About Our Team
We developed our storytelling approach to brand planning and communications following our
years working with businesses in Europe, Asia and the US.
In our work, we draw on the best people we know to bring our clients' stories to life.
This circle includes designers, mentors, writers, producers and actors who work in the
areas of business strategy, marketing, graphic design, advertising, public relations,
theatre, human resources and web design.
We don't work exclusively with any one partner but look for a match between their particular
skills and strengths and the story to be told.
If you believe you can bring something else to the mix, we'd love to hear from you.
Gerard's Story
I could argue that I've been telling stories for as long as I've been hearing them
and that I was making brand choices even before that.
The truth is, I spent fifteen adult years following a wandering star. After two years
in a seminary and three more completing a degree in English and Philosophy, it was
time to consider my options. There weren't many in the Ireland of 1988.
While my peers headed to London or New York, I answered an ad recruiting Inspectors
of Police in Hong Kong. I'd never been to Asia, but that doesn't worry a twenty two
year old. I signed up and after nine months training found myself in charge of a unit
of thirty-six officers near the Chinese border.
A transfer to the Marine Police soon afterwards, meant a shift system that allowed me
to explore a parallel career in event management.
Christine and I set up Arts & Noise to promote art exhibitions and music and theatre events.
In 1995, we opened LKF The Gallery, where we held over 40 successful exhibitions of local
and international art.
In 1998, we returned to Dublin to establish Arts & Noise here but, without the network of
contacts we'd had in Hong Kong, it was not to be.
Two introductions were to bring my wandering star to rest. The first was to the National
Safety Council, for whom I directed the landmark 'Fly The Flag' Road Safety Campaign. The
second was to Alexander Dunlop, where I was introduced to the workings of the brand and
to its culture, story and magic.
Working with international brands like Miller Brewing and Carlsberg, I made contacts and
links with which I work to this day. I found that my international experience, and my work
in entirely different fields, had given me my own take on brands. I knew at this point
that I was destined to be a brand builder.
I have worked hard to master my skills and deepen my understanding, particularly around
the use of story. I have developed a practical and effective approach, working with
large and small companies in a whole range of sectors, in Ireland and abroad.
We set up Islandbridge in 2004, to deliver this approach to brands and, as you'll
see from our clients' stories, it works.
Christine's Story
Gerard's brand story and mine intertwine and overlap, so you will already have read
how we set up Arts & Noise and the gallery in Hong Kong. But my story begins long
before that.
I grew up in Angers, in France, and studied Business & Marketing at the university
there. I had always been drawn to Ireland, particularly its people and music.
After graduating from university two years later, I moved to Hong Kong and worked
as a business development executive for the buying office of a large Swiss
retailer and subsequently for Media Assets, a sister company of Star TV.
In 1992, we set up our event management company, Arts & Noise, promoting local and
international music and theatre events, as well as art exhibitions. We worked with
many exciting acts and international sponsors, enjoying a dynamic following amongst
the expatriate community of Hong Kong.
Since our return to Ireland in 1998, I have worked as a CIPD-qualified HR Manager
in both the private and semi-public sectors. Then, in 2005, it was time to revive
the successful team of Christine and Ger. I joined Islandbridge, to add my experience
in planning and people management to the mix.
