Did you know that Marie-France van Heel, a Dutch-born marketing expert, has been at the forefront of shaping innovative branding strategies while contributing to the fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) sector? As the Chief Marketing Officer at Be.EV, the UK’s rapidly expanding EV network, she’s not just a marketing executive but a thought leader in sustainability and business strategy. With a career that spans decades in marketing, brand consultancy, and public speaking, she’s a name to know if you’re interested in transformative leadership. Moreover, she shares her life with Andy Burnham, the British Labour Party politician, and former Culture Minister, making her a prominent figure in both business and political circles. So, who exactly is Marie-France van Heel, and what makes her career so remarkable? Let’s dive in.
Marie-France van Heel is a dynamic professional whose career spans marketing, strategy, and public speaking. With a strong educational foundation from Fitzwilliam College and years of experience working for top companies like BSkyB, she’s built a reputation as a brand strategy consultant and business leader. From her current role as CMO at Be.EV to her contributions as a board member and public speaker, her journey reflects dedication, innovation, and a passion for making a difference. This article explores her career highlights, personal life, and future endeavors, showcasing why she’s a respected figure in the world of marketing and beyond.
Who is Marie-France van Heel?
Career Overview
Born in the Netherlands, Marie-France van Heel is a highly accomplished marketing professional with a diverse portfolio. Her career began with roles in brand consultancy and marketing communications, which eventually led her to work for major corporations, including BSkyB. She also founded her own firm, MVH Marketing, which focused on providing innovative branding solutions for clients. While the company was dissolved in 2011, the skills and expertise she gained during this time catapulted her into higher leadership roles.
Today, she’s widely known for her strategic contributions to Be.EV, where she oversees branding and customer engagement strategies in the fast-growing electric vehicle sector. Her ability to navigate the complexities of modern marketing has earned her recognition as a leading marketing expert and strategy consultant, helping companies build sustainable, customer-focused brands.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal Information | |
| Full Name | Marie-France van Heel |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Spouse | Andy Burnham (married in 2000) |
| Children | Jimmy, Annie, and Rosie |
| Education | |
| University | University of Cambridge |
| Degree | Social and Political Sciences |
| Current Role | |
| Position | Chief Customer Officer (promoted July 2024) |
| Company | Be.EV (fast-growing EV network in the UK) |
| Location | Manchester, England, United Kingdom |
| Career History | |
| Previous Roles | – Chief Marketing Officer at Be.EV (July 2023 – July 2024) – Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Partner at Heavenly – Head of Planning at Gyro – Director and Founder at MvH Marketing Ltd – Marketing roles at Littlewoods Gaming, BSkyB, MTV Networks |
| Board Membership | Director at PLAN INTERNATIONAL (UK) (appointed March 21, 2023) |
| Achievements and Contributions | |
| Leadership | – Instrumental in expanding Be.EV’s reach – Promoted sustainable transportation and built customer trust |
| Industry Impact | – Advocated for accessible and fair EV charging solutions – Contributed to future-proofing of EV infrastructure across the UK |
| Brand Strategy | Shaped brand identities for global clients like HSBC and BBC at Heavenly |
| Entrepreneurship | Founded MvH Marketing Ltd, a marketing strategy consultancy |
| Skills and Expertise | |
| Areas of Expertise | – Marketing strategy – Brand development – Customer engagement – Strategic communication – Leadership |
| Public Speaking and Publications | |
| Speaking Engagements | No specific engagements mentioned, but likely participates in industry events |
| Publications | No specific publications mentioned in the search results |
| Personal Advocacy | |
| Health Awareness | Underwent double mastectomy after discovering BRCA1 gene; raises awareness about genetic testing and breast cancer prevention |
Key Achievements
Marie-France van Heel’s career is marked by several notable achievements. As a Chief Customer Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Partner, she has worked with a variety of brands, ranging from financial institutions to sustainability-driven companies. Her expertise in marketing strategies has made her a sought-after consultant for companies looking to redefine their customer engagement efforts.
One of her most significant roles is her work with Be.EV, where she has played a pivotal role in the company’s rapid growth. By focusing on customer-centric branding, she has helped make sustainable transportation more accessible and appealing to UK consumers. In addition, her work extends to being a board member and trustee, showcasing her commitment to using her skills to make meaningful contributions to society.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
As of now, Marie-France van Heel serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Be.EV, a company that’s revolutionizing the EV charging industry in the UK. Her role involves everything from developing marketing strategies to crafting a compelling brand narrative that resonates with customers. Her ability to blend creativity with data-driven insights has been instrumental in positioning Be.EV as a leader in its field.
In addition to her role at Be.EV, she also serves as a board member and advisor for various organizations. Leveraging her expertise in brand strategy and marketing communications, she helps businesses navigate challenges and build stronger connections with their audiences. This multifaceted role highlights her versatility and ability to adapt to different industries and challenges.
Contributions to Marketing
Innovative Marketing Strategies
Throughout her career, Marie-France van Heel has been celebrated for her innovative approaches to marketing. Whether it’s redefining brand strategy for financial institutions or driving customer engagement for EV-focused companies, her ability to think outside the box has earned her widespread acclaim. She’s particularly known for her emphasis on storytelling, ensuring that brands connect with their audiences on a deeper, emotional level.
Thought Leadership
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, she’s also a prominent public speaker and lecturer. Sharing her insights on the future of marketing, sustainability, and branding, she’s inspired countless professionals to rethink how they approach customer engagement. Her talks often emphasize the importance of aligning a brand’s values with its actions—a principle she’s applied throughout her career.
Public Speaking and Lectures
As a seasoned public speaker, Marie-France van Heel frequently addresses topics like marketing strategies, sustainability, and the future of electric vehicles. She has spoken at prestigious conferences and events, providing actionable insights to businesses and marketers alike. Her lectures are not just informative but also highly engaging, often peppered with real-world examples that make complex topics easier to understand.
In addition, she’s a business school lecturer, mentoring the next generation of marketers and strategists. Her passion for teaching reflects her commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering others to succeed in their professional journeys.
Personal Life
Family and Background
Marie-France van Heel is married to Andy Burnham, the British Labour Party politician and former Cabinet Minister. The couple tied the knot in 2000 and have three children: Jimmy, Annie, and Rosie. Despite her high-profile career, she maintains a strong focus on family life, often emphasizing the importance of balance between personal and professional responsibilities.
Nationality and Heritage
Born in the Netherlands, Marie-France van Heel proudly identifies as Dutch. Her international background has undoubtedly influenced her approach to marketing, giving her a unique perspective on global branding and customer engagement.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Marie-France van Heel shows no signs of slowing down. With her current focus on Be.EV’s growth, she’s committed to making sustainable transportation more accessible to communities across the UK. Additionally, she’s expressed interest in furthering her work as a public speaker and lecturer, sharing her expertise with an even wider audience.
Her vision for the future also includes exploring new ways to use technology and innovation to solve pressing challenges in marketing and sustainability. Whether it’s through her role as a board member or her contributions to marketing thought leadership, she’s set to remain a key figure in her field.
Conclusion
Marie-France van Heel is much more than a marketing executive—she’s a trailblazer who’s reshaping industries with her innovative strategies and commitment to sustainability. From her contributions at Be.EV to her work as a brand strategy consultant and public speaker, she’s an inspiring example of what it means to lead with purpose and vision. As she continues to drive change in the marketing and EV sectors, her career serves as a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and a customer-first approach. Whether you’re a budding marketer or a seasoned professional, her story offers valuable lessons on how to make a meaningful impact in your field.
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