BJ Cunningham

BJ Cunningham possesses a rare combination of business and creative credentials. He is a successful entrepreneur, charismatic speaker and acknowledged thought leader in the field of branding, brand marketing and communications.

 He completed his MA in 3-Dimensional Design at Middlesex University following his undergraduate degree in Economics and Social History at Exeter University. On return from his subsequent travels through SE Asia, he started his first enterprise called The Karma Connection, which imported classic cars and Harley Davidson's from LA to London. This stopped abruptly when the market collapsed. He lost everything except his overdraft.

He took his considerable debt and created DEATH™ Cigarettes.  His Enlightened Tobacco Company PLC, which he describes as a vertical learning curve, culminated after five years in a spectacular tax arbitrage scheme, threatening to overturn the tobacco industry and truly open up Europe for the consumer. 

His verve and irreverent reputation led him on to establish an Integrated Brand Marketing agency built upon his experience in business and the philosophy of ‘Corporate Religion’, a UK business best seller that he edited and to which he wrote the introduction.  He then went on to win business as diverse as Volkswagen, Canon, Fairline Boats, Korn Ferry and Red Devil.  He successfully sold the Agency after three years in August 2001, coinciding with the birth of his first child.

BJ continues to work as an independent brand marketing consultant and has become a much sought after keynote and after dinner speaker for international conferences and events.

SPEAKING TOPICS – Overcoming Adversity, Brands, Creative, Entrepreneurship

Testimonials

"BJ was excellent: funny, passionate and very engaging" Dorchester Hotel Group