BJ Cunningham

BJ Cunningham

BJ 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 Davidsons 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 Tobacco Direct scheme, took him to the doors of the European Court of Justice, where he found himself up against the combined might of the tobacco industry who were joined by every Member State of Europe. He lost.

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.

More recently, he and his wife have launched the highly acclaimed Georgina Goodman brand of shoes and accessories from their flagship store in the heart of Mayfair. The Georgina Goodman luxury brand is now stocked by the major fashion retailers globally.

After just 18 months GG’s hand made exclusive GG designs, have attracted celebrity clients like Jerry Hall -is seeing profits increase at a rate of 25% per season.e. growth of over 50% yearly, a phenomenal achievement for an unknown designer competing in a rarefied market against designers like Jimmy Choo.

Having recently appointed a new Managing Director GG is set for continued success and to compete with the good and the great designers of this century.

BJ is now channelling his energy into his latest venture and taking his corporate learning into the SME market. In his usual provocative style he will challenge business owners and entrepreneurs to re-examine the truth and their brand.

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.