Black Label | Liz Nickles, Founder and President

"LIZ NICKLES is a seasoned expert in branding, marketing, and strategic vision, bringing exceptional expertise to the realm of global branding and transformative change management in complex organizations. With a career spanning over multiple sectors, Liz has held pivotal leadership roles at renowned global financial institutions, innovative advertising agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. Her diverse experience extends to boutique brands that emphasize socially responsible initiatives, making her an authority in combining profitability with purpose.

"As a knowledgeable strategist in multi-platform marketing, Liz is the author of 18 insightful books, highlighting her passion and commitment to advancing the field of digital branding and marketing. Notably, her acclaimed work, BRANDSTORM, was recognized by Sales & Marketing Magazine as the best new marketing book in the world for 2012, positioning her as a thought leader in the industry. This accolade not only underscores her profound understanding of branding but also reflects her ability to present contemporary marketing strategies in an engaging and actionable manner.

"Further cementing her expertise, Liz co-founded a strategic research firm focused on quantifying and tracking strategic trends, showcasing her deep commitment to data-driven decision-making. This unique blend of hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge creates what she refers to as the "branding cocktail," which provides unique insights and best practice strategies that clients and brands can leverage for growth. Liz's approach is rooted in tangible results, fostering a track record of successful branding and marketing transformations.

Education and Achievements
"Liz Nickles possesses a robust educational background that has equipped her with the analytical skills and critical thinking necessary for her successful career. She earned a Master of Arts in English from DePaul University, where she honed her ability to communicate effectively and creatively, a skill that informs her writing and branding strategies. Additionally, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwestern University, further enhancing her capabilities to articulate complex ideas and foster understanding among diverse audiences.

"Her career trajectory has seen her hold prestigious roles including:

President at Black Label Brand Development, where she honed her skills in brand strategy.
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at FTI Consulting, engaging in high-stakes branding initiatives that redefined client engagement.
Brand Consultant at US Trust, showcasing her advisory capacities in high-caliber financial branding.
Global Head of Branding, Marketing & Advertising at Credit Suisse First Boston, steering brand strategy on a global scale.
Senior Vice President of Creative Development at Mattel, where she influenced iconic brand campaigns.
Brand and Creative Consultant for various prestigious partners such as MGM, New Line Cinema, Sony, and the digital transition at Encyclopaedia Britannica.com.

Notable Achievements
"Liz's contributions to the marketing and branding landscape are substantial, given her extensive publication record and her high-level consultancy roles. Her ability to distill complex branding concepts into relatable and actionable strategies sets her apart from peers in the industry.

"Her work has had a lasting impact on the companies she's collaborated with, through her profound understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics that underpin successful branding efforts. With a passion for integrating emerging trends and technology, Liz has been instrumental in transitioning traditional marketing strategies to more contemporary, digitally driven approaches, further emphasizing her status as a leader in the branding space.

"In summary, Liz Nickles is not just a branding specialist but a visionary force within the marketing realm. Through her strategic insights, extensive publications, and leadership roles in prestigious organizations, she fosters innovation in branding and marketing on a global scale. Her multifaceted approach, blending creativity, strategy, and research, equips brands to navigate the complexities of the modern marketplace."

click here to view Ms. Nickles' profile on Clay.