Talent Champion – Nicki Grant

Talent Champion Spotlight

2022 AEF Talent Champion - Nicki Grant

Nicki Grant
SVP, Consumer Marketing North America
Mastercard

Nicki is Senior Vice President of Consumer and Brand marketing at Mastercard, a top 8 brand in the US, responsible for all consumer facing brand and marketing initiatives across the US including insights, advertising and media.

Ten+ years at Mastercard working on the legendary Priceless program, formally leading marketing and communications for 8 countries in Europe including the UK. Total of 20+ years in marketing operating both brand and agency side with a background in telecoms and technology brands including Vodafone & SAP. Has had the privilege of working in countries around the world in the Asia Pacific, Europe and North America regions. Curious, commercially focused, international marketer, passionate about leadership, with a proven track record in developing and executing large scale, impactful marketing strategies, with a string of award-winning marketing programs.

 

What prompted you to get involved with the AEF?

I have gotten enormous benefit from this industry and I would like to use what I have learned to help others and give back to this industry.

Why are you passionate about the future of the industry?

We have an increasingly important role in society, the power of our voices is going to continue to play an influential role in driving positive societal outcomes, it’s a collective obligation and honor to keep leverage that for good.

What is the best career advice you've ever received?

The next role does not need to be the perfect role, but it needs to give you stretch and learning opportunity that is additive to what you already know and help you get to where you want to go.

Why do you feel it is so important to inspire the next generation of diverse talent?

There is so much power in a diverse group coming together to design a future that is inclusive and marketers are on the frontline of designing our future.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I am blessed to have a job that I am passionate about, and what I love about it the most is seeing the impact it can have on people and individuals.

What advice would you give to students as they consider entering the industry?

There is no other industry like it – its commercial, its technical, its analytical, its creative, its scientific, its humanities. It requires agility, and is fast paced, but also thoughtful and purposeful and best of all you are at the cutting edge of how the world is moving – whomever you are, however you think, whatever your strengths, whatever your experiences, there is a role for you, bring your smarts, bring your passion and dive in and discover where you can fly.

"Our future marketing and advertising leaders are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a meaningful career that will make a positive impact on society."
— Gord McLean, President and CEO at ANA Educational Foundation