I'm Emma Burn, a senior strategy director with 25+ years shaping brand and communication strategies for global and local brands across multiple categories. I specialise in behavioural science-informed branding, translating insights into simple, powerful brand and communication solutions that change behaviour. I thrive on collaborating with clients and teams to build robust brand foundations—from brand identity and packaging to customer journeys and 1:1 campaigns. I believe in empowering teams through mentoring and training, and I’m motivated by campaigns that genuinely make a difference, like the Manu campaign for Campbell’s Real Stock and the launch of neo-bank 86400. I’m passionate about turning complex behavioural insights into clear, pragmatic strategies that drive growth and meaningful impact.

I'm Emma Burn, a senior strategy director with 25+ years shaping brand and communication strategies for global and local brands across multiple categories. I specialise in behavioural science-informed branding, translating insights into simple, powerful brand and communication solutions that change behaviour. I thrive on collaborating with clients and teams to build robust brand foundations—from brand identity and packaging to customer journeys and 1:1 campaigns. I believe in empowering teams through mentoring and training, and I’m motivated by campaigns that genuinely make a difference, like the Manu campaign for Campbell’s Real Stock and the launch of neo-bank 86400. I’m passionate about turning complex behavioural insights into clear, pragmatic strategies that drive growth and meaningful impact.

Available to hire

I’m Emma Burn, a senior strategy director with 25+ years shaping brand and communication strategies for global and local brands across multiple categories. I specialise in behavioural science-informed branding, translating insights into simple, powerful brand and communication solutions that change behaviour. I thrive on collaborating with clients and teams to build robust brand foundations—from brand identity and packaging to customer journeys and 1:1 campaigns.

I believe in empowering teams through mentoring and training, and I’m motivated by campaigns that genuinely make a difference, like the Manu campaign for Campbell’s Real Stock and the launch of neo-bank 86400. I’m passionate about turning complex behavioural insights into clear, pragmatic strategies that drive growth and meaningful impact.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Strategy Director (contract role) at Apparent
August 1, 2024 - Present
Brand strategy development; stakeholder qualitative research; customer engagement planning; creative communication planning and development for B2C and B2B.
Behavioural Strategy Partner (contract role) at The Behavioural Architects
February 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024
Leading the creation of evidence-based Behavioural Science hypotheses and strategies for complex projects; conducting and analysing behavioural research; behavioural journey mapping; leading workshops; coaching in behavioural science principles; brands include NSW Government DP&E and Victoria Dept of Education.
Head of Strategy at Six Black Pens
January 1, 2019 - August 1, 2024
Brand strategy development; stakeholder qualitative research; creative communication planning; customer journey mapping; leading brand strategy workshops; developing and running strategy skills training; brand identity development.
Senior Strategic Planner at Clemenger BBDO
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2014
Brand strategy development; qualitative research; customer journey mapping; leading brand strategy workshops; creative communication planning and development.
Senior Account Director at DDB
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2009
Client and stakeholder management; creative communication planning and development; financial management; graduate recruitment and mentoring.
Strategy Director at Hulsbosch
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019
Brand strategy development; internal and external qualitative research; brand identity strategic development; packaging development; customer journey mapping; leading strategy workshops; creative communication planning and development.
Account Director at Leo Burnett
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2003
Account management; campaign development; client relations; cross-functional collaboration.
Head of Strategy at Six Black Pens, Sydney
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2024
Lead brand strategy development and integrated campaigns for clients including NAB, IOOF, Vanguard, AwareSuper, Medibank, AGL, SEEK, Bupa, Woolworths, Ignition Advice, Hostplus; responsible for stakeholder qualitative research, customer journey mapping, and strategy skills training.
Senior Behavioural Consultant at The Behavioural Architects
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
Behavioural strategy development across AMP, AGL, Unilever, Diageo, Sydney Water, Kellogg’s, Snack Brands; led research, journey mapping and behavioural hypotheses workshops.
Behavioural Strategy Partner (Contract) at The Behavioural Architects
February 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024
Led creation of evidence-based behavioural science hypotheses and strategies for complex projects; conducted behavioural research, journey mapping and hypotheses workshops; coached teams.
Strategy Director (Contract) at Apparent
August 1, 2024 - Present
Led brand strategy development, stakeholder qualitative research, customer engagement planning, and creative communication planning for B2C/B2B clients including Neo4j, Team Global Express, BlueScope, Austrade, Google.org, NSW Health.

Education

BA Hons in Classics at Oxford University
January 11, 2030 - February 20, 2026
BA Hons in Classics at Oxford University
January 11, 2030 - February 20, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Financial Services, Government, Healthcare, Education, Professional Services, Energy & Utilities