Bonin Bough

Expert in Business Growth and Branding, Marketing, Organizational Culture Change and Diversity, Chief Strategy Officer of Group Black, Former CMO of Kraft Foods/Mondelez, Former CDO of PepsiCo

Topics: Branding & Marketing, Business Growth, Disruption, Black History Month, Business, Change, Corporate Culture, Creativity, Digital Marketing, DE&I – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Empowerment, Innovation, Inspirational & Motivational, Leadership, Social Change, Social Media, Storytelling, Strategy, Thought Leadership, Vision

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Biography

Called “a force of nature” on the speaking stage, Bonin Bough is one of the most awarded (Advertising Hall of Fame inductee, Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in the Business,” Fortune’s 40 under 40, Ebony’s Power 100, and more) branding and marketing trailblazers in the world. During his storied career, he has been responsible for some of the most successful organizational transformations and the rapid growth of many of the world’s most-loved billion dollar brands, including Oreo, Cadbury’s, Gatorade, Frito-Lay, and others. Bonin’s energizing, entertaining, and inspiring talks go beyond marketing to focus on business and culture transformation, leveraging DE&I to accelerate growth, and unlocking innovation mindsets at every level of your organization. Attendees leave with more than the practical tools for driving growth, innovation, and culture change. Bonin’s contagious evangelism is a catalyst for breaking old processes and building innovation mindsets—unlocking growth in ways you may have never before thought possible.

As one of the youngest C-Suite executives at a Fortune 50 company, he accelerated growth at billion-dollar CPG brands including Mondelez (Kraft Foods) and PepsiCo, and was responsible for successful organizational transformations, driving strategic initiatives and developing leading-edge marketing campaigns. As Chief Media and E-Commerce Officer at Mondelez, Bonin managed more than $3 billion in media spend, making him the seventh largest media buyer in the world. He shifted the organization from 3% to over 32% digital spend, adding $2 billion in top-line net revenue and $300 million in bottom-line savings. He also grew online sales from $60 to $260 million in 18 months.

Today, as Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Group Black, Bonin Bough brings his expertise in marketing, strategy, and management to a higher mission: Dramatically changing the face of media investment and ownership by actively deepening the pipeline of media dollars allocated to Black-owned media businesses and diverse creators. Within only 18 months, Group Black became the largest diverse media collective in the U.S., growing from 0-70 people, booking close to $700 million in media, and becoming a successful case study in how a diverse and inclusive culture can dramatically drive growth.

As a speaker, he brings decades of experience to the forefront of media, innovation, growing teams and disrupting businesses, sharing actionable ways to transform entire organizations by changing individual mindsets. Taking attendees on a storytelling journey that showcases brands they already know, he customizes his presentations to meet client objectives, leaving audiences inspired, entertained, and empowered to take action.

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Testimonials

Bonin Bough is tremendously passionate about social media and all things digital. It is impossible to listen to him speak without getting caught up in enthusiasm and smarts he brings to the table every day. I found him to be an inspiring human being every day I worked with him over the two years he spent at Weber Shandwick.

– David Krejci, Executive Vice President, Weber Shandwick

Bonin is as much a celebrity as any of the headliners at the festivals he sponsors; crowds swarm him after his presentations, seeking a real-life moment with the man.

– Fast Company

Bonin was outstanding. All of the feedback is that Bonin is the best speaker we've ever hosted – even following Daymond John and Mike Walsh from the past two years. He spoke at a breakout session we had for investors the night before and then stuck around for hours at our after-party. At the last minute I asked if he'd consider doing a breakout session for area marketers and he agreed. He told me multiple times “he's working for me” and was incredibly accommodating. On top of that, he was just a nice, approachable person who seemed genuinely interested in helping people.

– Julian McCleary, Vice President, Quad Cities Chamber

Thank you for coming to Boca and being with us! Bonin, thank you for your amazing, powerful speech!!! You are a rock star to our industry and it is such a privilege having you on our program and for so many attendees to meet you, see you again and get to spend time with you. You made our event a great success!

