First Female Board Director at Mamas & Papas, Founder of IndiaCoco & Commercial & Marketing Lead for London Pulse Netball Club
Claire Harper’s Biography:
Claire Harper is a highly respected marketing and retail expert whose career spans some of the United Kingdom’s most recognised retail brands, including Argos, Ocado, Sainsbury’s and Mamas & Papas. Known for her expertise in customer acquisition, brand development and retail transformation, Claire has become a sought-after keynote speaker, moderator and panellist. She has shared her insights at prestigious industry events hosted by organisations such as the BRC Retail Symposium, Adobe, Magento, Sainsbury’s, Burberry and Square Mile Investment Consulting & Research. Her engaging presentations focus on marketing strategy, change management, customer experience, entrepreneurship and women in business.
Claire began her career as a Corporate Marketer at Argos before moving into increasingly senior marketing roles. In 2001, she joined Ocado as its first Head of Customer Acquisition and PR, helping to establish the pioneering online grocery retailer during its formative years before progressing to Head of Marketing. She later joined Sainsbury’s as Head of Online Marketing, contributing to the retailer’s successful turnaround strategy under the leadership of CEO Justin King. In 2008, Claire made history when she became the first female board director at nursery retailer Mamas & Papas, further cementing her reputation as a trailblazer within the retail sector.
Alongside her corporate achievements, Claire successfully launched her own business, IndiaCoco, in 2011. Inspired by her daughters, the British children’s wear brand focused on original, innovative and stylish designs. Her entrepreneurial experience has provided valuable insight into building and scaling businesses, making her a credible voice on start-up growth and brand development. Claire has also held leadership roles, including Marketing Director for Frosts Garden Centres and Non-Executive Director at Blue Diamond Garden Centres.
More recently, Claire has continued to combine commercial expertise with strategic leadership across retail and sport. In 2023, she played a pivotal role as Commercial and Marketing Lead for London Pulse Netball Club. Her broad experience across board-level leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing innovation and customer engagement enables her to deliver practical, actionable insights for organisations seeking sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Why Hire Claire Harper?
Claire Harper brings a unique combination of corporate leadership, entrepreneurial success and board-level experience that resonates with audiences across industries. Drawing on decades of experience in retail, marketing and customer engagement, she provides practical strategies that organisations can implement immediately. Claire is particularly valued for her ability to explain complex business challenges through real-world examples, helping audiences understand how to navigate change, strengthen brands and improve customer relationships. Her dynamic speaking style, combined with expertise in leadership, innovation and business growth, makes her a compelling choice for conferences, leadership events and industry forums.
Claire Harper’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Claire Harper’s remarkable career:
- 2020 – Serves as Commercial and Marketing Lead for London Pulse Netball Club, helping drive commercial growth and brand development.
- 2019 – Became a Non-Executive Director at Blue Diamond Garden Centres, providing strategic guidance at board level.
- 2017 – Appointed Marketing Director for Frosts Garden Centres, leading marketing strategy and customer engagement initiatives.
- 2012 – Founded and expanded IndiaCoco, an innovative British children’s wear business inspired by her daughters.
- 2006 – Became the first-ever female board director at Mamas & Papas, breaking new ground within the organisation.
- 2004 – Joined Sainsbury’s as Head of Online Marketing and contributed to the retailer’s transformation strategy.
- 2000 – Advanced to Head of Marketing at Ocado, overseeing customer growth and brand development during a crucial growth phase.
- 1996 – Started career as an Advertising Manager at Argos.
Videos
Claire Harper’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Claire was a fantastic speaker. Claire’s “down to earth” and “can do” attitude touched so many and we couldn’t have been more happy.” – One Housing Group
“Claire perfectly understood what the client was after and delivered a very relevant talk. On this note, it was easy to work with Claire and she was eager to shape her talk according to the client’s needs.” – Havas
Speaking Topics
Claire Harper’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Marketing and Branding
- The Ideal Customer
- Women in Business
- Change Management and Leadership
- Successful Start-ups
- Customer Experience
- Digital and Emerging Markets
How Much Does Claire Harper Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Claire Harper?
Claire Harper’s speaking fees typically reflect her exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.