The AANA is taking a cohort of senior Australian marketers from the likes of ANZ, Kmart and Nestle to the UK as part of a five-day ‘Retail and Innovation’ immersion. The new ‘Marketer Exchange’ program is designed to glean learnings from some of the UK's most high profile and esteemed marketers from retail brands such as M&S and John Lewis, which is renowned the world over for its Christmas ads and marketing.
Australia will then host the UK marketers later this year in a reciprocal exchange. The idea is for the AANA members to learn about the challenges those UK marketers have met with, and how they overcame them.
Those taking part will also get the chance to take part in one-to-one sessions with their counterparts from brands including Santander, Dixons Carphone Group and Guardian Media Group.
The week will also include a meeting with Sir Martin Sorrell, who will share his views on the recent WPP Global Retail Forum.
Also included are masterclasses by digital transformation consultants Decoded and Ogilvy UK vice chairman, Rory Sutherland.
"One of the key pillars of the AANA is to inspire and equip our member CMOs to build better brands and stronger businesses. Retail trends and innovation are often spawned in major overseas markets like the UK so a purpose-built trip like this is a great way to provide value to our members," said Sunita Gloster, AANA CEO.
The AANA group heading over includes marketers from ANZ, Virgin Mobile, Kmart, Nestle, Nine Entertainment Co, Artifex Advisors, Beam Suntory, Kellogg’s and Bank of New Zealand.
Email Nicola at nicolariches@yaffa.com.au.