
Naomi Hawkins, Business Development
Naomi works with the business development team. We caught up with her for a chat about her career and learned that she is waiting for her singing moment with Abba… in Agnetha’s spot!
A bit about you:
Where were you born and where did you grow up? (if different).
I was born in Redhill, not far from Gatwick airport — which probably accounts for my interest in aeroplanes. I grew up in Somerset.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an artist or a singer, and specifically felt it was my calling to replace Agnetha, aka ‘The Blonde One’ in Abba. I even wrote a letter, addressed to ‘Agnetha, Abba, Sweden’ asking when I could take over.
She’s not replied yet.

Favourite place in the world?
I’ve travelled extensively but am always drawn to isolated areas of outstanding natural beauty. I’d be happy in Northern Norway or New Zealand.
If you could live and work anywhere in the world, where would it be?Scandinavia.
What would your superhero power be?
I’d be invisible — quietly working my magic in the background and making people happy.
What’s your favourite (design/brand/advertising) campaign ever?
I’m a bit of a plane spotter so would have to say that the Boeing 747–400 series is one of the most aesthetically pleasing things I’ve ever seen.

What’s your favourite brand and why?
I love the ethos behind Green & Black’s. It was founded by an organic food pioneer at a time when organic was still seen as ‘hippy and hessian’ and was probably the first organic chocolate to go mainstream. I like its simple yet distinctive packaging and how this has been retained as the range has grown.

Your career path:
Did you start out in the design industry? If no— what route?
I did a Modern Languages degree then trained to be a French and German teacher. I had always been interested in design but hardly knew that agencies existed. One day I packed my bags for London and got a job at a leading design agency, where I helped them develop business in mainland Europe. I discovered a whole new world, where I could combine my languages with working in a creative environment.
If you weren’t doing this job what would you be doing?
I would probably be a cycling travel guide. Exploring the world by bike means seeing life as it really is, far from the normal tourist trail.
Have you had any career mentors, how did they shape you?
Mr. Lawrence, my art teacher at school. Even though I knew I’d never be a designer, he encouraged me to be quietly confident in my abilities in whatever I chose to do.
Working at Conran:
What’s your favourite Conran work to date?
I love consumer brands. The new Danone identity feels so much more human and reflects the connection between planet and people. I feel very proud to share this work with people.
What’s the best thing about working at Conran?
A great team of people who are all experts in their field.
The industry:
Any tips for newcomers to the industry?
Learn many different skills, be nimble and adaptable.
What’s the best bit of career advice you have been given?
Whatever you do, be passionate about it.
…and the worst?
Working in design doesn’t count as a real job.
What’s the worst thing about the creative industry?
It has become incredibly competitive, so having a compelling and unique offer has never been so important.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Stop waiting for that letter from Sweden to arrive!
Who is doing something interesting in the industry?
In the area of packaging, B&B Studio is doing some amazing work with start-up brands.
And finally… If you could sit and talk with anyone (from any time) for just one hour, who would it be and why?
My sister — we have a lot to catch up on.

