Competing on Value : Bridging the Gap Between Brand and Customer Value

Stresses the importance of companies being able to customize products and services, handle supply chains, provide customer advice and service, increase customer convenience, and work with business alliances

Steve Maklan is a Principal Consultant with CSC Computer Sciences, one of the world's largest IT and management consulting firms, and is a regular contributor to international conferences and seminars.

He has been a director at operating companies for Unilever and Burson-Marsteller, international leaders in consumer goods and public relations respectively, as well as a marketing manager for Cable & Wireless (telecommunications). Stan has line management experience in North America, Britain and Sweden as well as experience running his own consultancy specializing in business-to-business marketing.

He was awarded honors for academic excellence when he obtained a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario (Canada) and has a Bachelor of Science (Economics) from the University of Montreal.

Dr. Simon Knox is a Professor of Brand Marketing at the Cranfield School of Management, a leading European business school. Dr. Knox is also a consultant to a number of multinational companies, including McDonald's, Levi Strauss, DiverseyLever, and the Ocean Group. Prior to joining Cranfield, Simon worked for Unilever in a number of senior marketing roles in both detergents and foods. He publishes extensively on brand equity issues and customer purchasing styles.