Our alumni go on to do some pretty extraordinary things after they graduate from Cass Business School. Philip (Phil) Keeler (Executive MBA, 1993) is no exception. Having “retired” from the City six years ago, Phil now co-organises the ‘biggest little festival’ in Kent. Here Phil tells us about his time at Cass and the upcoming Vicar’s Picnic.
Can you tell me about your time at Cass?
The time at Cass was a challenge as I was working full-time as Head of IT at a major investment company, having two young children and still managing to complete the Evening MBA. However, it was worthwhile as it allowed me to develop the business understanding and skills that I needed to further my career.
What happened after you graduated?
I was head-hunted by another investment company to manage the integration of a business that they had acquired, which then evolved into a business product management role for an outsourcing business. The MBA allowed me to move out of a technical IT focus into business management which a specific focus on business stagey and business transformations.
What has been the most rewarding experience, in your career?
Taking responsibility for a complete business transformation working with the management to agree the business strategy, designing the operational and systems solutions and then managing the three-year transformation process, which was completed on time, close to budget and the program was also recognised by winning a national innovation award.
What are you involved with now?
I “retired” from the City six years ago and have undertaken a number of interesting part-time consultancy assignments, with a focus on helping small companies through supporting their management or providing coaching and mentoring to senior people.
About The Vicar’s Picnic:
The Vicar’s Picnic is back with an outstanding musical experience held in the picturesque setting in Yalding between Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells in Kent. The Kent’s Biggest Little Festival in Kent takes place on the banks of the River Medway on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 July 2018, which will be the sixth year that the festival has been held. The festival is run by a small group of volunteers with the aims of providing a true value for money experience. We aim to provide a great weekend for first time and regular festival-goers from both the local community and from further afield catering for the needs of all ages so that everyone can experience a wide range of musical acts within a safe environment. In 2016 the Vicar’s Picnic was short-listed as finalists for two national festival awards. Last year we sold out of tickets prior to the event and had a total of more than 3,500 people for what was acclaimed to be the best Vicar’s Picnic yet. This year the headline acts on the stages will be Fun Loving Criminals, Star Sailor, Cast, Nine Below Zero and in the dance tent we will have Norman Jay MBE, Mr Doris, Nightmares on Wax, Crazy P and many others. As always all the profits from the festival will go to local charities, which this year are Dandelion Time, Kenward Trust and the Yalding Supper Club.
For more information about The Vicar’s Picnic, or to purchase tickets, please visit: vicarspicnic.co.uk/