"Innovation can't happen without breaking rules. And nothing will happen without the commitment and discipline to make it happen."
Creating the DNA for Difference
Simon’s job is to make sure that all of CO OP’s branding activities are anchored by powerful strategies. From business advisory to brand creation to communications everything Simon does is informed by human insights, deep market knowledge and the experience to know what will actually work. From the beginning of every project there is a discipline and level of insight that uncovers fresh opportunities to create difference and value. The most ambitious strategies have the strongest roots.
A Life of Learning
For the last 40 years Simon has been creating breakthroughs for a diverse range of clients – from Real Estate to Hospitality, Pharmaceuticals to Health brands, Drinks to Digital Services, Financial Brands to Package goods. From Fortune 500 brands to five-person startups. He uses his deep experience to make sure that innovation drives value and that strategies inspire creative expression. It’s the wisdom that creates wow!
What Innovation feels like
“Innovation is surprising. Imagine putting food trucks on the 15th floor of an office building (to prove the landlord’s creativity to creative folk) or letting kids name a new neighborhood (as a seed for creating a unified community). To quote our Cambridge Crossing brand, CO OP is ‘a home for brave ideas.'”
Exploration and Expertise
“I come from seven generations of missionaries. I’ve lived on three continents in three amazing cities: Hong Kong, London, and New York. I’ve done business in 44 countries. I am driven to explore places and to understand what makes people tick. I am always seeking the next great tune, delightful place, or extraordinary experience. And I have the rare knack of always having my bearings (even in a runaway Beijing taxi). This all means that I am strategic by nature, and determined that everything works.”