Meet Célia
I’m a strategic advisor and non-executive director with experience across fast-paced, complex environments - from FTSE 250 and private equity-backed businesses to family-owned enterprises.
My career spans executive leadership, digital transformation, and boardroom governance - with deep expertise in marketing, consumer strategy, sustainability, and technology.
I sit on multiple boards, chair committees, and advise businesses on how to lead through change with clarity and confidence.
Areas of Specialism
Digital, Technology, Cyber, Mobile, E-commerce, Social Media, Data and AI
Digital Business Innovation, Strategy and Transformation
Brand, Marketing, Customer and Employee Engagement
Commercial, P&L, General Management, Leadership and Governance
Stakeholder Management and Public Relations
Non-Executive Director & Chair Experience
Boards, committees and working parties
Current NED Appointments
01
2025 - Present: Direct Wines (family owned) – Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit & Risk and People Committees
02
2023 - Present : Campden BRI (member owned) – Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee and Member of the Audit & Risk and Sustainability Committees
03
2021 - Present : Samworth Brothers (family owned) – Non-Executive Director, Member of the Audit and Remuneration Committees
04
2019 - Present : Moto Hospitality (PE backed) – Non-Executive Director, Member of the ESG Committee and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee since 2021
05
2018 - Present : South East Water (privately owned) – Non-Executive Director, Member of the Audit & Risk and Nomination Committees (and Chair of the Remuneration Committee since 2022)
06
2018 - Present : All Party Parliamentary Group for AI – Member
Previous NED Appointments
07
2023 – 2024: Hostmore plc – Non-Executive Director, Member of the Audit & Risk, Remuneration and Nomination Committees
08
2016 – 2020: Yes to Life Cancer Charity – Trustee
09
2016 – 2020: Casual Dining Group - Member, Executive Committee
10
2012 – 2015: Ford Retail Group – Executive Director and Member of the Board
Executive Career
Work Experience
2023 -present
Impact Ventures Group (t/a The Digital Advisor and She Capital) – Founder
Supporting companies through strategic digital transformation initiatives to unlock tangible business growth. Holistic mentor offering guidance and support to mid-to senior level women, fostering their personal development to fully realise their potential and achieve their goals
2020 - 2022
Love Home Swap (Subsidiary of Travel + Leisure Co - £3m+ turnover) – Managing Director
Director, P&L, Brand & Business strategy, Employee Engagement, Stakeholder Management, D&I strategy.
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Grew member retention at Love Home Swap from 40% to 50% within 8 months during Covid-19
2016 - 2020
Casual Dining Group (£1b+ turnover) - Chief Customer & Digital Officer
Executive Director, Data & Digital Strategy, Business Transformation, Marketing Strategy, Technology, Stakeholder & Customer Engagement, Multi-channel sales P&L & Corporate Communications
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Grew pre-booked business at Casual Dining Group by 32%, delivering c. £11m in incremental revenue
2012 - 2015
Ford Retail Group (£1.5b+ turnover) - Group Marketing & E-Commerce Director
Executive Director, E-Commerce P&L, Brand & Marketing Strategy, Technology, Media, CSR, Public Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Mentoring, Social Media, Internal Communications, Audit & Risk
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Developed the 3 year Multichannel strategy at Ford Retail Group, achieving 116% growth in bottom line profitability
2010 - 2012
Bookatable (£500m+ turnover) - Vice President Marketing
Executive Leadership, E-Commerce, Global B2B/B2C Brand & Marketing Strategy, Technology, Media, CRM, Public Relations, Social Media
2006 - 2010
STA Travel (£800m+ turnover) - Marketing Director UK, Northern Europe & Africa
Global Brand Strategy, P&L, E-Commerce, Multi-channel retail strategy, Public Relations,
Media, Stakeholder Engagement, Fundraising, Social Media
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Developed new go to market growth and innovation strategies for delivering integrated multichannel customer acquisition activities at Livebookings and STA Travel, achieving a 22% and 8% ROI improvement respectively
2003 – 2006
InterContinental Hotels Group plc (Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express
£2b+ turnover) - Head of Regional Distribution Marketing UK&I/MEA and Africa
E-Commerce, P&L, Franchisee relations, Web Development, Media, Stakeholder Engagement
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Delivered 70% E-Commerce revenue growth at IHG plc
1994 – 2003
Unilever, comdirect, smarterwork and Rank Group plc - Various management positions in organisations
in South Africa and the UK, including Brand & Marketing strategy, E-Commerce, Media, CRM, partnerships, business process, logistics
Education
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University of Helsinki - Elements of AI
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Institute of Counselling - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
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Strengthscope® - Strengths Coach Accreditation
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University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership - Sustainable Marketing, Media and Creative
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FT - Non-Executive Director training
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London Business School - Developing Strategy for Value Creation
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University of Hull, UK - MBA in Strategic Marketing
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Birnam Business College, S. Africa - Diploma in PR and Marketing
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University of Natal (Durban), S. Africa - Bachelor of Commerce Degree
