Mark Ritson
Mark Ritson is a world-renowned marketing professor, brand consultant, and author with over two decades of experience in the field. He earned a PhD in Marketing and spent 25 years teaching MBA students at top business schools including London Business School, MIT Sloan, and Melbourne Business School. Alongside academia, he worked as a high-profile consultant – serving for 13 years as in-house brand expert for LVMH (the world’s largest luxury group) and advising numerous global brands. Ritson has established himself as one of the world’s best-known marketing voices, celebrated for blending deep research with real-world insight.
Career Highlights
In the marketing press, Mark Ritson made his mark as an influential columnist. He wrote a weekly column for Marketing Week for nearly 20 years, where his no-nonsense analysis won multiple accolades. He was named PPA’s Columnist of the Year a record seven times in the UK. Judges have praised Ritson’s writing as “authoritative, provocative, riveting” and backed by rigorous research– a style that often challenges industry hype and emphasises fundamental marketing principles. Beyond Marketing Week, Ritson has published in scholarly outlets like Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review, and he is a sought-after keynote speaker at marketing conferences worldwide.
In 2019, Ritson stepped away from academia (leaving his Associate Professor post at Melbourne Business School) to focus on training full-time. He has since devoted much of his energy to professional education and thought leadership in marketing. Ritson’s frank, witty delivery and deep expertise have made him a popular teacher for marketers at all levels – from young professionals to CMOs – earning him a reputation as an educator who can bridge marketing theory and practice in memorable ways.
The Mini MBA in Marketing
One of Mark Ritson’s most notable achievements is the creation of the Marketing Week Mini MBA programs. The Mini MBA is an online course that condenses the core of an MBA’s marketing curriculum into an intensive 10-week program. Ritson conceived the Mini MBA to offer a top-tier marketing education to those who might not have the time or resources for a traditional MBA. There are now two versions of the course – one in Marketing and a follow-up in Brand Management – reflecting Ritson’s emphasis on both general marketing fundamentals and deeper brand strategy.
The impact of these courses has been substantial. As of 2025, nearly 20,000 marketers worldwide have completed one of Ritson’s Mini MBAs, and about 95% of those graduates say the course made them a better marketer. The program is MBA-level and accredited by the CPD Standards Office, built on Mark’s award-winning teaching frameworks. Participants praise its practical blend of “diagnosis, strategy, and tactics” – a strategic marketing model Ritson champions – delivered through engaging video lectures and real-world case studies. Ritson remains the face and instructor of the Mini MBA, personally teaching the modules and hosting live Q&A sessions for students every cohort. The success of the Mini MBA underscores Mark Ritson’s influence as a marketing educator and his commitment to raising professional standards in the industry.
Mark Ritson and The Marketing Meetup
Mark Ritson has been an active contributor to The Marketing Meetup community, generously sharing his expertise through special talks and webinars:
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Marketing During a Pandemic (2020): At the onset of COVID-19, Ritson joined a TMM webinar to discuss marketing in a crisis, offering his perspective on how brands should navigate the pandemic’s challenges – themarketingmeetup.com. His seasoned insights helped marketers understand where to focus when “normal” playbooks no longer applied.
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Marketing for Small Businesses (2023): In this record-breaking Marketing Meetup session, over 2,000 attendees tuned in live to hear Ritson’s tips for smaller brands – themarketingmeetup.com. He stayed up until 2 AM (broadcasting from Australia) to present 10 practical strategies that help small businesses grow with limited resources – from adopting continual market orientation to smart “small brand” tactics against larger competitors – themarketingmeetup.com. The event’s huge turnout and lively audience engagement (emoji-filled chat and all) showed how resonant Ritson’s advice is for the marketing community.
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“Ten Questions” Q&A – Mini MBA Special (2022): Mark sat down with The Marketing Meetup for an hour-long Q&A session dedicated to his Mini MBA programs – themarketingmeetup.com. In this candid forum, he answered participant questions about the course content, what inspired him to create the Mini MBA, and how marketers can apply its lessons after finishing. Ritson explained that the Mini MBA covers everything from a first-year MBA in Marketing “without the huge time and financial investment,” emphasising market orientation and strategic thinking over buzzwords – themarketingmeetup.com. Nearly 1,000 marketers attended live, and the discussion ranged from career advice for graduates to Ritson’s take on marketing trends, making it an invaluable resource for anyone considering the course.
Further Resources: The Marketing Meetup team has also documented insights from Mark Ritson’s teachings in our content. We’ve published comprehensive, firsthand reviews of Mark Ritson’s Mini MBA in Marketing – themarketingmeetup.com and the Mini MBA in Brand Management – themarketingmeetup.com on our blog. These in-depth reviews cover the structure, experience, and key takeaways from each course, providing an honest look at what marketers can expect. They serve as a useful research aid for anyone evaluating Ritson’s programs. (For a quick overview, 95% of Mini MBA alumni report feeling significantly more confident and effective in their marketing roles post-course – themarketingmeetup.com – a strong endorsement of its value.)
