Neil R Goklani
Partner, Chief Marketing Officer
New York
BIOGRAPHY
Neil Goklani leads our Integrated Marketing Practice with clients, providing a range of Strategic Branding, Digital, Creative and Content services. He brings 20 years of global B2B and B2C marketing experience to Prosek from both the agency and corporate worlds. Prior to joining Prosek in New York, Neil worked as Global Head of Brand and Client Marketing for J.P Morgan Asset and Wealth Management. He worked extensively within the global Funds and Institutional businesses, with focus on business driving sales enablement strategies to engage the client advisor channel.
Before J.P. Morgan, Neil spent many years working for American Express in a range of senior global marketing roles. Most notably, he led American Express’ brand growth strategy for emerging and developing markets. As Head of Global Brand Strategy, Neil successfully led the brand’s expansion into 144 new markets over an 8- year period, including Brazil, China, Korea, India and South Africa. He also worked in the US, Mexico and Canada markets across the Consumer, Commercial and Digital Payments businesses.
Prior to moving client side, Neil spent several years working on the agency side in account and strategic planning roles for Kirshenbaum Bond, Dentsu and Sterling Brands. He also worked as a consultant for Joint Ventures Asia in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Neil is actively involved with Job Path NYC, an organization supporting people with developmental disabilities find employment. He earned a B.S. in Business Management from Vanderbilt University.
Q & A
What are you most proud of in your career?
During my career I’ve been fortunate to work with outstanding global companies such as American Express and J.P. Morgan. I’m especially proud of playing a big part in building a new global business for American Express called Global Network Services. As one of the early members of this new division, we launched the American Express brand in 144 new markets over an 8-year period. I was the Head of Global Brand Strategy for this business and I’m very proud to have successfully led our brand growth strategy in some of the most dynamic markets around the world such as Brazil, China, Korea, India and South Africa. It was one of the most valuable experiences of my career building from the ground up in dynamic markets.
Name one thing most people don’t know about you.
I’m a pretty good chef. I don’t like to follow recipes, but I enjoy the creative process of inventing new ways to make things. My specialty is Linguine and Clams. I try to put a different spin on it every time I make it. I also like to test and learn as I go. I tried to grill Octopus, which is one of my favorites. It was a total disaster the first time but I recently made it again and it turned out awesome.
How would your mother describe you?
I think she would describe me as having good perspective and someone who focuses on what is important in life.
What are your greatest strengths as a communications practitioner?
I listen and I’m always open to having constructive debate in order to get to the best possible solution. I’ve worked with colleagues all over the world, and being able to listen, learn and balance different opinions with my own has been critical for me.
What is your favorite food?
Easy, my wife Susan’s Chicken Parm. With a nice red wine, it is simply the best meal ever.
Describe your perfect client.
One that respects different opinions and approaches. Some of the best clients I’ve worked with challenge themselves to think differently and are open to trying new approaches to solve business challenges.
What three hobbies or activities do you enjoy most?
I have 3 kids, so not much time. But I enjoy coaching them in sports, traveling, playing tennis and trying new restaurants. I’m also a constantly disappointed lifelong Mets and Jets fan. I like to think our time is coming, but I’ve certainly wasted a lot of time on them over the years.
What’s your favorite part of the workday?
3pm. That is Double Espresso time for me. I like to have that while I check the business news and then ramp up to tackle everything I need to do for the remainder of the day.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
Al Pacino. At least I’d like to think so.
What is your favorite quote?
“Life is a progress, and not a station”- Ralph Waldo Emerson