Nils Knoop

Global Brand & Communications Leader | Purpose-Driven Growth | Award-Winning Storyteller | Fluency in Six Languages | xNike | xBen&Jerry’s | xSeventh Generation

Germany

About

I’m a global brand and marketing leader who builds the systems, stories, and teams that drive measurable growth. Over the past decade, I’ve led integrated brand, product, and communications strategy for Nike, Ben & Jerry’s, Seventh Generation, and high-growth startups — shaping narratives that increase conversion, strengthen positioning, and accelerate revenue. I specialize in system-building: designing scalable operating models, messaging architectures, and cross-functional frameworks that bring clarity across Product, Marketing, Comms, and Partnerships. My work has supported organizations in expanding into new markets, improving brand health, and building repeatable go-to-market engines. Highlights from my career include launching global campaigns that reached millions of consumers, scaling community-driven storytelling programs, improving editorial and content output efficiency, and advising VC-backed companies on brand, marketing, and communications strategies that support fundraising, growth, and product expansion. I’ve led distributed, high-performing teams; managed multi-million-dollar budgets; and partnered closely with senior leadership to translate user insights and business goals into clear, compelling narratives. My trajectory is toward the CMO seat — architecting marketing systems, elevating brand strategy, and leading organizations through growth, repositioning, and multi-product evolution.

Experience

  • Founder at Nils Knoop Consultancy
    Jan 2016 - Present · 10 yrs 7 mos

    With 17+ years in marketing and brand-building, including positions as CMO at Planet A Foods and director level roles leading marketing and communications at Nike, Ben & Jerry’s, Plastic Credit Exchange, and Seventh Generation, my diverse experience spans impact storytelling, digital activism, and launching innovative campaigns for global organizations. Always personal. Never random.

  • Co-Founder & Director Marketing and Communications at Apollonia
    Jun 2018 - Jul 2025 · 7 yrs 2 mos

    • Lead storytelling and brand strategy for purpose-driven campaigns at the intersection of Indigenous identity, sustainability, and culture • Developed and produced Nike N7 Summer ’24 campaign in close partnership with Native creatives; campaign reached millions through organic and paid distribution • Built trust-based relationships with Indigenous leaders and changemakers, amplifying underrepresented voices through branded content and short documentaries • Oversaw partnerships with clients, contributing to long-term brand equity and social impact

  • Strategic Advisor (Consultancy Role) at HEYHO
    Oct 2024 - Mar 2025 · 6 mos

    Advised the founder and leadership team on brand building initiatives, strategic marketing, PR and influencer collaborations.

  • Strategic Advisor (Consultancy Role) at HEIMPLANET
    Oct 2023 - Jun 2024 · 9 mos

    • Advised founders on product roadmap, brand building and overall marketing and communications strategy, resulting in an increase in brand visibility • Led key product launches and strategic partnerships with Tesla, WTAPS, and Supreme securing high-profile collaborations and enhancing market presence • Developed messaging around life outdoors, fostering strong media and ambassador relations and elevating the brand's profile in key markets

  • Director Global Marketing & Communications at PCX
    Sep 2022 - Oct 2023 · 1 yr 2 mos

    • Led strategic rebranding efforts, transforming PCX into non-profit PCX Solutions and for-profit PCX Markets, resulting in a substantial increase in plastic waste diversion • Secured high-profile media coverage at esteemed outlets and orchestrated co-marketing campaigns with major brands to position PCX as a thought leader in the plastic space • Played a pivotal role in securing high-profile speaking engagements, contributing to PCX's commitment to addressing the global plastic pollution crisis