VSI and strategic partner Downtown in Business is delighted to welcome Kevin Roberts, the former Chief Executive of global media and marketing giant Saatchi and Saatchi, to the University of Salford for a master class in cutting-edge leadership in the world of sport and business.
The former Lancaster Grammar School boy’s CV highlights just why the likes of legendary South African President, Nelson Mandela, the Pentagon, the European Union and New Zealand All Blacks have all turned to him for advice.
A glittering business career was capped by an astonishing reign in charge of Saatchi and Saatchi but he was instrumental in knocking the spots off Coke during a remarkable spell as CEO for Pepsi Cola in Canada and the Middle East and revelled as a leading protagonist for the highly regarded Proctor and Gamble brand.
Roberts has always had a passion for sport, serving on the boards of both New Zealand Football and the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and was first introduced to VSI’s Master’s Degree in Sporting Directorship four years ago.
He said at the time: “This is a groundbreaking program and without question the way forward in executive sport education.”
That first cohort of Masters students were thrilled, challenged and inspired in equal measure by this self-confessed maverick who refuses to pull any punches whatever the audience.
VSI co-founder Tony Faulkner enthused: “Kevin started letting off fireworks the moment he stepped on the stage.
“Our students are in the main high profile individuals who have enjoyed significant career success but all were captivated by him.”
Faulkner added: “Kevin was very complimentary at the launch of VSI’s Master’s degree but warned us that to be successful the program had to evolve, remain contemporary and attract international recognition.
“We listened carefully to him and now partner with the Centre for Sport Business based at the University of Salford where our MSc in Sporting Directorship is the only program of its kind to enjoy international recognition.
“This is blue chip qualification for those with the ambition to lead at the highest level in sport and we are now able to cherry pick leading academics from around the world to teach on the program. They are complemented by exclusive master classes delivered by the most successful leaders from the world of business, sport and public service.
“Few match Kevin’s intoxicating mix of life experience and global success in sport and business. March 7th will be a special night.”
Downtown boss Frank McKenna added: “We are delighted to have been asked to partner VSI to host this event. Kevin Roberts is an inspirational speaker, with a wealth of business and marketing knowledge. To have the opportunity to engage with him is very exciting for us, and I know Downtown members will value the experience of listening to one of the most prominent global players in the world of marketing strategy.”
