the creation of the Salesplay systems across Europe, accelerating sales cycles and increasing win rates with new clients.
  • Recognized as the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the international marketing team in 2022 for delivering exceptional strategic marketing leadership and measurable business impact.

Senior Analyst

NielsenIQ
Ireland
08.2018 - 08.2021
  • Leveraged advanced analytical skills to conduct in-depth quantitative data analysis, providing compelling insights that drive strategic growth for large FMCG clients.
  • Transformed complex data into actionable insights, guiding clients in making informed business decisions that directly influence market success.
  • Led the creation and successful deployment of a LinkedIn employee advocacy program, amplifying brand reach and engagement through strategic use of social platforms.
  • Demonstrated exceptional project and time management skills, consistently delivering high-quality results on time and within scope.
  • Applied lean principles to continuously improve operational efficiency, focusing on process standardization and automation to optimize team performance and enhance productivity.
  • Recognized with two “Simply Excellent” awards for embodying the organization’s core values, showcasing commitment to excellence and innovation.

Trading Assistant

Savage & Whitten Wholesale
Ireland
05.2017 - 06.2018
  • A part-time role within the buying function where I successfully improved sales and margins in the fresh category by implementing effective retail strategies, including optimized supplier management, strategic range selection, and impactful promotional campaigns.

Customer Marketing Manager

Coca-Cola Hellenic
Ireland
02.2013 - 05.2017
  • Developed and executed strategic marketing plans that fueled revenue growth and brand equity across the Coca-Cola Hellenic portfolio.
  • Managed substantial marketing budgets and fostered strong agency relationships to deliver world-class activations aligned with Coca-Cola’s global brand standards.
  • Set clear marketing objectives and key brand indicators (KBIs), actively monitoring campaign performance and implementing corrective measures to ensure continuous improvement.
  • Engaged stakeholders through compelling communication, securing buy-in and driving alignment across departments for seamless execution of marketing initiatives.
  • Optimized multi-channel marketing strategies, consistently leading with innovative solutions that elevated brand visibility and engagement across all platforms.
  • Led the highly successful Coca-Cola UEFA Euros 2016 campaign, earning an industry nomination for "Best In-Store Activation" from Checkout Ireland.

Category Manager

Coca-Cola Hellenic
Ireland
11.2010 - 02.2013
  • Led all category management initiatives within the Supermarkets channel across Ireland, successfully expanding Coca-Cola Hellenic’s range and shelf space through collaborative retailer partnerships.
  • Analyzed shopper and retailer data to create compelling, insight-driven proposals that aligned new product development (NPD) with both retailer goals and company objectives.
  • Built strong, trusted category partnerships with leading retailers, fostering collaboration to drive mutual growth and category performance.
  • Integrated diverse data sources, including Nielsen, Kantar, and Dunnhumby, to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven market view that enabled informed decision-making for both Coca-Cola Hellenic and retail partners.
  • Facilitated clear, impactful communication across internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and smooth execution of category strategies at all levels.

Senior Account Manager

Nielsen
Ireland
07.2006 - 11.2010
  • Managed medium to large FMCG clients, consistently exceeding revenue targets through strategic use of quantitative retail data and analysis.
  • Identified and secured new business opportunities, generating additional revenue streams.
  • Completed advanced training in analysis, presentation, selling, and category management, enhancing client engagement and business outcomes.
  • Awarded twice for outstanding contribution to the business, demonstrating exceptional account management performance

Sales Executive

LMI Foods Ltd
Northern Ireland
02.2005 - 07.2006
  • Successfully increased sales volume for a portfolio of licensed brands, consistently exceeding sales targets and maximizing company margins across key accounts in Belfast, County Down, and County Armagh.

Brand Development Executive

Bacardi-Martini Ltd
United Kingdom
10.2003 - 02.2005
  • Secured and expanded volume, distribution, and visibility of Bacardi Brown-Forman brands across key on-trade accounts in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate, and York. Delivered effective budget management to drive customer awareness and loyalty at point of purchase, consistently achieving sales targets and objectives.

Education

Diploma in Digital Marketing -

Chartered Institute of Marketing

Product Marketing Certification -

Product Marketing Alliance

Digital Marketing Channels -

Chartered Institute of Marketing

Post Graduate Certificate in Marketing -

University of Ulster

BA(hons) Business Studies -

University of Sheffield

Secondary Education -

Wallace High School

Skills

  • Marketing Strategy
  • Digital Marketing
  • Thought Leadership & Content Creation
  • Creative Problem-Solving
  • Project Management

Hobbies

Peloton, Contemporary Art, Reading

Timeline

European Marketing Manager

NielsenIQ
08.2021 - Current

Senior Analyst

NielsenIQ
08.2018 - 08.2021

Trading Assistant

Savage & Whitten Wholesale
05.2017 - 06.2018

Customer Marketing Manager

Coca-Cola Hellenic
02.2013 - 05.2017

Category Manager

Coca-Cola Hellenic
11.2010 - 02.2013

Senior Account Manager

Nielsen
07.2006 - 11.2010

Sales Executive

LMI Foods Ltd
02.2005 - 07.2006

Brand Development Executive

Bacardi-Martini Ltd
10.2003 - 02.2005

Diploma in Digital Marketing -

Chartered Institute of Marketing

Product Marketing Certification -

Product Marketing Alliance

Digital Marketing Channels -

Chartered Institute of Marketing

Post Graduate Certificate in Marketing -

University of Ulster

BA(hons) Business Studies -

University of Sheffield

Secondary Education -

Wallace High School
Claire Lilley