Mariel Cunningham
VP Business Development
Professional Overview
Mariel Cunningham is an accomplished business development executive with over a decade of experience driving growth and innovation across the experiential marketing and premium experiences industries. As the VP of Business Development at WongDoody, she is responsible for identifying new revenue opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding the agency's client portfolio. Leveraging her strong commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset, Mariel also serves as the Founder and CEO of Porter & Pearl, a boutique consultancy that specializes in delivering premium experiences for high-net-worth clientele.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the VP of Business Development at WongDoody, a leading creative agency, Mariel oversees the strategic growth of the organization's client base and revenue streams. She is responsible for prospecting new business opportunities, managing client relationships, and developing innovative solutions to meet evolving market demands. Under her leadership, the agency has secured several high-profile clients and expanded its service offerings to include premium experience design and execution.
Career Progression
Mariel's career trajectory has been marked by a steady ascent through the ranks of the experiential marketing and premium experiences industries. Prior to her current role, she served as the AVP of Business Development and Director of New Business at WongDoody, where she honed her skills in client relationship management, new business development, and account strategy. Mariel's earlier experience includes leadership positions at IfOnly (acquired by Mastercard) and Born Curious Events, where she demonstrated her ability to drive growth, forge strategic partnerships, and deliver exceptional client experiences.
Academic Background
Mariel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Communications from the University of Southern California, where she graduated cum laude and was recognized for her academic excellence.
Areas of Expertise
- Business development and revenue growth
- Strategic partnership and alliance management
- Experiential marketing and premium experience design
- Client relationship management and account strategy
- Entrepreneurship and business consulting
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Mariel has consistently delivered tangible results for her clients and employers. Notable achievements include:
- Spearheading the successful launch of WongDoody's premium experience design practice, which now accounts for 30% of the agency's overall revenue
- Securing several high-profile clients for WongDoody, including household-name brands in the luxury, technology, and hospitality sectors
- Founding Porter & Pearl, a boutique consultancy that has quickly established a reputation for delivering exceptional premium experiences for high-net-worth individuals
Conclusion
Mariel Cunningham's impressive track record, diverse industry experience, and entrepreneurial mindset make her a valuable asset in the business development and experiential marketing space. As she continues to drive growth and innovation at WongDoody and through her own consultancy, Mariel is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry and the clients she serves.
