Sophia Gardiner

Visionary
DISC Type : Ds

Shopper Marketing Manager at Opella

United Kingdom

Overview

Sophia is a strategic brand leader with over eight years of experience in the drinks industry, specializing in shopper marketing, brand strategy, and partnerships. A graduate of the University of Exeter, she has managed high-profile brands like Peroni Nastro Azzurro at Asahi UK. Colleagues describe her as driven, passionate, and a natural leader.

Beyond her marketing career, Sophia is a certified Mental Health First Aider, demonstrating a commitment to workplace wellbeing. She actively champions initiatives for womens empowerment and diversity, as seen in her leadership on partnerships with GLAMOUR Women of The Year and her support for inclusive figures in fashion.

Unique fact: She successfully re-strategized and relaunched the Cornish Orchards cider brand for Asahi.

Personality Overview

Direct & Assertive

Goal-Oriented

Early Adopter

Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them.  They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time. They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together.

Topics They Care About

Brand Partnerships
Managed high-impact partnerships with brands like Aston Martin F1, GQ, and GLAMOUR, focusing on multi-channel activation and brand alignment.
Shopper Marketing
This is her current core focus in her role at Opell, building on extensive experience in the drinks industry to influence consumer purchasing behavior.
Drinks Industry Trends
Her 8+ year career at Asahi, working on brands like Peroni and Cornish Orchards, shows deep expertise in this specific market.

Media Appearances

Sophia has no verified media appearances

Work History

4-2025
Shopper Marketing Manager at Opella
2-2022
Brand Manager - Partnerships & PR, Peroni Nastro Azzurro UK at Asahi UK
2-2022 - 5-2025
Brand Manager, Peroni Nastro Azzurro UK at Asahi UK
2-2021 - 2-2022
Assistant Brand Manager, Peroni Nastro Azzurro UK at Asahi
3-2020 - 2-2021
Marketing, Cornish Orchards at Asahi

Education

2013 - 2016
Geography BA (Hons) from University of Exeter
2000 - 2013
GCSE's and A Levels from Notting Hill and Ealing High School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 12 Location : United Kingdom Job Level : Middle Designation : Shopper Marketing Manager at Opella

Interested in

Sports

Netball team, Rounder's team

Lifestyle

Reading mentoring guidance scheme

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Insights For Selling To Sophia

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like 'your team deserves', 'best in class' etc.
  • Come across as a trustworthy professional and be respectful, they usually know their game
  • Suggest clear next steps with confidence, don't be vague or hesitant

DONT's

  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option
  • Don't get into pricing discussions early on, steer conversation towards proven results
  • Don't shy away from asking hard questions, but be extra polite

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Sophia is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Sophia

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Sophia move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Sophia take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Sophia

Personality Compatibility


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