Polly Black

I am on the faculty of Wake Forest University, currently building a new academic offering for the Department of Communication in integrated communication strategy and marketing communications, having recently stepped down from 7 years of building and running the Center for Entrepreneurship at Wake Forest.

In addition to my academic achievements, I am a proactive, forward-thinking executive with strong marketing track record in start-up, turnaround and growth situations. I have over twenty years of diverse brand marketing experience and proven marketing credentials in B2C marketing, including business strategy, target identification, brand positioning, advertising, promotion, social media and new product development. I have demonstrated success in identifying and capturing market opportunities to accelerate expansion, increase revenues and grow profits.

When you meet me, don't be surprised by my British accent or the occasional "u" that finds its way into my spelling. I am British and I speak and write both the US and UK versions of English fluently (!) as well as fluent French.

*Specialties: * * Teaching undergraduates. * Brand positioning. * Marketing communications.
* Social media marketing.
* Consumer insight. * Category insight.
* Strategic planning.
* New business development.
* Public speaking

Education

• Ph.D. University of Birmingham (2013 — 2019)
• MBA University of Virginia - Darden Graduate School of Business Administration (1983 — 1985)
• MA Columbia University GSAS (1977 — 1978)
• BA Vassar College (1973 — 1976)

Companies

• Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Communication Wake Forest University (2019)
• Visiting Assistant Professor, Communication and Entrepreneurship Wake Forest University (2017 — 2019)
• Principal BrandCurrents (2007 — 2017)
• Professor of Practice, Business and Entrepreneurship Wake Forest University (2012 — 2017)
• John C. Whitaker Jr. Executive Director Center for Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship Wake Forest University (2010 — 2017)
• Lecturer Darden School, University of Virginia (2009 — 2010)
• Chief Marketing Officer BoldMouth Inc. (2008 — 2009)
• Vice President Marketing, Levelor Kirsh Newell Rubbermaid (2006 — 2007)
• Strategic Consultant Hanesbrands Inc. (2000 — 2006)