In this Mason & Dale case study, we spoke with Kris to uncover his journey from Marketing Manager to senior leadership at CloserStill Media, exploring how he navigated post-pandemic challenges, built high-performing teams, and championed innovation and AI adoption across the events industry.

What was your role and mindset when you first joined as a Marketing Manager?

When I joined CloserStill in 2021, the events industry was in a very different place. We were still navigating the challenges brought on by Covid-19, with lingering concerns around social distancing and face-to-face interactions.

Teams were lean, and resources were limited. In fact, when my line manager unexpectedly departed at the end of my first week, the Tech Show London marketing team consisted of just myself and one other member. While new hires soon followed, the situation forced me to get to grips with a new industry, company, and processes at speed, all while balancing additional challenges such as virtual events.

With the support of more experienced colleagues, I adopted a mindset of learning quickly and doing whatever was needed to restore the event’s pre-pandemic success. Over the following years, we not only achieved that but grew Tech Show London into the multi award-winning, industry-leading event we see today.

What pivotal moments contributed to your advancement into a senior leadership role?

The success I’ve achieved at CloserStill, and the professional development that’s followed, is a reflection of the people who’ve supported me along the way. I’ve been fortunate to work with dedicated, intelligent, and positive teams over the past four years, and my growth has mirrored theirs.

I’ve always been a strong advocate for building a supportive and positive environment where people can thrive. Having previously worked under managers who dented my confidence and left me feeling unheard, I prioritised creating a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work. It gives me immense pride that only one colleague has chosen to leave my team since 2021, and that was to pursue an entirely different career path.

As your professional responsibilities expanded, how did you begin to influence and shape broader business strategies?

They say it takes six months just to fully grasp a new job, and a year to become good at it. I’d agree with that.

When I joined CloserStill, I brought experience from several industries and plenty of ideas for improvement. But while an external perspective was useful, it wasn’t until I’d been through a full event cycle that I truly understood the challenges, nuances, and opportunities unique to event marketing. As my expertise grew, so did the trust placed in me, which gave me the platform to influence decisions across the wider business.

Beyond my day-to-day role, my influence has been shaped most by leaning into my passions. From the moment I first used ChatGPT, I saw the potential AI could unlock for marketing teams. Since then, I’ve become an advocate for AI in marketing both at CloserStill and across the events industry, sharing strategies and insights wherever possible. I’d encourage anyone to follow their passions closely, as you can quickly carve out a reputation or competitive advantage by specialising in what you do best.

Being recognised as “Marketer of the Year” at prestigious events such as ACTIVATE and The Dotdigital Summit represents significant achievements. What professional significance do these milestones hold for you?

While I feel immense pride in being recognised, these milestones serve more as validation that I’m on the right path in my career. I’ve achieved a lot through hard work, but I’m able to sustain that level of output because I genuinely enjoy what I do and who I do it with.

At the heart of it, my greatest passion is to positively influence, inspire, and support others. Recognition along the way simply adds weight and credibility to what I have to say.

In what ways have these public engagements influenced your opportunities, feedback, and overall professional engagement within the industry?

Public engagements have given me opportunities to support others in ways I would have benefitted from as a junior marketer years ago.

Alongside speaking roles, I’ve spent the past 12–18 months sharing advice on LinkedIn, and it’s probably the best decision I’ve made in my career. It’s enabled me to connect with people I’d never otherwise have met, expand my influence in the industry, and feel proud when I receive messages from others about how I’ve helped them.

Ultimately, real success comes from stepping into what scares you. As I’ve discovered, it’s what’s on the other side that’s the most fun.

When you engaged with Mason & Dale, what specific factors were you seeking in your next career opportunity?

My previous role was a mix of Sales and Marketing, so I wanted my next step to focus fully on marketing and allow me to specialise. With the world in an unprecedented state during the pandemic, I wasn’t sure what to expect or what opportunities would be available.

How did Chanell’s approach differ from that of other recruiters you have previously encountered?

From the outset, Chanell took the time to listen to my circumstances and the direction I wanted to pursue. The first opportunity she shared was a Senior Executive role that didn’t quite align with my experience, so she quickly pivoted and found a Marketing Manager position instead. That was the role I applied for, and four years later, here we are.

What characteristics of this new opportunity made it align with your aspirations?

As mentioned, it was a fully marketing-focused role, which was exactly the direction I wanted to take. CloserStill struck me as an ambitious events company whose values aligned with mine, and the chance to step into a new industry after lockdowns felt like a natural fresh start.

Would you recommend Mason & Dale to other professionals and hiring leaders? What attributes contribute to their distinctive reputation in the industry?

Absolutely. Mason & Dale stand apart from other recruiters I’ve worked with, who often cast a wide net for “suitable” candidates without truly understanding them. Mason & Dale take the time to get to know candidates beyond the CV, building a trusting relationship and acting with their best interests in mind. When they recommend someone for a position, it carries real weight.

What advice would you offer to young professionals entering the marketing industry or assuming new roles?

The best thing you can do early on is dive in and build a broad skillset. Unless you’re absolutely certain about your passion from the start, find a role that exposes you to as much as possible, and don’t obsess over titles or salary. As my own journey shows, the recognition and rewards will come through your performance, not the label on your first role.

You’ve collaborated extensively with Mason & Dale to enhance your team. What transformative effects has this partnership had on your hiring success and overall team culture?

CloserStill Media’s EU Tech portfolio has grown significantly since I joined, supported by strong recruitment along the way. Having access to talented candidates who align with our culture has been paramount to our success, and has helped us foster a culture that rewards innovation.

Having built a strong team with multiple hires through Mason & Dale, how has that consistency and trust influenced your approach to talent strategy?

Knowing the supportive, collaborative culture we’ve built, and the calibre of talent we’ve attracted, we’re rigorous about selecting candidates who buy into what we’re doing. That approach has paid dividends, with minimal staff turnover and continued growth opportunities for our teams.

If you’re looking to strengthen your team or explore strategic talent solutions, schedule a call with Mason & Dale here.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking your next career opportunity and want a role that aligns with your skills, values, and long-term goals, browse current opportunities with Mason & Dale here.