Samsung CMO on Tech Innovation, Flying Ostriches & Doing More with Less - Benjamin Braun
Feb 5, 2025
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Benjamin Braun, CMO at Samsung Europe, shares his expertise in tech innovation and marketing. He reveals Samsung's Olympic marketing strategies, like gifting limited edition phones to athletes, which created a buzz around the games. Braun also emphasizes using AI in everyday devices, from smart appliances to wellness tech like the Galaxy Ring. He opens up about his dyslexia, discussing how neurodiversity can enhance leadership and innovation in business. Insights on balancing long-term brand building with immediate sales goals round out this engaging conversation.
Samsung integrates innovative AI features into their products to enhance user experience and democratize access to technology.
Leveraging strategic sponsorships like the Olympics helps Samsung build brand visibility while driving immediate sales and long-term market presence.
Braun emphasizes the importance of balancing long-term brand building with short-term revenue generation in effective marketing strategies.
Deep dives
The Role of Marketing in Driving Revenue
Marketing plays a crucial role in driving revenue for companies like Samsung, especially given its vast portfolio of products. The CMO of Europe, Benjamin Braun, emphasizes the importance of connecting with customers through various channels to enhance their experience and increase profitability. For instance, leveraging sponsorships, such as the Olympics, helps build brand visibility and connection with consumers. This strategic approach not only aids in driving immediate sales but also strengthens the brand's long-term market presence.
Embracing AI for Consumer Benefit
Samsung aims to democratize AI by integrating it into a wide range of their devices, making powerful technology accessible to as many consumers as possible. Recent research revealed that while 90% of people have a basic understanding of AI, only 15% can use it effectively. Samsung is committed to bridging this gap by providing AI features in their products, such as washing machines that optimize cycles based on soil level and smart ovens that prevent burning food. This focus not only enhances user experience but also positions Samsung as a leader in innovating for the consumer's advantage.
Utilizing Customer Insights for Innovation
Customer insights are essential in driving innovation and tailoring products to meet market demands. During a European research study, Samsung found that consumers desire AI to eliminate mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on more enjoyable activities. Practical applications of this insight include washing machines that adjust washing cycles based on sensor data and ovens that prevent user errors. This data-driven approach ensures that Samsung remains relevant in the market by prioritizing consumer preferences in product development.
The Impact of Effective Marketing Campaigns
Successful marketing campaigns require creativity and strategic insight to resonate with consumers. Braun highlighted a campaign where Samsung provided athletes with AI-enabled devices during the Olympics, enhancing their experience in a foreign country while also boosting brand visibility. The initiative lead to significant increases in mobile phone sales during the event, showcasing how thoughtful marketing can translate into tangible results. This example emphasizes the need to leverage high-profile events to connect with consumers authentically.
The Importance of Marketing in Corporate Strategy
Marketers must bridge the gap between creative strategies and tangible business metrics in their roles. Braun stresses that long-term brand building should not overshadow the importance of driving incremental revenue. Utilizing data and econometric methods enables marketing leaders to converse effectively with financial stakeholders in a corporate setting. By focusing on how marketing initiatives contribute to the overall bottom line, CMOs can strengthen their position and influence in the boardroom.
Today Jon sits down with Benjamin Braun, CMO at Samsung Europe, for a fascinating conversation that spans from innovative tech demos to Olympic marketing strategies. Benjamin shares insights on Samsung's role as a 40-year Olympic sponsor, demonstrates the latest AI capabilities in Samsung devices, and discusses how the company balances long-term brand building with short-term sales goals. The conversation takes a personal turn as Benjamin opens up about his experience with dyslexia and how neurodiversity can be a strength in business leadership. From product innovation to marketing effectiveness in the boardroom, this episode offers a glimpse into the mind of one of Europe's leading CMOs and the future of consumer technology.
Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:50 - Why podcasts are now video 00:03:54 - Samsung’s approach to AI products 00:12:21 - Showing Samsung’s AI photo editing features 00:15:20 - The Samsung Galaxy Ring and the health benefits of tech 00:20:35 - The history of Samsung 00:22:47 - How Samsung have innovated in TV’s 00:27:37 - Having products across all price points 00:29:11 - What can marketers learn from being a Police Officer? 00:36:17 - The mini max approach to marketing 00:42:13 - Samsung sponsoring the Olympics 00:49:18 - The best Samsung ads 00:55:56 - How to be an effective CMO in a large organisation 01:00:37 - Put your CFO and CEO in the shoes of the customer 01:07:22 - How Benjamin manages his dyslexia as a CMO
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