Who I Am and What I Do
My name is James McCracken.
I'm a fractional CMO with over 20 years of experience across Education Property and Training. Currently the chair of CIM in NW England. I specialise in lead generation, digital and campaigns.
ABOUT ME
I am a highly experienced marketing leader with a passion for driving sustainable growth and building high-performing teams. With over 20 years of experience spanning B2B and B2C sectors, including commercial property and student accommodation, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to every engagement. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM), I am recognised for his commitment to the highest standards of marketing practice. My career highlights include serving as Chief Marketing Officer for Apprentify Group, where I built a high-performing marketing team and achieved record enrolment numbers, and as Head of Marketing at Bruntwood where I increased office occupancy rates from 66% to 88% during challenging market conditions.
My expertise extends across the full marketing spectrum, from digital transformation and customer experience optimisation to brand building and go-to-market strategy development. I am adept at aligning marketing initiatives with overarching business objectives, ensuring that every effort contributes to tangible results. Beyond my technical skills, I am a collaborative leader that excels at building and motivating teams. I am passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Whether providing interim leadership, strategic board advisory, or executive coaching, I am dedicated to helping organisations achieve their ambitions and thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace. I bring a unique blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and a genuine passion for making a difference.
Key Career Highlights:
- Chief Marketing Officer, Apprentify Group
- Head of Marketing, Workplace and Digital, Bruntwood Works
- Director of Marketing and Communications, Campus Living Villages
- Head of Marketing, DPG Plc
- Marketing Manager, LTE Group
- Extensive experience in senior marketing leadership roles across diverse sectors (incl
- Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM)
How James McCracken Can Elevate Your Business
I offer a range of tailored services designed to address your specific marketing challenges and unlock your organisation’s growth potential. From providing flexible leadership to offering strategic guidance at the board level, I leverage my extensive experience to deliver impactful results.
Developing and Executing Winning Marketing Strategies
In today’s competitive landscape, a well-defined marketing strategy is essential for success. I partner with businesses to develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies that align with their overall objectives. Through in-depth market analysis, customer segmentation, and competitor benchmarking, I will identify opportunities for growth and creates actionable plans to capitalise on them. I guide organisations in crafting compelling brand positioning, developing effective go-to-market strategies, and optimising the customer journey to drive engagement and loyalty.
Flexible, High-Impact Marketing Leadership
Gain access to top-tier marketing leadership without the commitment of a full-time executive. I offer interim and fractional CMO services, providing the strategic expertise and leadership you need, precisely when you need it. Whether you’re navigating a period of change, launching a new product, or seeking an objective perspective, I seamlessly integrate into your team, providing immediate impact and driving results. This flexible approach offers a cost-effective solution for organisations seeking experienced leadership to accelerate growth, optimise marketing operations, or fill a temporary leadership gap.
Strategic Guidance at the Board Level
Effective marketing oversight at the board level is crucial for long-term success. I bring a wealth of experience as a Non-Executive Director, providing strategic marketing counsel to boards across various sectors. I can help organisations navigate complex marketing challenges, assess risks and opportunities, and ensure that marketing strategies are aligned with overall business objectives. My insights contribute to robust corporate governance, informed decision-making, and enhanced board effectiveness.
Developing Future Marketing Leaders
Invest in the growth of your marketing talent with executive coaching and mentoring. I am passionate about developing the next generation of marketing leaders. Through personalised coaching and mentoring programmes, I’ll help individuals and teams unlock their full potential, enhance their leadership skills, and achieve their career goals. Drawing on my extensive experience, I’ll provide guidance on navigating challenges, building high-performing teams, and developing strategic thinking.
Let's Connect
Email: james@francesandkevin.co.uk
Phone: 07557 096 093