Kate Blackmore
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Pilgrims Europe
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since leaving Exeter I’ve worked across Sales, Trade Marketing and Shopper Marketing functions in the FMCG and Beauty industries. Plus a year out leading group trips in Europe for Topdeck Travel!
In my current role, I manage Shopper Marketing for multiple grocery brands. The objective is to maximise sales opportunities in-store and online, via marketing communications and execution. As part of the role I work closely with cross-functional colleagues, retailers and retail media networks. I also manage a field sales agency, with 13 Territory Managers around the country, improving our brand presence in stores.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I chose to pursue a Trade/Shopper Marketing career as it requires a blend of creative and analytical thinking. I enjoy building a thorough understanding of the drainers and drivers of a brand’s performance and coming up with new campaigns to help it grow. Whether that’s launching new products, tapping into new occasions, overcoming perceived barriers or simply reminding shoppers why they love our products!
The thing I enjoy most is building stakeholder relationships, both internally and externally. I work closely with multiple agencies and our customers to achieve the best results.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was an active member of the Debating Society.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I loved the varied and interesting topics, particularly Political Geography.
What did you most enjoy about studying here?
The people really made the experience for me! It’s a beautiful campus and I loved my course, but the best bit has to be meeting some of my best friends there.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Be curious, don’t focus on one ‘dream job’. Instead, get into an industry you’re interested in or a company you admire and see what opportunities open up there. Don’t be afraid to chat to people and ask them for insight, pointers or to even to shadow them in their role.
