We are delighted to bring you a Fellows Interview with Rebecca Hirst, Brand, Marketing and Communications Leader, Global Consulting, EY
The Marketing Society Fellowship is our highest and most prestigious accolade awarded to outstanding marketing leaders who have achieved significant success in the markets they’ve worked in and made an active contribution to The Marketing Society and our industry more broadly.
What’s your golden rule?
Be honest. Say what’s on your mind with kindness and clarity.
Who has been your biggest influence?
My mum and my sisters. Each of them category-busting, brave, ambitious and unerringly supportive.
What is your most hated business expression?
I shudder at ALL the things we’d never say outside of the office, even though they slip into my vocab and I hate myself a bit for it. Let’s double down on our low-hanging fruit to face the headwinds and circle back. Er, no, let’s not.
What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?
The best is yet to come. I’m convinced of it.
Which leader do you admire most and why?
I admire leaders with courage and conviction. As part of EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year programme, I get to see the singular vision and self-belief needed to get an idea off the ground and turn it into business success. I hugely admire that.
What is on your mind the most right now as a marketing leader?
Creating clarity and cohesion amidst the very complex global structure in which I operate.
Why is being part of The Marketing Society important for your career?
I relish the connections, the ideas, learning and support that comes from The Marketing Society. I’ve never attended an event where I came away thinking ‘well that was a waste of time’. I always, always come away uplifted and inspired.
Why does marketing matter to you?
It’s about understanding and connecting with humans. That motivates me.
What do you think the biggest challenge in marketing will be in 2026
NAVI – non-linear, accelerated, volatile and interconnected forces are coming at us from all directions, meaning marketing is evolving quicker than we’ve seen in a very long time.
Tell us something that’s not on your CV
I gave a TEDx talk about gut instinct and I’ve completed a post-grad in personalized nutrition. I’m a nutrition nerd.
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