What is the future for Irish food and drink brands?  

Timothy P. Mobsby, Former European Chairman, Kellogg Company              

Timothy P. Mobsby is the former European chairman with Kellogg Company.  He was also a member of the company’s global leadership team until he retired at the end of December 2010.

Mr. Mobsby joined the company in 1982 in the United Kingdom, where he fulfilled a number of roles in the marketing area on both established brands and in new product development.  From January 1988 to mid-1990, he worked in the cereal marketing group of Kellogg USA, his last position being vice president of marketing.  From 1990 to 1993, he was president and director general of Kellogg France & Benelux, before returning to the UK as regional director, Kellogg Europe and managing director, Kellogg Company of Great Britain Limited.  He was subsequently appointed vice president, marketing, innovation and trade strategy, Kellogg Europe based in Manchester, England.  He served as Kellogg Company's vice president, global marketing from February to October 2000 and was promoted to senior vice president, Kellogg Company; executive vice president, Kellogg International; and president, Kellogg Europe in October 2000.

Mr. Mobsby received bachelor’s degrees in economics and business studies from Sheffield University, United Kingdom.

He was elected chairman of the European Committee for Large Food and Drink Companies – CEO forum of the European Food and Drink Confederation (CIAA) in 2008.

Mr. Mobsby was born June 8, 1955, in Surrey, England.  He and his wife, Anne, reside in Dublin, Ireland.  They have two children.

Graham Hales , CEO Interbrand London

Graham is CEO of Interbrand London. His work has taken him across a diverse range of business agendas, geographies and cultures in consulting for some of Interbrand’s most high profile clients.

Starting his career in advertising, Graham spent eight years managing accounts for notable global brands before joining Interbrand in London in 1997.Graham gained experience in brand innovation, strategy, consumer, corporate and retail branding, over the next seven years of consulting and his accomplishments include the award-winning work for the merger of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Taking on the role of Executive Director of Interbrand in 2004, Graham’s promotion brought the responsibility of client management, marketing and developing international business. Recognising the growing potential of brands in the Middle East, India and Turkey, Graham led the development of an Interbrand offering in these new and prosperous markets.

With a keen eye for developing Interbrand’s offering, Graham became global head of the firm’s corporate communications in 2007, overseeing worldwide marketing and brand-building activity for the world’s leading brand consultancy. In 2009 Graham took up the leadership of Interbrand in London.

Graham is a regular conference speaker, columnist and media commentator on brands and their changing environment.