An Interview With Marketing Executive Sallie Ward

So Sallie, how long have you been with Signature Car Hire?
In May I will have completed 16 years’ service for the Group……they won’t let me leave!

What do you do?
I am responsible  for all aspects of design and marketing along with the responsibility of developing,  protecting and implimenting the company’s brand identity to maximise impact. This is applied at every level of the business from the design and functionality of our website to the bottle of water we send out with every car.

Signature has a strong brand. How important is this?
Very. It represents who we are, our quality, status and reputation. It is my job to ensure it is protected and used properly throughout all our media channels, marketing and promotional material. It even comes down to the small details, how we answer the phone, how we sign off an email, how we greet a customer, how we build an experience they will remember. This is all associated with the brand and the image we create must represent our identity and reinforce it every time a customer sees the Signature Logo.

What is the best part of your job?
I love the wide range of tasks I undertake, no two days are the same and so I am always motivated by new and exciting challenges. I have been given lots of opportunities over the years and I appreciate the skills I have learnt and the responsibilities I have been given.

What is your typical day at Signature like?
Hectic! I liaise with many different departments in the group, so constantly need to be meeting team members so I can keep the boss updated on all that is happening.

If your career path did not lead you to Signature, what do you think you would be doing?
I studied Media Production at University, so I would have loved to work in film or TV, but it is very much an industry of having to know someone to get started. Any job which is creative and not repetitive would suit me.

What’s your favorite event that has taken place at Signature?
The Signature launch party (check it out on below) was an event to remember! It took months of planning and was a really spectacular event. I did have to introduce Dee’s speech, which was a bit nerve wracking, but once that was over with it was great to mingle with colleagues, clients and guests. The highlight of the show was the cars driving through the showroom!

What new and exciting projects can customers expect to see from Signature this year?
Of course I cannot reveal everything planned, but I can announce we are about to launch a brand new look website. Easier navigation, better images of our cars, clearer information, all designed to make the user experience quick and simple at the same time as exciting them with our fleet of cars and the experience they can look forward to. We plan to increase our social media coverage too, ensuring all our customers are kept up to date in the way that suits them best. We are always looking to push the boundaries of technology to ensure Signature stays at the top of the Prestige car hire market. We also plan to make more films of our cars as the fleet expands ensuring our clients have easy access to view our fleet.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
With such a hectic job I tend to be the total opposite in my spare time! I like to spend a sunny day relaxing in my garden with a good book and a glass of wine.

What’s your favorite film?
I have a few…..Star Wars (the originals of course), Pillow Talk, Meet Me in St Louis, Drowning by Numbers, Amelie, Delicatessen, Casablanca……..shall I go on?

What is your most treasured possession?
My home.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Company, a very good and long book and food!

Are you interested in cars?
I never used to be, but since working for Signature I can really appreciate their beauty of design, craftsmanship and appeal. When I went out in a Lamborghini for the first time I certainly felt the thrilling rush you experience when you accelerate.

If you could drive any of the Signature Cars what would be your first choice?
For a special occasion I would probably choose an Aston Martin, classy, understated and great British design. To drive, I’d probably choose a Mini.

What would be your end destination?
Gosh, that’s a hard one. In the Aston maybe Monte Carlo, just for the thrill of it. In the Mini…..home.

Who with?
In the Aston I guess I would have to choose between Daniel Craig, Pierce Bronson or (in his younger days) Roger Moore to sit beside me. Having met Daniel Craig, I suppose I should pick him….but he never calls!

How did you meet Daniel Craig?
I was invited to the wrap party for Casino Royal as some friends of mine worked on the film. I was standing chatting to someone when I had a tap on my shoulder and my friend said ‘Sallie, I’d like to introduce you to Daniel’, and there was Daniel Craig, looking ever so much like Bond, standing before me with his hand extended! I was so shocked I forgot to let go of his hand! It was very exciting, but as I say he never calls….can I change my answer to Pierce?

What essentials would you needs for the journey?
Hair straighteners.

What motivates you, what are your goals?
Wanting to do a good job and praise when due is my main motivator. My goal is always to leave work on time!

Who is your inspiration?
When I was younger I was inspired by my dance teacher. At work I am inspired by the boss. In my personal life? Well, I’ll keep that personal for now!