Virgin Media O2 has announced a significant addition to its leadership team with the appointment of Rachel Swift as its new Brand and Advertising Director. Swift, a seasoned marketing professional, brings with her a wealth of experience from her tenure at Tesco Mobile, where she served as Chief Customer Officer. She will officially take on her new responsibilities at Virgin Media O2 at the end of September, succeeding Simon Groves.
Swift’s move to Virgin Media O2 marks a return to familiar territory. From 2017 to 2020, she held the position of Brand and Creative Director at O2, a role in which she played a pivotal part in shaping the brand’s identity. Her time at Tesco Mobile further honed her expertise, as she was responsible for overseeing brand strategy, marketing, customer experience, and customer propositions. Under her leadership, Tesco Mobile saw significant growth, enhancing its market presence and consumer engagement.
In her new role, Swift will oversee the brand and advertising functions at Virgin Media O2, a remit that includes brand strategy, loyalty programs, sponsorships, partnerships, and advertising initiatives. This broad portfolio underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining and expanding the strong brand identities of both Virgin Media and O2, two of the UK’s most recognisable names in the telecom sector.
Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Media O2, expressed his enthusiasm for Swift’s return to the company. “Rachel is already very familiar with Virgin Media O2, given her previous brand and creative role at O2 and our long-running partnership with Tesco Mobile,” he noted. “It’s great to welcome Rachel back, and we look forward to her bringing a wealth of experience and new ideas to our two iconic brands.”
Swift’s return is particularly timely as Virgin Media O2 continues to navigate a dynamic and competitive marketplace. Her expertise in brand management and customer experience will be instrumental in driving the company’s strategic initiatives forward. At a time when consumer expectations are rapidly evolving, Swift’s leadership is expected to reinforce Virgin Media O2’s position as a market leader.
Reflecting on her tenure at Tesco Mobile and her new role at Virgin Media O2, Swift shared, “I’ve loved every moment leading the Customer team at Tesco Mobile during a period of significant change and growth, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, taking the brand to new heights. Virgin Media O2 is home to two of the UK’s most recognisable brands, each with clear identities and licence to stand out. It’s such an exciting time to join the business, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Before her successful stints at Tesco Mobile and O2, Swift held key brand roles at John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in the field. Her diverse experience across some of the UK’s most beloved brands makes her uniquely qualified to steer Virgin Media O2’s brand and advertising strategy into the future.
As Rachel Swift prepares to take the reins, Virgin Media O2 anticipates a period of renewed energy and innovation in its branding efforts.
