Erika Rey: A Trailblazing Marketing Leader Driving Innovation and Purpose
In the fast-paced world of technology and marketing, few names resonate with the combination of expertise, passion, and impact like Erika Rey. Also known as Erika Rey-Raab, she has established herself as a global marketing leader with an impressive track record in building high-performing, data-driven teams within some of the world’s most influential technology companies. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Erika Rey is also recognised for her personal journey from Brazil to the UK and her connection with British politics through her marriage to Dominic Raab. This article dives deep into her life, career, and enduring influence.
Early Life and Education: From Brazil to the World
Erika Rey was born and raised in Brazil, a country known for its vibrant culture and dynamic business landscape. Her Brazilian roots have remained an essential part of her identity even as she ventured into the international arena.
Erika pursued higher education at the Universidade Federal do Paraná in Brazil, where she studied communications, laying the foundation for her career in marketing and communication. To deepen her expertise, she later earned a master’s degree in international marketing management from ESIC Business & Marketing School, an esteemed institution recognised for cultivating global business leaders. This education equipped her with a robust understanding of global market dynamics, strategic marketing, and business innovation.
Professional Journey: A Rise Through Tech Giants
Erika Rey’s professional career spans over two decades, marked by influential roles at several leading technology companies. Her journey reflects a consistent focus on purpose-driven marketing, data innovation, and leadership.
Early Career and Leadership
Starting in Brazil, Erika worked in trade marketing and brand management, notably with WPP, where she led teams across multiple locations to enhance brand experiences in pharmaceutical and telecom industries. This period helped her develop essential leadership and operational skills.
BlackBerry: Expanding Brand Acquisition
In 2008, Erika transitioned to BlackBerry in the UK as the EMEA Brand Acquisition Lead. During a critical growth phase for the company, she was responsible for driving marketing programmes to boost consumer segments across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Her role required strategic planning, digital marketing expertise, and customer acquisition skills that would set the stage for her later achievements.
Google: Driving Cloud Growth in EMEA
From 2011 to 2019, Erika made a significant mark at Google. Starting as a Product Marketing and Growth Manager for Google Workspace, she quickly advanced to the role of EMEA Head of Demand Generation for Google Cloud. Here, she crafted and executed demand generation strategies across 23 countries, leading innovative Account-Based Marketing (ABM) campaigns, digital automation, and lead generation initiatives.
Her efforts helped triple Google Cloud acquisitions in the region, demonstrating her ability to blend creative marketing with analytical rigour. Her leadership helped position Google Cloud as a leader in the competitive cloud computing space.
Microsoft: Leading Purpose-Driven Marketing
In 2019, Erika joined Microsoft UK, where she held various director roles focused on integrating brand purpose with marketing strategies. As Director of Marketing UK for One Microsoft Programs, she led campaigns that spanned commercial and consumer audiences, championing digital skills, education, sustainability, and societal impact.
Her teams delivered award-winning campaigns, including the FY21 Gold Award in the UK, underlining her capability to deliver results that resonate both commercially and socially.
REYA: Current Leadership Role
Since November 2023, Erika Rey has been the Director at REYA, a company specialising in innovation-driven solutions. Her leadership here reflects her passion for growth, creativity, and operational discipline, continuing her mission to empower others through technology and purposeful marketing.
Personal Life: Erika Rey and Dominic Raab
Erika Rey is married to Dominic Raab, a prominent British Conservative politician who has served in various governmental roles. Their relationship has attracted media attention, reflecting the intersection of technology, marketing, and politics in their lives.
Together, Erika and Dominic have two sons. Despite her public connection, Erika maintains a focus on her professional career, balancing family life with her leadership roles. Her Brazilian heritage and global experience add a unique dimension to her life in the UK.
How Old is Erika Rey? Age and Background
Born around 1980, Erika Rey is approximately 44 years old as of 2025. Her age reflects her extensive experience and maturity in her field, having worked over two decades in marketing and leadership roles.
Her journey from Brazil to becoming a global marketing leader in Europe highlights her adaptability and dedication.
Education: The Foundation of Success
Erika’s education has been central to her success. She holds a master’s degree in international marketing management from ESIC Business & Marketing School in the United Kingdom, renowned for its international business programmes.
Her foundational degree in communications from the Universidade Federal do Paraná in Brazil gave her a strong base in understanding how people connect and communicate, essential for her marketing career.
The Brand and Mission of Erika Rey
Erika Rey’s professional mission centres on enabling people and organisations to harness technology to improve lives. She is passionate about innovation, sustainable growth, and purpose-driven leadership.
Her approach combines:
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Creativity and Operational Rigour: Building teams that innovate while delivering measurable results.
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Data-Driven Marketing: Leveraging analytics and digital tools to optimise marketing effectiveness.
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Purpose Marketing: Aligning brand initiatives with societal and environmental goals.
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Leadership Development: Mentoring and growing high-performing teams in dynamic environments.
REYA: A New Chapter
At REYA, Erika is steering marketing strategies that align with her passion for growth and innovation. The company focuses on creating cutting-edge solutions, and Erika’s leadership is pivotal in scaling its market presence and impact.
Conclusion
Erika Rey stands out as a remarkable figure in the marketing world — a Brazilian-born, UK-based leader with a vision to transform technology marketing through purpose, innovation, and data-driven strategies. Her career journey from Brazil, through iconic tech giants like Google and Microsoft, to leading REYA, showcases a blend of creativity, strategic acumen, and a heartfelt mission.
Her personal life, education, and professional achievements combine to make her a role model for aspiring marketers and leaders worldwide. As she continues to innovate and inspire, Erika Rey’s influence in the tech and marketing landscape is set to grow further, making her a name worth knowing in global business circles.
