Caroline Jacomb: channel marketing manager, Red Bull

Grocer, Oct 20, 2007

What was your first-ever job? Working as a Red Bull energiser at Manchester University, six years ago. I was on a mission to find tired people and give them some much needed Wiiings!

Give us a quick run-dawn on your career to date. After working as an energiser, I became student brand manager for Manchester until I graduated from university. I then worked at head office as personal assistant to Nigel Tread, who is now our managing director. I moved into the customer marketing team as customer marketing assistant and have worked my way up from there

Has your career followed a logical path? It's been extremely logical I began my career here and have been here ever since. What part has luck played in your career? I was very lucky to find a brand I identified with and felt so passionate about while I was still a student. It kind of made up my mind for me while most of my friends didn't know what they wanted to do.

What is the best decision you have made in your career and why? I became project manager for Carpe Diem Botanic Waters, one of Red Bull's sister brands, working with next to no budget and looking to make something from nothing. It really taught me how to look at things differently.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Who do you most admire in the grocery industry? I really admire people whose passion for their idea has enabled them to create something amazing from nothing.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Working for a brand where nothing is impossible. At the Red Bull Air Race in London I was so proud. It really was breathtaking.

What advice would you give to someone starting out? If you want to work for a brand, choose something you feel passionate about and can identify with.

What do you like doing when you are not working? The occasional round of golf,

If you could start your career again, what would you do differently and why? The flexible culture of Red Bull enables everybody to make their roles their own. This gives you the opportunity to try different things and learn and develop as a result. In turn, it helps you to understand where you want to go and that's something I wouldn't change.