Biography

Book Bonin Bough through The Keynote Curators.

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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Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

HACKONOMY

How do you create value by breaking things? In this hour-long* keynote presentation I take your audience on a journey to discover how they can hack their business, their way of doing things, and ultimately themselves. Most think that the word "hacker" sounds negative, but not all hackers are bad. Instead, hackers and hack-thinking are the source of a monumental, positive shift in business, technology, startups and culture all over the world. Hackers can create immense value by breaking things, whether it’s breaking from tradition, process, or simply “the way we’ve always done things.” A new hacking economy – or “hackonomy” – is spreading quickly across industries, from software to hardware, aviation to space exploration. Hacking is even changing less obvious parts of human life, like dating. And, of course, the hackonomy has a huge impact on marketing.

* 20 min & 45 min versions are also available

TRANSFORMING TALENT

Talent is the single most important determinant for success. In this keynote I share my experiences from launching the world's first talent accelerator and help your audience realize their potential, utilize their strengths, and ultimately to catapult their career. I guarantee a truly life-changing experience!

CREATING BUSINESS ROCKSTARS

How do you transform traditional formats into breakthrough communications experiences? In this keynote I share the latest experience-marketing tools and the looming trends modern communicators must embrace to engage today’s customers. You’ll hear innovative ideas and learn a new methodology guaranteed to take your visions for greater reach and ROI from fantasy to reality.

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION

What can large brands teach small start-ups? In this presentation I share my experience from working with ten small businesses during my time as the host of CNBC's Cleveland Hustles. Find out the real stories behind the businesses featured on the hit show and inspire your attendees to apply these same growth-hacking techniques to their own brands.

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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