John has been at the leading edge of thinking in marketing, branding and reputation for the past 25 years. Prior to agreeing to become Chairman at Promise, he was Executive Vice President of Global Brand, Marketing & Communications at Visa International where he launched their first major repositioning in 30 years, initiated a worldwide corporate reputation program and managed global sponsorships with organisations such as FIFA, the International Olympic Committee and the Rugby World Cup.

John is also a successful entrepreneur; he was the Founder, Chairman and CEO of FutureBrand where he built, acquired and managed 23 offices globally with over 1000 employees. He was also Co-Founder & President of DiefenbachElkins, a future forecast and strategy business that grew significantly in employees, clients and revenues between1990-1995 before being acquired by IPG. Other senior positions have included CEO of the globally recognised firm The Naisbitt Group . John sits on numerous boards and committees including the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, FINCA Board of Directors and the World Travel and Tourism Council Executive Committee. He has contributed to the best-selling book Megatrends and also written various publications, the most recent being:

"Banking on the Poor", UNEP Our Planet, February 2007

"Electronic Payments: A Catalyst for Tourism & Economic Development", WEF Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007

"Rethinking Commercial Security in the Digital Age", White Paper, June 2007