– Libby Taylor, VP Meetings & Membership, National Confectioners Association

Bonin is a force of nature. More than likely you have heard about his pioneering digital engagement campaigns for Pepsico and Mondelez. You may have seen him featured on the pages of industry trades or in action on the streets of Austin @ SXSW. His new show on CNBC, The Cleveland Hustle, is inspiring entrepreneurs in Ohio and beyond. A true rockstar from Cleveland to Cannes, Bonin has been on the forefront of the digital revolution from the beginning. Smart, successful and connected, Bonin has the pulse on what's next. Those that know Bonin well can also attest to his generosity, commitment to mentorship and a deep belief that anything is possible. Bonin brought me into the world of PR and has been a guide ever since. As a co-author, a client and a friend, Bonin has made a difference in my life, and in the lives of many.

– Stephanie Agresta, B2B Public Relations Expert and SVP, DiGennaro Communications

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Reviews & Ratings

     Excellent  
     Based on 56 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Waldo Waldman 
 May 19, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been Speaking professionally for 21 years and work with the largest agencies in the world. I’m a Hall of Fame keynote speaker and a New York Times best selling Author. I have can honestly say in full confidence that Seth Dechtman and his team at Keynote Curator is the best agency I have been honored to work with.
I’ve witnessed Seth’s client focused relationship skills On multiple occasions. His clients love him and he’s detail oriented and has great communication skillls.
But most importantly, I’ve been on the receiving side of his servant, focused leadership style. He treats me like a valued partner and emulates everything a wingman is.
  
 
       
   David Allison 
 May 17, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth and the Keynote Curators team are tenacious and determined to do right by their clients and their speakers. I appreciate our relationship so much, and highly reccomend this group to anyone looking to book a speaker for an event.
  
 
       
   Meir Statman 
 May 10, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It is wonderful to join Seth in helping people reflect on their financial and life well-being and enhance them.
  
 
       
   Trevor Wilde 
 April 24, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was an amazing experience. the Keynote Speaker we had was perfect for our event and will definitely be having another for our next one!
  
 
       
   Sandro Forte 
 March 22, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliantly hosted, with great content. An absolute ‘must add’ to any podcast list!
  
 
       
   Jon VanDeventer 
 November 18, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been working with Seth at The Keynote Curators for over 3 years. I always look forward to our meetings because of both his professional expertise and his enjoyable, engaging personality. We have fun during our virtual meetings while developing innovative strategies and accomplishing goals. It's obvious from working with Seth over a number of years that he is always making event planning and booking services an easy process and providing responsiveness that sets him apart. He's an excellent partner who gets invested in your business and collaborates through every step of a process that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
  
 
       
   Jason Galaska 
 November 7, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth and his team were fantastic to work with in 2023 and we look forward to working with Keynote Curators to find potential speaker matches for our events in the future.  Thank you, Seth, for your professionalism!
  
 
       
   Hailey Wilson 
 October 23, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A Treasure Trove for Anyone Involved in Speaker Selection!

As someone deeply involved in the intersection of marketing and technology at AImpact, I find the process of selecting the right keynote speaker to be a critical part of any successful event. Seth Dechtman's "The Keynote Curators" podcast is nothing short of a godsend for anyone facing the challenges and opportunities that come with this task.

Seth brings an almost poetic understanding to the power of words, acknowledging that a speech isn't just a scheduled event but a transformative experience that can change the dynamics of an entire room. His enthusiasm for the craft is contagious, making each episode a joy to listen to.
  
 
       
   Nicole 
 September 14, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is super knowledgeable about the needs of meeting planners to have a successful event and partners with you to find just that right fit!
  
 
       
   Duncan Sigurdsson 
 August 28, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Working with Seth Dechtman and The Keynote Curators is always true partnership.  In the three plus years that we have been involved in various projects, I can tell you that they always deliver.  We have done some really cool stuff together.  Any meeting professional, conference planner or event producer will greatly benefit from partnering with The Keynote Curators.  High praise to Seth and his team.