Ashley Lewin: A Rising Force in Retail Media and Marketing

In today’s competitive world of retail, travel, and media, professionals who can bring together creativity, strategy, and cross-platform expertise stand out from the crowd. One such name gaining recognition is Ashley Lewin. With over six years of progressive experience across Australia and the United Kingdom, Ashley has carved a niche for herself as a versatile marketing professional who excels at connecting brands with their audiences.

Her career journey reflects determination, adaptability, and a consistent focus on delivering results. From her beginnings as a marketing assistant in Adelaide to becoming a Retail Media Marketing Activation Specialist at the John Lewis Partnership in London, Ashley’s growth story is both inspiring and instructive. This article explores her career path, highlighting key milestones, achievements, and the qualities that make her a standout professional.

Career at John Lewis Partnership

Retail Media Marketing Activation Specialist

Ashley currently works as a Retail Media Marketing Activation Specialist at the John Lewis Partnership. This role places her at the forefront of retail media, an evolving field that helps brands connect with customers through tailored campaigns within retail environments.

Her expertise lies in executing marketing activations that blend creativity with commercial goals. Working in one of the UK’s most trusted and beloved retail organisations, Ashley plays a vital role in ensuring that partner brands shine through carefully planned strategies. Her ability to bring campaigns to life demonstrates both her strategic vision and practical skills in managing complex, cross-channel marketing projects.

Professional Journey Across Australia

Experience with RAA

Before moving to the United Kingdom, Ashley built significant experience in Australia with the RAA (Royal Automobile Association of South Australia). She served as both Senior Category Marketing Coordinator for Travel and Marketing Coordinator for Travel & Shop during her tenure of more than two years.

At RAA, Ashley was instrumental in promoting travel services, managing campaigns, and supporting the organisation’s marketing objectives. Her work not only helped drive customer engagement but also contributed to strengthening RAA’s presence as a trusted travel brand. The dual nature of her responsibilities required balancing long-term strategic planning with the immediate demands of execution, skills she continues to use in her current role.

Brand and Communications Coordinator at Spendless Shoes

Prior to RAA, Ashley worked at Spendless Shoes Pty Ltd as a Brand and Communications Coordinator. Here, she was responsible for ensuring that the company’s branding resonated with its target audience across retail and digital platforms.

Spendless Shoes, known for its strong retail footprint in Australia, provided Ashley with the opportunity to handle brand messaging on a national scale. She honed her ability to align communications with customer needs, developing a keen understanding of retail branding that would later prove invaluable in her career.

Strategy and Experience Coordinator at Nine

Ashley’s journey also includes her role as a Strategy and Experience Coordinator at Nine, one of Australia’s leading media companies. In this position, she gained hands-on experience in media strategy, campaign execution, and customer engagement.

Working in the media sector gave Ashley an in-depth understanding of cross-platform marketing, from traditional broadcast media to emerging digital platforms. It was here that she deepened her expertise in integrating storytelling with strategic outcomes.

Early Role at Kanguru Energy

Ashley began her career as a Marketing Assistant at Kanguru Energy, a company focused on energy drinks. Although this role was short, it provided her with essential exposure to the fast-paced world of marketing. Her responsibilities included supporting campaigns, assisting with promotional activities, and coordinating with stakeholders. This foundational experience gave her an early appreciation of the importance of organisation and adaptability in marketing.

Education and Academic Achievements

University of Adelaide

Ashley studied at the University of Adelaide, where she earned her Bachelor of Media in Marketing (2015–2017). Her time at university equipped her with the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills required for a career in marketing.

While at Adelaide, she demonstrated her ability to apply academic learning in real-world scenarios. She was part of a winning team in the Marketing Strategy & Project Award, showcasing her leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

Marketing Week Mini MBA with Mark Ritson

In 2023, Ashley took her learning further by completing the prestigious Marketing Week Mini MBA with Mark Ritson, graduating with Distinction. This qualification is highly regarded within the industry, offering deep insights into brand management, market analysis, and marketing strategy. Achieving distinction reflects her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Licenses and Certifications

Ashley has strengthened her skillset through certifications, including the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing from Google Digital Garage. Issued in May 2020, this certification provided her with a structured understanding of digital platforms, search engine optimisation, and online consumer engagement.

Such certifications highlight her commitment to staying updated with industry trends, particularly in digital marketing—a field that continues to evolve rapidly.

Honours and Awards

Ashley’s talent was recognised early in her career when she won the Marketing Strategy & Project Award at the University of Adelaide in November 2017. This award reflected her ability to combine creativity with strategy in solving client-based marketing challenges.

The recognition also marked her as a professional capable of delivering results in team-oriented and competitive environments. This early accolade set the stage for her career achievements in retail, travel, and media marketing.

Professional Skills and Attributes

Cross-Platform Expertise

Ashley’s career demonstrates her ability to work seamlessly across platforms—retail, travel, and media. Whether it is brand communications at Spendless Shoes, media strategy at Nine, or retail media activation at John Lewis Partnership, she has proven her adaptability and versatility.

Strategic Thinking

Her work consistently reflects strong strategic thinking. From developing category-focused travel campaigns at RAA to managing retail media activations in the UK, Ashley combines insight with execution.

Communication and Collaboration

Throughout her career, Ashley has worked with diverse teams, stakeholders, and clients. Her success lies in her ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and collaborate towards shared objectives.

The Future of Ashley Lewin

As a Retail Media Marketing Activation Specialist at John Lewis Partnership, Ashley is well positioned to continue shaping how brands connect with customers in the retail space. Her international experience, academic achievements, and proven track record suggest a promising future.

The marketing world thrives on innovation, adaptability, and data-driven creativity—all qualities Ashley embodies. Whether in the UK, Australia, or beyond, her career trajectory indicates that she will remain a professional to watch in the fields of retail media and brand activation.

Conclusion

The story of Ashley Lewin is one of growth, resilience, and impact. Starting as a marketing assistant in Adelaide and rising to a senior role in London’s competitive retail environment, Ashley’s journey shows what dedication and skill can achieve. With a strong academic foundation, recognised awards, industry certifications, and a portfolio of diverse experiences, she exemplifies the modern marketing professional.

As she continues her career at John Lewis Partnership and beyond, Ashley is set to make even greater contributions to the industry, influencing how brands communicate, engage, and inspire their audiences in an ever-changing marketplace.

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