Phil Barden is the founder of the UK branch of Decode Marketing and an inspirational author. With over three decades of marketing experience, he provides real-world insight into the world of marketing success. Phil coined the way for numerous widely acclaimed advertising campaigns and helped shape the way brand promotion is affected by psychology. He is a powerful keynote speaker and a fellow of The Marketing Society, sharing his expertise.
Phil began his career by attaining a degree in Business Studies, where he found his passion for marketing. In 1982, he began his professional career at United Biscuits as a Product Manager, working his way up to the marketing department. Following this, Phil attained an array of roles at Unilever, including Director of Relationship & Interactive Marketing, where he grew his knowledge. Phil then led digital capabilities at Diageo before moving to work as a Group Marketing Director at T-Mobile. He became a forerunner for campaign effectiveness, delivering award-winning commercials such as the T-Mobile flash mob.
In 2010, after being introduced to decision science by Decode’s founders, he was inspired to found Decode Marketing in the UK. Within this, he combined traditional brand management with neuroscience and cognitive psychology. In 2015, the Unilever Food Fusion Awards judged the business as “Most Inspiring and Provocative”, highlighting Phil’s innovative work. Throughout his career, he has published two insightful books which gained over 500 five-star Amazon reviews. His most recent book, “Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy – Second Edition”, transforms complex science into actionable points to enhance creativity.
Phil is a frequent guest on various podcasts, such as The Whole Marketer, where he discusses the psychology behind marketing decisions to enrich businesses' vision. He is an inspirational keynote speaker with experience in both in-person and virtual talks through renowned events such as the APG Planning Skills Diploma. Those who attend his events describe him as an inclusive leader and an asset to any team.
Social Media
Books
Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy (First Addition)
Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy (Second Addition)
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“Phil is an inspirational leader. He is clear-thinking and will never fail to orient his thinking around the customer. He has an intuitive understanding of brands and will always bring his experience, intellect and innate inquisitiveness to any project. He is a real team player, a lot of fun to be around and is an asset to any team or project he works with.” - Lysa, CEO of Hotel Chocolate
"He is, without doubt, an industry expert in the science behind why we buy. Phil’s scientific, evidence-based approach to projects is unparalleled. His commercial acumen and exceptional soft skills consistently ensure maximum impact whenever we’ve worked together. Phil always over-delivers, teaching me something new or uncovering unexpected insights, whether that’s from academia or his extensive industry experience. What sets Phil apart is not just his expertise but his approach. He is a true gentleman and an inclusive leader, always ensuring everyone is heard in meetings." - - Gareth, CMI Global Insight Capabilities Director at Mars
"Phil’s authority on consumer insight and decision science is unquestionable. As our keynote speaker at recent Amaze One ‘Humanising CRM’ events, his perspective on the psychology behind customer choices and the implications for the design of communications was instrumental in attracting a senior audience. Highly personable and approachable, our clients and new business network were delighted with the fresh thinking provided and went away equipped with a host of ideas for improving their marketing performance." - Janet, customer engagement, insight, analytics & data strategy specialist
- 2022 – Released the second edition of “Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy”
- 2022 – He became a Fellow of The Marketing Society
- 2018 – Contributed two chapters to the book “Eat Your Greens”
- 2015 – Decode was awarded “Most Inspiring and Provocative” at the Unilever Foods Fusion Awards
- 2013 – Published the first edition of “Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy”
- 2010 – Founded Decode Marketing Ltd. in the UK
- 2009 – Led the T-Mobile Liverpool Street flash mob campaign
- 2005 – VP Consumer Business at T-Mobile
- 2004 – Group Marketing Director at First Choice Holidays
- 2001 – E Capabilities Director at Diageo
- 1986 – He had various Marketing roles at Unilever
- 1982 – Product Manager at United Biscuits
How to hire Phil Barden
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Phil Barden for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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