Team Accord: David Branch, Senior Account Manager
David brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Account Manager, overseeing key accounts and driving growth across all channels. Passionate about strategy and client collaboration, he thrives on delivering results.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Accord?
With 20 years of experience at Accord, I've had the pleasure of fulfilling several roles, working my way up to Senior Account Manager. I am responsible for managing a small collection of accounts and driving growth across all channels and campaigns.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Like many jobs, each day and week differ. However, to give an example of a recent working day:
The morning started reviewing projects and client communications.
Before diving into strategy sessions with channel experts to discuss performance metrics and growth opportunities.
The afternoon was packed full of client meetings, providing updates, understanding client objectives and making tactical recommendations.
At the end of the day, I spent half an hour ticking off all the things I’d achieved on my to-do list and then making a fresh one for the following day.
What project are you most proud of?
A key project that springs to mind is recently onboarding a new cruise client. It was a significant undertaking, and I'm thrilled with the results we've achieved so far. From the very beginning, we implemented best practices that led to quick improvements, and we've continued building on that momentum. In the first five months of working together, we've consistently smashed targets and delivered exceptional performance.
The relationship has been highly collaborative. They clearly acknowledge our expertise and knowledge and take our recommendations on board. It's still early days, but the success we've seen so far has been incredibly rewarding. I'm excited to see how this account continues to evolve and grow while further developing already positive relationships within their in-house marketing team.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in marketing?
A key part of my role is staying up to date with travel sector updates, thought-leadership insights and market research. I subscribe to several industry blogs and newsletters, am a great advocate of LinkedIn, and attend as many events and conferences as possible.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry?
Stay curious and always be willing to learn. The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, so keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Build a strong network within the industry for valuable insights and opportunities. Focus on understanding your clients' needs and objectives and be adaptable to change.
What are you most excited about in the coming year at Accord?
I'm most excited about the opportunity to work closely with new execs and mentor them in their development. It's incredibly rewarding to share my experience and knowledge with the next generation of marketers and see them grow and succeed.
In return, I'm keen to hear the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas these new execs will bring. Together, we can drive the company's success and continue to deliver exceptional results for our clients. The collaborative spirit at Accord, combined with our commitment to excellence, makes every day an exciting challenge.
What do you get up to in your spare time outside of work?
Outside of work, I have a variety of interests that keep me busy and entertained. I'm a huge sports fan and will watch anything from football (particularly Exeter City), cricket, rugby, tennis, the Olympics…I won’t go on! I also love to play as much sport as possible when I get the chance, but that’s mainly cricket and golf these days. Spending quality time with my family is also very important to me.
It’s also worth mentioning a long-standing passion of mine: history. I have a degree in History, and I love exploring historical sites and reading about different periods (especially wars).
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
It would be the ability to manipulate time. Imagine being able to pause, rewind, or fast-forward through moments in life. This superpower would allow me to spend more quality time with my family, perfect my cricket skills, and dive deeper into my passion for history. I could revisit historical events and experience them firsthand.
What’s the most interesting book, podcast, or movie you’ve read/watched recently?
Vikings, Black Sails, Outlander, Medici, Tudors…and not one I’ve watched recently, but Band of Brothers is always one of my favourites (no surprises on the historical war themes!).
What’s something on your bucket list that you haven’t had the chance to do yet?
One thing that has been on my ‘bucket list’ since a young age is to fly a Spitfire (though I’d probably have to settle for being the passenger if I was ever lucky enough). I’d also love to get a flight in a modern-day fighter jet to experience the adrenaline and G-forces (say a Typhoon), but I don’t think there is any chance of that!
If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about our career opportunities, please don't hesitate to reach out.
David Brand
With 20 years at Accord, David brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Account Manager, overseeing key accounts and driving growth across all channels. Passionate about strategy and client collaboration, he thrives on delivering results.