In sum, Mark Ritson’s blend of academic rigor and real-world savvy has made him a leading authority on marketing. Whether through his award-winning columns, his Mini MBA courses, or his engaging Marketing Meetup talks, Ritson continues to influence and inspire marketers around the globe – always calling it like he sees it, and backing it up with insight and evidence – marketingweek.com. His professional journey from professor to practitioner to provocateur is a testament to the impact that passionate teaching and sharp thinking can have on an industry.
Mark Ritson’s talks with The Marketing Meetup:
The Power of a Small Branded House for Small Businesses
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdEUarg9dr8 As a small business owner, you might be tempted to create multiple brands in an effort to cater to different customer segments or address various needs. However, according to Mark Ritson, a professor at the Mini MBA, small...
Balancing Marketing Budgets for Small Businesses: Embracing ‘The Long and the Short of It’
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdEUarg9dr8 As a small business owner or marketer, you may face challenges in setting quant objectives and creating a well-balanced marketing budget. According to Mark Ritson, a professor at the Mini MBA, the key to overcoming these...
The Power of Strategy for Marketing Small Businesses: Making Choices for Success
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdEUarg9dr8 In the fast-paced world of small businesses, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges, fighting tactical fires, and focusing on short-term goals. However, Mark Ritson, a professor at the Mini MBA, emphasizes the...
The Art of Pricing for Small Businesses: How to Maximize Profitability and Avoid Common Pitfalls
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdEUarg9dr8 Pricing is a critical aspect of any business, but for small businesses, getting it right can be a challenge. Mark Ritson, a professor at the Mini MBA, offers valuable insights into the importance of pricing and the strategies...
The Power of Picking on the Big Guy: How Small Brands Can Leverage Positioning Against Market Leaders
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdEUarg9dr8 When breaking into a market as a small brand, resources are often limited, making it challenging to create a strong share of voice. Mark Ritson, a professor at the Mini MBA, suggests a strategic approach for small businesses...
The Power of Ethnography for Small Businesses: Why Quantitative Numbers Aren’t The Only Answer
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdEUarg9dr8 In today's data-driven world, quantitative research is often seen as a critical component of the marketing process. However, Mark Ritson, a professor at the Mini MBA, believes that small businesses shouldn't stress about these...
The case for reversing the marketing process for small businesses: Strategy then research
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdEUarg9dr8 The traditional marketing process of market research, strategy, and finally, tactics, may not always be feasible for small businesses with limited resources. Mark Ritson, a professor at the Mini MBA, suggests an alternative...
Why Market Orientation is Important, Particularly for Small Businesses
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdEUarg9dr8 The myth of the "lone genius" founder, locked away in their garage and single-handedly inventing a game-changing product, has captured the imagination of many aspiring entrepreneurs. However, as Mark Ritson, professor at the...
Top Ten Tips for Marketing Small Businesses
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FdEUarg9dr8 A few weeks ago we interviewed the incredibly popular Mark Ritson on his tips for marketing small businesses. Small businesses often face unique challenges when it comes to marketing. Professor Mark Ritson offers ten...
Embracing Life’s Unexpected Opportunities: Advice from Innocent Smoothies’ CMO, Kirsty Hunter
https://www.youtube.com/embed/BIJMyPte_Iw Last week we interviewed the CMO of Innocent Smoothies - Kirsty Hunter, CMO of Innocent Smoothies. To close the interview, we asked her to share her thoughts on what she would have wanted her younger self to know. In this blog...
Date | Time | Speaker | Name | Location | Get yo' space |
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19 Mar | 09:00 - 17:00 GMT | lots of wonderful speakers from the TMM community 💜 | The Marketing Meetup Conference 2026 | London | Sign up here |
14 Oct | 09:00 - 17:00 BST | Movable Ink, /create brings together world-class marketers to step into the future of marketing | Think Summit by Movable Ink | London, South East and East England | Sign up here |
15 Oct | 18:00 - 20:00 BST | Andrew Cock-Starkey, Founder at Optimisey | TMM IRL: SEO – What to Do When You Can’t Do It All | Milton Keynes | Sign up here |
15 Oct | 18:00 - 20:00 BST | Nick Padmore, Head of Language at Definition | TMM IRL: The five words that are ruining your marketing | Fleet | Sign up here |
16 Oct | 09:00 - 16:30 BST | Coworking, Cake & Gus Bhandal | Cowork Crew: The Three Cs of LinkedIn Success | Northampton | Sign up here |
16 Oct | 18:00 - 20:00 BST | Kate Attlee, Owner and Founder at Sabzi | TMM IRL: Newquay | Newquay | Sign up here |
