Arief is a budding cultural researcher and semiotician, with a BA (Hons) in International Media & Communications from the University of Nottingham, focusing on cultural studies. Aiming to grow as a communications analyst by applying cultural insights toward consumer engagement and brand development strategies, his Third Culture Kid upbringing has led to particular interest in the negotiation of transnational identities, intercultural relations, and the nuances of cultural meaning. He is also fascinated by popular culture phenomena and emergent cultures.
Bucharest, Romania
Vladimir founded Labbrand in 2005. He has assisted over 70 brands to understand the Chinese market, identify their positioning, and execute their strategy. For both foreign and domestic companies looking to build a strong brand in China and foreign markets, Vladimir provides actionable insights based on comprehensive brand models and systematic methodologies. Vladimir graduated from Ecole Centrale de Paris as well as Shanghai Jiaotong University. He speaks fluent French, English, Mandarin, Russian and Serbian.
Shanghai, China
Aiyana has 16 years’ experience in the strategic planning function in the advertising industry (at Ogilvy and JWT, and as head of the planning function at Mudra, Bates and Dentsu). Her core strength lies in a consumer-centric approach to brand planning. She has worked with a wide range of global and local brands across product categories. She has also tracked the changing face of the Indian consumer, post liberalisation. She views semiotics as the ‘3D of research’ and has worked as an independent semiotician for several international projects. Art, culture and travel are her passions.
New Delhi, India