Marjan Straathof

Global SVP of Marketing & Partner at DEPT®

Amsterdam Area

About

I’ve spent more than twenty years in digital and marketing, and one thing I’ve learned is that the work that really matters is never straightforward. It’s complex, fast-moving, and usually takes a lot of smart people working through it together. That’s the kind of work I’ve always been drawn to. When I joined DEPT®, we were 150 people in the Netherlands. Today, we’re 4,000+ people around the world, partnering with brands like Google, Netflix, OpenAI, and eBay. Being part of that growth has been full-on, ambitious, and one of the most rewarding parts of my career. One of the biggest challenges and proudest milestones was leading the M&A Integration of more than 35 companies under one DEPT® brand. That was never just about identity; it was about creating alignment across founders and cultures, and building a unified GTM strategy that turned a collection of boutique agencies into a global powerhouse. Another big chapter was building our global marketing team from scratch. What started at zero is now a brilliant team driving our story, supporting growth through strategic tech partnerships, and connecting markets across the business. Along the way, we’ve been named Webby Agency of the Year, launched DEPT® apparel, and built DEPT® Festival into an annual moment that says a lot about who we are and how we show up. Outside DEPT®, I try to stay curious and stay involved. I sit on boards including SoDA and Dutch Digital Design, and support women moving into leadership through SER Topvrouwen. More recently, I’ve been focusing on the strategic side of AI implementation, specifically how it is reshaping how we create, market, and work, and I talk about that every week on the Dutch AI Report podcast. What keeps me motivated is building things with substance. Teams. Brands. Experiences. The kind of work that takes time, but lasts. And if that resonates, let’s connect.

Experience

  • Global SVP of Marketing at DEPT®
    Nov 2015 - Present · 10 yrs 8 mos

    Responsible for global marketing at one of the fastest-growing digital agencies in the world, from idea to execution. Including positioning, global brand awareness, marketing integration, go-to-market, rebranding, thought-leadership, press relations, events and (internal) communications. When I joined DEPT® we were 150 people based in the Netherlands, today we're a team of 4,000+ digital specialists across 5 continents, creating integrated end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay and more. - Both Network and Agency of the year at the 2023 & 2024 Webby Awards (the Oscars of the Internet) - The only global agency in the world that is both Climate Neutral and B Corporation certified - Proud co-founder of the world's first 24-hour Metaverse festival and our yearly DEPT® Festival, one of the cornerstones of our unique culture.

  • Member Board of Directors at SoDA: The Digital Society
    Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 4 mos

    SoDA is a global non-profit association that unites digital marketing and tech companies. Their mission? To boost the digital marketing industry through collaboration, education, and innovation. With over 130 member agencies in 30 countries, they're a force to be reckoned with. They offer a range of resources and initiatives, including research, webinars, conferences, and awards programs. Their annual Digital Marketing Outlook report is a must-read for anyone in the industry, providing valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges. In short, if you want to be at the forefront of the digital agency game, SoDA is where it's at.

  • Member at SER Topvrouwen
    Mar 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 4 mos

    SER Topvrouwen is a Dutch program that connects talented women with top-level positions in the business world. Launched by the Social and Economic Council in 2013, it provides training and coaching to help women succeed in these roles and achieve gender balance in leadership positions. Thanks to the program's efforts, there has been a significant increase in the number of women on executive boards and in supervisory roles in Dutch companies. SER Topvrouwen is setting an example for companies worldwide that want to promote gender diversity and create more opportunities for women to reach their full potential in the workplace.

  • Member of the Board of Advisors at Dutch Digital Design
    May 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

    Dutch digital design belongs to the world top and we are proud of that. With the Dutch Digital Design foundation, we want to contribute to the success of all Dutch creatives, agencies and brands within the field. We facilitate a community in which we collaborate, exchange knowledge and give the best interactive work and the people behind it a stage. The foundation thrives through partnerships that enable our activities. United as a community we have one ultimate goal: elevating the Dutch digital design industry to even greater heights.

  • Founder at CreatZ
    Jan 2011 - Dec 2023 · 13 yrs

    Founder of Creatz, a marketing agency specializing in marketing strategy, branding, online marketing, PR & copywriting, and event management. With years of experience in the industry, I'm dedicated to helping businesses and organizations achieve their marketing goals through creative and effective strategies. At Creatz, I believe in the power of storytelling to build strong brands and connect with audiences. From developing a unique brand identity to creating engaging content and executing successful events, I work closely with my clients to bring their visions to life. So if you're looking for a strategic partner to help take your brand to the next level, let's connect and see how I can help you achieve your marketing goals!