17 Oct | 09:00 - 16:30 BST | Coworking, Cake & Community | Cowork Crew London | London | Sign up here |
21 Oct | 13:30 - 14:30 BST | Emelie Hurlbert, GTM enablement at OpenAI; Danielle Spielmann, Global Brand Manager at Zurich Insurance; and Nick Padmore, Head of Language at Definition | Tone of voice in the time of AI | Online | Sign up here |
21 Oct | 14:00 - 15:00 BST | Peter Weinberg, Co-Founder at Evidenza | How AI is impacting market research | Online | Sign up here |
23 Oct | 18:30 - 21:00 BST | Chima Mmeje, Senior Content Marketing Manager at Moz | Sip & Search Free SEO Meetup: AI Automation Party at BrightonSEO UK (Fringe Event) | Brighton | Sign up here |
28 Oct | 14:00 - 15:00 GMT | with Movable Ink | The Marketing Meetup x Movable Ink – The School of AI | Online | Sign up here |
28 Oct | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Dan Wiggins, Founder at RedCore Digital | TMM IRL: SEO vs GEO – Separating Strategy from Speculation | Liverpool | Sign up here |
4 Nov | 14:00 - 15:00 GMT | Ryan Lisk, Founder of Hybrid Legal | AI & The Law: What marketers need to know | Online | Sign up here |
4 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Elle Kendall, Marketing and Comms Manager at Green Valley Industrial Supplies Ltd | TMM IRL: Your Feed is Failing. Broken Algorithm? Or Just Bad Content? | Norwich | Sign up here |
5 Nov | 18:15 - 19:45 GMT | Louise Brogan, LinkedIn consultant | TMM IRL: Raise Your Visibility on LinkedIn – a masterclass | Dublin | Sign up here |
6 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Jonny Tooze, Entrepreneur & Advisor at Pimms Associates | TMM IRL: Climbing Mount LinkedIn | Guildford | Sign up here |
6 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Nick Crawford, Founder at Twist Consultacy | TMM IRL: From Dogs to Giraffes – Marketing models with a twist | Northampton | Sign up here |
7 Nov | 09:00 - 16:30 GMT | Coworking, Cake & Joe Glover | Cowork Crew: How to build a bare minimum marketing strategy | Cambridge | Sign up here |
11 Nov | 17:30 - 20:00 GMT | Kirsty Ostell, MD at O Agency and Michele Gettins, CMO at iamproperty with Natasha McDonough, Founder & MD at MMC Research | TMM IRL: Market research – Using the Power of Customer Insights to Fuel Campaigns | Newcastle | Sign up here |
11 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Speaker to be confirmed! | TMM IRL: Manchester | Manchester | Sign up here |
11 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Zoe Hanson, The Podcast Lady | TMM IRL: Podcasting for Business | Southampton | Sign up here |
11 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Heather Pownall, Founder at Heather's Media Hub | TMM IRL: It’s not the tech, it’s the strategy – how to turn a podcast into marketing gold | Fife | Sign up here |
12 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Speaker to be confirmed! | TMM IRL: Portsmouth | Portsmouth | Sign up here |
12 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Alex Hamilton-Wright, Chair of the Board at The Marketing Meetup and The Keynote Club | TMM IRL: Presenting design – lessons from the theatre of war | London | Sign up here |
13 Nov | 09:00 - 16:30 GMT | Coworking, Cake & Glen Stout | Cowork Crew: How to make your website visitors say: “shut up and take my money”Cowork Crew: Inside-Out Personal Branding | Reading | Sign up here |
13 Nov | 18:30 - 20:30 CET | Amin Ebadi, founder at Tartare AI | TMM IRL: Data in Marketing – It’s Not the Tech, It’s the Culture | Geneva | Sign up here |
17 Nov | 18:00 - 20:30 GMT | Panel presenters to be confirmed! | TMM IRL: a community-led panel discussion | Ashford | Sign up here |
18 Nov | 17:00 - 19:00 EST | Mohamed Hamad (He/Him), Founder at Third Wunder | TMM IRL: How to Build a Cycle of Growth with a New Marketing Framework | Montreal | Sign up here |
18 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Emily Mellor and Paul Taylor, Co-founders at DUO | TMM IRL: The value of collaboration in the branding process | Leeds | Sign up here |
18 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Speaker to be confirmed! | TMM IRL: Cambridge | Cambridge | Sign up here |
19 Nov | 17:30 - 20:00 GMT | Kate Sikora, Managing Partner at Noble Performance; and Dominic Baliszewski, Co-Founder at Yours Sincerely | TMM IRL: What a Difference a Year Makes – Search in 2025 and the Road Ahead | Bristol and Bath | Sign up here |
20 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Speaker to be confirmed! | TMM IRL: Birmingham | Birmingham | Sign up here |
20 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Speaker to be confirmed! | TMM IRL: Nottingham | Nottingham | Sign up here |
20 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Bex Fisher, Partnerships & Events Manager at Hattingley Valley Wines Limited | TMM IRL: Service with a Smile – The Secret Weapon in Marketing | Winchester | Sign up here |
26 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Speaker to be confirmed! | TMM IRL: Exeter | Exeter | Sign up here |
27 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Natasha Jones, Commercial Director at Fairfields Farm | TMM IRL: Creative collaboration and B2B marketing | Ipswich | Sign up here |
27 Nov | 18:00 - 20:00 GMT | Speakers to be confirmed! | TMM IRL: Lancashire | Lancashire | Sign up here |