Mardie Bays is a visionary leader with over 20 years of expertise in advertising, branding, and integrated marketing. As Vice President and Head of Client Services for SGK Brand Experience, she has been instrumental in building a top-tier design and integrated marketing capability across the Americas. Known for leading award-winning campaigns, Mardie’s strategic insights and collaborative approach have consistently delivered impactful, story-driven solutions for global brands.
Starting her career in above-the-line advertising, Mardie expanded her expertise into branding, packaging, shopper marketing, and omni-channel strategies, earning her reputation as a trusted industry expert. She is especially passionate about how packaging can serve as an anchor in the marketing mix for emerging brands, connecting brand story with purpose and consumer experience. Her work centres on how packaging can effectively lead or reinforce brand messages, creating a seamless consumer journey across limited touch points while enhancing brand loyalty and sales.
Mardie’s educational background includes a BS in Business from the University of Vermont and an MA in Communications from Michigan State University. She has also completed the Institute for Advanced Advertising Studies through the AAAA and guest lectured on Shopper Marketing at DePaul University and other institutions.
As a thought leader, Mardie believes in harnessing digital transformation to elevate brand engagement in innovative, meaningful ways. Her insights emphasize empathy, creativity, and purpose in design, enabling brands to build strong, consumer-centric identities. Mardie’s leadership philosophy, inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s focus on empathy, centres on empowering her teams and clients to unlock their full potential and drive sustainable brand success.
Mardie is also deeply committed to sustainability and impactful work. She has played a strategic role in SGK's "A World Worth Saving" Earth Day initiative, among other employee engagement efforts, further showcasing her dedication to creating purpose-driven, resonant brand experiences.
