Simon Sproule | Influence 100
Simon-Sproule

Simon Sproule

Global Director of Marketing & Communications
Aston Martin
@ssproule101

Simon Sproule has built a reputation as one of the automotive sector’s smartest PR practitioners, and left Tesla in 2014 to become global head of marketing and communications at Aston Martin. Prior to Tesla, Sproule spent several years at Nissan, where he became one of the first executives to oversee an integrated PR and marketing function. Sproule was associated with Nissan since joining the company in 2003, broken only by a two-month stint as Microsoft’s global communications director. A keen advocate of ‘brand journalism’, Sproule’s work at Aston Martin involves a sharper content focus for a luxury brand that is best known for its association with James Bond, and he has already ushered in the kind of integrated communications and marketing operation that has been a hallmark of his career to date.

Notable career highlight?
Being appointed global head of communications at Nissan and moving to Japan

What is the most rewarding/challenging aspect about a career in communications/marketing?
Making a positive difference to the core business every day; meaningful stakeholder management

What skills/experience will the CCO of the future need that may not be required today?
Ability to operate an integrated operation; although should be required today.

What skill/experience is required of today's CCO that might not be as relevant in the future?
Everything evolves, the challenge is to prioritize what to leave behind.

Who or what inspires you to be your best? 
My family.

What is on your must-read/view/listen-to list? 
The Economist, every issue.

Most interesting place you've traveled to?
Bhutan