Pete Markey, arguably the most high profile marketing chief in the UK and Europe, is set to join Cancer Research UK, after revealing a “deeply personal” connection with the charity, as his mother passed away from cancer 25 years ago.
Markey, who will be executive director of marketing, fundraising and engagement, will officially join on November 1 and then take up the job on December 1. He succeeds Philip Almond, who is retiring.
He stepped down from his CMO role at Boots UK in June, having been with the company since November 2020, insisting he was “excited” about the next chapter in his career.
Prior to that, Markey held senior leadership roles at TSB, Aviva, the Post Office, RSA and More Th>n, having started his early career at One.Tel, the AA and British Gas; he has always been a big advocate of data-driven marketing techniques.
Markey is currently ISBA president, a role he took on last summer, having served as vice-president for five years. He has been a member of the industry body for the majority of his career.
During his time at Boots, Markey led a widespread, data-driven overhaul which saw the Advantage Card loyalty scheme sit at the heart of the business.
In his new role, he will be responsible for strategies to increase income for research and advance the charity’s digital transformation. He will report to Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell.
On LinkedIn, Markey said: “I lost my mum, Rosemary, to cancer 25 years ago, and so this role is deeply personal for me. I want my next chapter to be about helping to beat cancer
“It’s a real privilege to be part of a charity with such a powerful mission and to be joining a group of people who are passionate and driven by the same cause. I’m looking forward to driving even greater impact and engagement, and to grow our income. I can’t wait to get started.”
In a statement, Cancer Research UK added: “Pete is joining at a significant time as our marketing, fundraising and engagement teams continue to drive growth, innovation, and engagement in support of our mission. He will lead the strategy to grow income for life-saving research and advance our digital transformation, ensuring we can continue our vital work to save and improve lives now and in the future.
“We’re grateful to Philip Almond for his outstanding leadership over the last six years, and we’re thrilled to welcome Pete to the team.”
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