July 23, 2025
Chris
Kelly
Business strategist/CEO/Fractional CEO-CMO/broad experience with startups and major transformations,/20 yrs as growth advisor/business coach
Victoria
Brand statement
Career Journey
Career Story
I’ve had a unique career having spent 50% of it as a business owner/leader/ manager and 50% as a consultant/advisor to C-level management.
In many years of business leadership and strategic consulting experience I’ve learnt a lot and done a lot. And I know a lot about what works and makes an impact, and what doesn’t.
As CEO I led the transformation of three businesses in diverse industries- funds management, tourism & leisure, strategic management consulting. I've run three awarded advertising agencies, including one of my own. And founded other businesses in consulting, training, strata management and recycling .
I’ve consulted for international Fortune 500 companies like BMW, ING and Mobil and Australian giants like Coles Myer, AMP and Telstra- as well as heaps of small to medium businesses, in virtually every market sector.
I’ve taken #4 brands to #1 and successfully launched a myriad of new products including three ‘world-first’ products in different categories.
Career Highlight
Career Goal
Experience
Experience 1
Experience 2
Experience 3
[ { "role": "Founder/Managing Partner", "company": "Marketing Acumen", "endYear": "2025", "endMonth": "", "location": "Melbourne", "startYear": "1995", "startMonth": " 7", "currentRole": true, "description": "Identifying and delivering superior customer value as a basis of sustainable business growth. Past client assignments include BMW, HSBC, National Trust, ING, Bendigo Bank, Lincraft, Coles Myer, Forestry Enterprises, Museum Victoria, Vicroads, AMP, Australia Post, Telstra, Nike, Warrnambool Cheese & Butter, PFD, Whirlpool\n" }, { "role": "Chair & CEO", "company": "Melbourne Star Observation Wheel", "endYear": "2015", "endMonth": " 7", "location": "Melbourne", "startYear": "2009", "startMonth": "1", "currentRole": false, "description": "Successful relaunch of Victoria’s largest tourism infrastructure investment and a key driver of Docklands foot traffic" }, { "role": "Founder/CEO", "company": "World4Kids", "endYear": "1995", "endMonth": "3", "location": "Melbourne", "startYear": "1992", "startMonth": "2", "currentRole": false, "description": "Redefining the ways the world shops for kids. Frustrating the Australian market entry of global retail superpower ToysRUs thereby protecting Coles Myer $bill+ group revenues in the toys, kids and related categories from competitive threat." }, { "role": "CEO", "company": "Armstrong Jones Funds Management", "endYear": "1992", "endMonth": "", "location": "Melbourne", "startYear": "1989", "startMonth": "", "currentRole": false, "description": "An old fashioned, process-driven life insurance business transformed as innovative, agile and customer-focussed funds manager" }, { "role": "Managing Director", "company": "The Ball Partnership", "endYear": "1989", "endMonth": "", "location": "Melbourne", "startYear": "1983", "startMonth": "", "currentRole": false, "description": "Trail-blazing the application of brand strategy to creative excellence delivering more effective brand communications" } ]
Career & Personal Growth
My career goal is...
To keep challenging myself by constantly finding ‘new mountains to climb’
My personal goal is...
Life-long learning
Vision of Success
What success looks like to me..
In five years time, I want to be...
Pursuits
What I want to make or do...
I want to take on more...
Red Flags & Focus Areas
Stop me if I ever...
I want to take on less..
Contact Information
Work Preference
Prefered Working Location
Melbourne
Work Preference
WIP
Expertise & Skills
Primary Expertise
Strategy
Secondary Expertise
Executive Leadership
Seniority Level
25 - 30 years
Key Skill
Active listening,Analysis,Brainstorming,Business management,Business Operations,Coaching,Communication,Conceptual thinking,Customer service,Employee development,Growth,Financial management,Innovation,Inspiring,Leadership,Strategic planning,Team building,User experience development,Vision,Market Research & Consumer Insights
Impact
What type of impact are you interested in making?
Impact By Numbers
Flair
Beyond the Bio
Fun fact 1
Fun fact 2
Fun fact 3
Learning