Introducing Ebba Karlsson: Panda’s New Head of Marketing

In this interview, we learn about Ebba's journey, her passion for marketing, and her vision for Panda. She shares her thoughts on what attracted her to Panda, her initial impressions, and her plans to utilise her expertise to help Panda achieve its ambitious growth plans. Join us as we explore her story and discover what makes her the perfect fit here at Panda.

Ebba's Journey: Background and History

Tell us a bit about yourself and give a brief overview of your work history before joining Panda.
"I’m originally from the charming Swedish countryside and have most recently been living in the dynamic marketing hub of London. My career journey has now led me to the vibrant city of Amsterdam. After 8 years of experience in the marketing industry across different industries and countries, I'm now super excited to bring my passion for marketing and sales to Panda, fuelling our next chapter of growth to make a lasting impact on the life science market."

What drew you to the field of marketing?
"The more I progressed in my career, the more I realised that it is not just about shouting about products or services; it's way deeper than that. It's about really getting people – what makes them tick and what keeps them up at night. It's about telling stories that your stakeholders can resonate with, that spark a connection, that make people feel something. That is what drew me to marketing and still makes me enjoy working in it - finding that sweet spot where creativity, strategy, and even my old sales tricks come together to make a real difference for the businesses I'm part of."

Ebba's Role at Panda

What attracted you to the role of Head of Marketing at Panda?
"Panda's reputation in the market was an immediate draw. The team has built a brand that's not only visually amazing (which as a marketer I can't help but appreciate!) but also highly respected within the industry. This strong brand foundation gives me a great platform for implementing innovative marketing strategies and taking the brand to the next level. Equally compelling was the opportunity to work for inspiring leaders like Jay Freeman, CEO and Daisy Tazelaar, COO. They are so passionate about what they do and genuinely invested in their people. The way they treat their employees, clients, and candidates is what makes Panda different. It sets a tone that makes you want to give it your all. It's the kind of place where you know you're part of something bigger and that's super motivating!"

What are your first impressions of the company and the team?
"Panda has this unique energy and an incredible sense of camaraderie. From the moment I stepped into our incredible office, I felt immediately welcomed and part of the team. The level of collaboration and dedication is inspiring, with everyone working together towards a shared goal - the passion for making a difference in the life sciences industry!"

Ebba's Strategy Forecasts Significant Growth

Panda has some impressive growth plans. How do you think marketing will be able to help them achieve their goals?
"Panda's ambitious growth plans are incredibly exciting, and I really believe that marketing will be a critical driving force in achieving them. Here's how I see it:

Collaboration is Key: 
I envision a tight-knit partnership between our sales and marketing teams, where we work hand-in-hand to identify target audiences, craft compelling narratives, and develop integrated campaigns that resonate with potential clients and candidates. My unique blend of sales experience and marketing expertise will enable me to bridge the gap between these two functions, making sure everything we do works seamlessly so we're all pulling in the same direction.

Embracing Technology: 
The marketing world is constantly changing, and I'm passionate about staying at the forefront of new technologies. These tools allow us to reach our target audiences more effectively, measure the impact of our campaigns with greater precision, and continuously optimise and fine-tune our strategies for the best results for the business.

Building Authentic Connections: 
At its core, marketing is about connecting with people on a genuine level. I believe in nurturing strong relationships not only within our internal team but also with our external stakeholders. By building trust with all our stakeholders, we can create brand ambassadors who will champion our message and contribute to Panda's overall growth.

Storytelling That Inspires: 
Every successful brand has a compelling story to tell. I'm excited to collaborate with our team to uncover Panda's unique narrative and share it through creative and engaging content. Whether it's showcasing the impact of our work in the life sciences industry or highlighting the passion and expertise of our consultants, I believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for driving growth and building a lasting legacy."

Future Growth and Market Expansion

What are the key challenges you anticipate facing in your new role and how do you plan to address them?
"Panda has a fantastic foundation in marketing, but with my experience building a marketing function from scratch, I see so many possibilities for growth, which it's a great problem to have. To ensure maximum impact, I'll collaborate closely with our business leaders to prioritise the most urgent and high-impact projects. This strategic approach will allow us to quickly deliver tangible results for the business while building a roadmap for long-term success."

Looking further ahead, what long-term changes or impacts do you hope to make at Panda?
"I can’t wait to transform Panda's marketing through a multi-faceted approach. This includes launching targeted campaigns that resonate with our specific audiences, boosting our internal communications to strengthen company culture, and implementing experiences to engage both our clients and candidates. I also see a huge opportunity to elevate Panda's employer branding, showcasing the unique value proposition of working here. Keep an eye on this space – the next year is going to be filled with exciting initiatives to build on the position of Panda as the trusted partner in the life sciences industry."

We are pleased to welcome Ebba Karlsson and encourage you to stay informed about the exciting initiatives she will bring to Panda. For more information about recruitment opportunities in the life sciences industry, please contact Panda