KJELL COLSOUL
Strategic Marketing Leader | Brand Experience & Activation | Agency Builder
Merchtem
Summary
Strategic Marketing & Brand Experience Leader with 20+ years of expertise in marketing strategy, integrated campaigns, brand activation and project management and sponsorships.
Proven track record in building agencies, scaling operations, and leading high-performing teams across Europe. Recognized for blending strategic leadership, creative innovation, and business impact to deliver experiences that connect brands with audiences and drive measurable results.
Currently expanding expertise through the Next MBA and the London Business School program to stay ahead in data-driven, AI-enabled marketing transformation.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Marketing Consultant & Project Manager
Freelance
01.2024 - Current
- Partnering with agencies and brands on marketing strategy, project management, and creative campaign development.
- Driving business value by aligning creative execution with strategic objectives.
- Current assignment: Ogilvy Social Lab: covering go-to-market strategy, content production, influencer campaigns, and social media activation.
Co-Founder & Managing Director
VCTRY Agency
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Co-founded and managed VCTRY, driving 30% annual revenue growth by overseeing the full P&L and establishing the agency as a leader in gaming and experience marketing.
- Positioned the agency as a trusted partner in gaming culture and digital storytelling, designing and delivering integrated campaigns that significantly strengthened client brands and unlocked new revenue streams.
- Led and empowered a multidisciplinary creative team of 6 FTE, fostering a culture of innovation and measurable client impact through strategic and creative direction
Co-founder & Managing Positivist
BUDA.agency
10.2019 - 10.2020
- Launched a hybrid agency combining storytelling, digital, and live experiences.
- Strengthened client relationships by delivering strategically driven creative concepts
- Bridged digital content with physical brand activations, enhancing consumer engagement and loyalty
Managing Director
Bananas Brand Activation
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Led agency strategy, operations, and client growth with a strong focus on FMCG experiential campaigns.
- Managed client portfolios and delivered experiential campaigns with an average ROI of 30%.
- Coached and developed creative teams, fostering innovation and accountability.
Category Development Manager On-Trade N-Europe
Bacardi-Martini
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Led the strategic planning, development, and execution of the on-trade category development program ‘Bar Talk’, designed to enhance brand engagement, improve bartender education, and drive sales growth across key hospitality channels
Experiential Marketing Manager
Bacardi-Martini
07.2013 - 12.2015
- Developed and executed the experiential marketing and sponsorship strategy for all brands across the Benelux region.
- Managed and mentored a team of two event managers, collaborating as a key member of the Benelux sales management team.
- Drove brand equity through focused advocacy and on-trade initiatives, tailored to increase brand visibility and consumer engagement.
Activation Director
Square Melon / Bananas
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Created activation strategies for premium FMCG and lifestyle brands.
- Directed end-to-end campaign execution from concept to live activation.
- Built long-term client partnerships, strengthening ROI and brand alignment.
Campaign Manager
McCann Lowe / Lowe NV
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Managed 360 marketing campaigns for clients including the National Lottery and Unilever.
- Oversaw creative development, media planning, and production coordination.
Account Manager
Bananas
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Designed and delivered experiential campaigns for Coca-Cola, Mobistar, and Nike.
- Coordinated POS activations across 139 retail outlets, ensuring flawless consumer engagement.
Education
Mastering Digital Marketing in An AI World - Digital Marketing
London Business School
Online09-2025
MBA - Marketing Management
Next MBA
Online 04.2001 -
Master - Communication
Ghent University
Ghent, Belgium01.2003
Skills
- Strategic Marketing & Brand Growth
- Brand Activation & Experience Marketing
- Integrated Campaign Development
- Business Development & P&L Leadership
- Project & Operations Management
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Sponsorships & Partnerships
Websites
Interests
Cycling, Swimming, Surfing, Snowboarding
Timeline
Marketing Consultant & Project Manager
Freelance
01.2024 - Current
Co-Founder & Managing Director
VCTRY Agency
01.2020 - 01.2024
Co-founder & Managing Positivist
BUDA.agency
10.2019 - 10.2020
Managing Director
Bananas Brand Activation
01.2017 - 01.2019
Category Development Manager On-Trade N-Europe
Bacardi-Martini
01.2016 - 12.2016
Experiential Marketing Manager
Bacardi-Martini
07.2013 - 12.2015
Activation Director
Square Melon / Bananas
01.2010 - 01.2013
Campaign Manager
McCann Lowe / Lowe NV
01.2008 - 01.2010
Account Manager
Bananas
01.2004 - 01.2008
MBA - Marketing Management
Next MBA
04.2001 -
Mastering Digital Marketing in An AI World - Digital Marketing
London Business School
Master - Communication
Ghent University
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