BJ Cunningham

BJ Cunningham is the brand consultant and consumer trends expert leading the way in innovative, if not controversial marketing. So much was his desire to disrupt the status quo, BJ took on the might of the European Court of Justice with the launch of DEATH Cigarettes, with its tagline, "the honest smoke". Since success with several businesses, including a classic car and Harley Davidson import business, and DEATH Cigarettes, BJ has been widely sought by the biggest brands around the world. These include Volkswagen and Nokia who have benefitted from his extensive knowledge of branding.

Today, BJ works as a Visiting Professor at Brighton University and a Board Level Marketing Consultant, working with established brands such as McDonald's and Microsoft to name but a few. With a background that includes establishing Georgina Goodman shoes, SocksoSimple bamboo socks and DEATH Cigarettes, BJ is widely regarded as a business expert and helps other organisations to market their products to success. He is also a member of the Super Brands Council and is helping to grow the Turkish export market. 

Describing a brand as a promise, not a logo, a "long-term relationship" rather than a "one night stand" - Cunningham merges the politically incorrect with the inspirational to provide an entertaining and educational insight into branding best practices, as well as how and when to go against the grain. Obsessed with showing the soul of a business, Cunningham allows brands to build more authentic relationships with consumers. Utilising his years of experience in business, as well as sharing useful, actionable examples, Cunningham has forged a reputation as one of the best in the world. Having earned an MA in 3-Dimensional Design, to back up an undergrad in Economics and Social History, Cunningham holds both the operational nous and creativity to appeal to businesses in all areas.

In the height of the financial crisis, like many business owners, he was left with debt from his import car enterprise. When this fell apart, he started DEATH cigarettes which threatened to derail the traditional brands. Though he lost his case in the European Court, Cunningham began a creative brand marketing agency that would be sought by some of the most established brands in Europe. Always willing to challenge the way things are done, Cunningham is forward-thinking, brave and bold, having masterfully crafted his status as one of the most in-demand keynote speakers on branding, business and customer relations. Owing to his unique ability to deliver the controversial and the established with authority and deep understanding, he is the ideal expert able to inspire executives from all walks of life.

This exclusive interview with BJ Cunningham was conducted by our Senior Content Executive, Megan Lupton. Watch the interview and more, over on the Champions Speakers YouTube channel. In addition, BJ has also been named as one of the Top 18 Keynote Speakers to Inspire Your Workforce for Sales Kick Off Events, commending his expertise in business and marketing.