Cindy Gallop

Cindy Gallop is an influential English advertising consultant and entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn, a social sextech platform aimed at promoting positive sexual behavior and values. Born on February 1, 1960, in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, she grew up in Brunei and has a mixed heritage of English and Malaysian Chinese descent. Gallop studied English literature at Somerville College, Oxford, and later pursued a career in advertising, where she made significant contributions to the industry.

Career Highlights

Gallop began her advertising career at Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH), where she established the US office in New York in 1998. Her work at BBH included managing major accounts like Coca-Cola and Ray-Ban. In 2003, she was recognized as Advertising Woman of the Year.

In 2009, she launched MakeLoveNotPorn at the TED conference, which quickly gained attention for its mission to provide a platform for user-generated, real-world sex videos, contrasting with traditional pornography. This initiative is part of her broader goal to foster open discussions about sex and promote healthy sexual values. She has also raised significant funding to expand the platform, including a recent $2 million investment to develop MLNP.tv.

In addition to her work with MakeLoveNotPorn, Gallop founded IfWeRanTheWorld, a platform designed to turn good intentions into actions through co-action software. She is also a board advisor for various tech ventures and is known for her dynamic speaking engagements on topics related to advertising, branding, and social impact.

Advocacy and Recognition

Cindy Gallop is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the advertising and tech industries. She chaired the Cannes Lions 2015 Glass Lion Awards, which celebrate advertising that challenges gender stereotypes. Her influence has earned her recognition as one of the most important marketing strategy thinkers today, alongside notable figures such as Malcolm Gladwell and Seth Godin.

Gallop's TED book, Make Love Not Porn: Technology’s Hardcore Impact on Human Behavior, explores the effects of technology on human interactions and behavior, further solidifying her role as a thought leader in both advertising and social issues.

Cindy Gallop continues to inspire change in the industry and advocate for progressive values, making her a prominent figure in contemporary discussions about sexuality and media.