Chris Needham

Principal at Chris Needham Consulting, Brand Strategist

Chris Needham is the Principal at Chris Needham Consulting, a firm he founded in September 2022. His consulting work focuses on brand strategy and execution, particularly for Fortune 500 companies in compliance-intensive industries. Needham emphasizes helping businesses craft compelling brand narratives that resonate with customers and drive growth.1 2

Professional Background

Before establishing his consulting practice, Chris Needham held various significant roles in branding and marketing. He served as the Vice President and Brand Creative Director at NDVR, Inc., and previously at TIAA, where he advanced from Head of Digital Brand Strategy to Vice President of Brand and Advertising.1 His extensive experience includes a notable tenure at Fidelity Investments, where he led digital strategy and design initiatives.1

Education and Achievements

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Yale University and has been recognized as "Digital Marketer of the Year" by MITX in 2012 for his leadership in digital marketing at Fidelity.1 2 He has a diverse background that includes work in digital media, creative direction, and brand strategy across various sectors.

Personal Insights

Outside of his professional endeavors, Chris Needham is passionate about storytelling in business and believes in the importance of aligning brand narratives with customer needs to foster meaningful connections.2

Experience

Principal at Chris Needham Consulting (September 2022 - Present)

VP, Brand and Creative Director at NDVR, Inc. (February 2021 - July 2021), Principal Consultant at Tiny Big Idea (March 2020 - February 2021), Vice President, Brand and Advertising at TIAA (September 2015 - January 2020), Head of Digital Brand Strategy at TIAA (April 2014 - September 2015), Vice President, Digital Strategy & Design at Fidelity Investments (2005 - November 2013), Creative Director at SmartBargains.com/Rue La La (January 2003 - August 2005), Vice President, Creative Director at AGENCY.COM (1997 - 2002), Game Developer at Yoyodyne Entertainment (January 1996 - December 1996), Producer at PENGUIN INTERACTIVE (January 1995 - December 1995), Script Reader at Forty Acres and a Mule (January 1994 - December 1994), Sales and Advertising Associate at W.W. Norton (August 1991 - December 1993)