Our latest Leadership Spotlight features Elliot Kortenray!
Elliot is an experienced leader in Commercial Strategy and Marketing. Beginning his career in Software Development, Elliot went on to establish himself in a consulting career utilising his leadership and problem-solving skills in various positions.
Elliot has worked with organisations including Accenture and Kindred Group; where he was the Director of Commercial & Marketing Business Delivery.
In our Q&A with Elliot, he discusses his career to date and the ‘turning point’ that has played a pivotal part in his journey to date. He also discusses why understanding cultural nuances in a global role is ‘critical’, why adaptability is the most important trait of a successful team, why AI in marketing will be a major discussion in 2025, and his passion for running and magnificent marathon achievement.
Read our Q&A with Elliot below.
Why did you join the Digital Leaders Club?
I was catching up with Jack one afternoon, and he shared a little bit about the club. It sounded like an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals who share a passion for digital. Since joining, I’ve been genuinely amazed by the depth of knowledge exchange and how supportive the group is when it comes to sharing advice or perspectives. It’s a great environment for learning and collaboration.
What's your career journey been like to date?
It’s been an exciting journey! I began on the Software Development side with Accenture before transitioning into a Consulting role, where I discovered my passion for problem-solving and leadership. From there, I joined Kindred Group, initially working in their User Experience function as a Business Analyst. I then progressed to leading the Business Analysis team, which gave me a solid foundation in driving strategic initiatives.
During this time, I was presented with an opportunity to join the Marketing function—an area I had no prior experience in but saw as a chance to challenge myself and showcase my leadership skills. That decision was a turning point. Since then, I’ve held a variety of roles in Marketing, spanning strategy, operations, and project and change management. Each of these roles has allowed me to gain experience across the full spectrum of Marketing while successfully driving transformations and delivering measurable results.
You've worked with clients all over the world; what have you learned from working across various industries? What are the major differences?
For me, understanding the cultural nuances of the industry or market you’re working in is absolutely critical. Without that understanding, you risk putting yourself at a disadvantage right from the start. The more you can align with the local or industry culture, the easier it becomes to build strong relationships and trust.
I experienced this firsthand when transitioning from consulting to the gaming industry. It was a bit of a culture shock. In consulting, the focus is very much on efficiency and rapid delivery, whereas in gaming, there’s a stronger emphasis on building relationships within the workplace and a slightly slower pace. Adapting to these differences taught me the value of flexibility and being open to new ways of working.
What do you love about working in digital?
Digital is constantly evolving—it keeps you on your toes and challenges you to think creatively. I love how it combines data, technology, and human behavior to create meaningful customer experiences. The ability to measure impact and see tangible results from your work is incredibly rewarding. Overall, it’s the pace of change and the continuous innovation that keeps me engaged.
In your view, what's the most important trait of a successful team?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one trait, but I’d say adaptability. A successful team needs to stay flexible and responsive to challenges while maintaining a clear focus on their goals. Ownership and open communication are also essential for building trust and ensuring everyone feels valued.
What's the trickiest part of project management in your view?
Communication is key. Striking the right balance in communication is always a challenge. From the start, communication needs to be a fundamental pillar to secure buy-in and build momentum over time. If it’s not done effectively, the project risks losing traction and facing an uphill battle to deliver the intended change.
Which digital trend(s) do you predict will dominate 2025?
I think AI in marketing will dominate discussions in 2025. While we’re still exploring its full potential, the pace of innovation is accelerating. AI is set to reshape the skills marketers will need, with a growing focus on generalist capabilities to interpret, query, and act on AI-driven insights. Automation will also play a significant role in leveraging these insights for more personalized customer experiences.
What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
Be open to opportunities. It might sound simple, but the advice to remain open—whether it’s to new responsibilities, projects, or roles—has been invaluable. Nothing lasts forever, and embracing opportunities as they come can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths. Facing new challenges with openness allows you to grow and discover what you’re truly capable of.
Tell us about your best success story
My proudest achievements revolve around the growth and success of the people I’ve had the privilege to work with. Watching individuals unlock their potential, grow in confidence, and progress to new heights in their careers has been incredibly fulfilling. While I wouldn’t name them here, knowing I’ve played a small part in their journey is what defines success for me.
We see you're passionate about sports and are a dedicated runner. Tell us about your marathon achievement.
Running has always been a passion of mine, but completing a marathon in under three hours was a personal milestone I had been chasing for years. The journey was intense and, at times, all-consuming. There were mornings when I’d drag myself out of bed at 4 a.m. for a long run before the day started, and during those moments, it was a real challenge to hold onto my love for the sport.
However, crossing the finish line and achieving that goal brought an incredible sense of accomplishment. After taking a couple of weeks off, I was relieved to find that my passion for running was still very much intact. To add another layer to the experience, I documented the journey in a podcast with a close friend who was also pursuing the same goal. It gave me the chance to reflect on the mental and physical challenges, sharing the highs and lows of the journey with others. It’s something I’m really proud of.
What's your plan for the future?
Right now I'm focused on moving into my next senior leadership role. I want to continue building high-performing teams and driving transformative strategies that deliver real impact. It’s all about taking on new challenges and helping businesses thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Connect with Elliot on LinkedIn.
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