Marie-France van Heel: The Marketing Visionary Powering the Growth of Be.EV
Marie-France van Heel is a name that resonates within the marketing and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure world. Her career is a testament to her expertise in driving brand growth, fostering customer relationships, and advocating for sustainable, future-proof initiatives as the Chief Customer Officer at Be.EV, one of the UK’s leading EV charging networks, has played a pivotal role in shaping its success. This article explores her career journey, contributions to the EV sector, and how her marketing understanding aligns with electric mobility’s fast-paced, innovative landscape.
Early Career and Foundations in Marketing
Marie-France van Heel’s journey began with a solid educational foundation. She graduated from the prestigious University of Cambridge with a Social and Political Sciences degree. This academic background provided her with a well-rounded understanding of societal structures, critical thinking, and strategic communication, all of which became instrumental in her career in marketing.
Her professional career took off in the media industry, where she worked as a Marketing Manager at MTV Networks from 1995 to 1997. Her ability to connect with young audiences and develop creative strategies helped her hone her skills in brand development and audience engagement. Following this, she joined BSkyB, serving as Marketing Controller from 1998 to 2000, refining her expertise in managing large-scale marketing campaigns.
Rise in the Marketing World: From Consultancy to Leadership
One of the critical highlights of Marie-France’s career was her role as Director and Founder of MvH Marketing Ltd, a marketing strategy consultancy she led from 2008 to 2010. During this time, she provided consultancy services to numerous clients, helping them build robust marketing strategies and improve brand positioning. This entrepreneurial experience helped her develop a deep understanding of businesses’ challenges in creating impactful marketing plans, further sharpening her strategic thinking.
Marie-France then took on senior roles in various organizations, including Head of Planning at Gyro, where she led consumer and customer insight, marketing strategies, and creative briefs. Her leadership in these roles showcased her ability to translate complex data into actionable insights, paving the way for innovative marketing solutions.
Leadership at Heavenly and Her Move to Be. EV
Marie-France van Heel’s leadership skills came to fruition during her 10-year tenure at Heavenly, a multifaceted brand consultancy firm. As Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Partner, she played a significant role in shaping the brand identities of numerous clients, from financial institutions to global brands like HSBC and BBC. Her ability to create cohesive and future-oriented brand strategies was evident in her long-lasting relationships with her clients.
In July 2023, Marie-France took on the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) role at Be.EV, a move that marked a new chapter in her career. Be.EV is a UK-based electric vehicle charging network dedicated to building a greener and more accessible EV infrastructure. Marie-France’s mission at Be.EV was to expand the network’s reach while ensuring that its services remained fair and accessible to all communities. In this role, she utilized her vast marketing experience to promote the benefits of sustainable transportation and build customer trust in the brand.
Her success as CMO led to her promotion to Chief Customer Officer in July 2024, where her responsibilities expanded to include overseeing customer relationships and ensuring that Be.EV’s services cater to the needs of a diverse user base.
Impact on the EV Industry
Marie-France van Heel’s contributions to Be.EVs have not only been limited to marketing but have also significantly impacted the broader EV industry. Her focus on driving positive change through accessible and fair EV charging solutions aligns with the global push toward sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Under her leadership, Be.EV has championed cleaner and greener transportation options and is committed to future-proofing the EV infrastructure across the UK.
Her ability to engage communities and stakeholders in Be’s mission.EV has made the company one of the fastest-growing EV networks in the country. Marie-France’s emphasis on customer-centric solutions has been a driving force in Be.EV’s expansion ensures its services remain inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of location or socioeconomic background.
The Human Side of Marie-France van Heel
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marie-France van Heel is also known for her resilience and advocacy for health awareness. In 2010, she made headlines when she underwent a double mastectomy after discovering that she carried the BRCA1 gene, which significantly increased her risk of breast cancer. This brave decision came after the tragic loss of her sister to the disease, further highlighting Marie-France’s commitment to health advocacy and personal well-being.
Her story resonates with many, as she used her platform to raise awareness about genetic testing and the importance of early detection in breast cancer prevention. Marie-France’s journey has also shaped her approach to leadership, making her a compassionate and empathetic figure within her industry.
Andy Burnham and Marie-France van Heel: A Power Couple
Marie-France is married to Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a prominent figure in UK politics. The two met at Cambridge University and tied the knot in 2000. Together, they form a power couple, each excelling in their respective fields—Andy in politics and governance and Marie-France in marketing and business leadership.
Their relationship has drawn attention due to their high-profile careers, and they have supported each other through various personal and professional challenges. Andy Burnham has openly praised his wife for her strength, particularly during her health battle, and the couple continues to inspire many.
Future Prospects and Legacy
As the Chief Customer Officer of Be.EV, Marie-France van Heel continues to lead with a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that Be.EV remains at the forefront of the electric mobility revolution. Her ability to combine marketing expertise with a customer-first mindset positions her as a key player in shaping the future of EV infrastructure in the UK.
Marie-France’s legacy will likely extend beyond the corporate world, as she is also a strong advocate for women in leadership, health awareness, and sustainable business practices. Her journey from a marketing manager to a leading figure in the EV industry demonstrates the power of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to positive change.
Conclusion
Marie-France van Heel’s career is a remarkable example of how strategic marketing and leadership can drive meaningful change. Her work at Be.EV and her previous roles reflect her dedication to creating future-proof solutions that benefit businesses and communities. As she continues to lead Be.EV into a greener future, Marie-France van Heel remains an influential figure in both the marketing world and the rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry.
Her story is not just one of professional success but also personal strength and advocacy, from her early days at MTV Networks to her current role at Be.EV Marie-France van Heel has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead, innovate, and inspire. As more people turn to electric vehicles and sustainable transportation options, leaders like Marie-France will continue to shape the industry’s future.
