Mike Andrews, GB '08
Mike Andrews, GB ’08, is a problem solver.
As executive director of the Strategy & Analytics Group at Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners (kbs+), an advertising and marketing agency based in New York, Andrews plays a key role in analyzing the business opportunities of his firm’s clients and building solutions for those problems. He would not have it any other way.
“The dynamics of this job require that I’m constantly pushing myself to learn new things and adapt to shifting circumstances. These conditions have strongly contributed to what I’ve been able to accomplish here.”
kbs+ works with a number of clients including BMW, Vanguard and Harman Audio, to create and implement their marketing and advertising campaigns. The company has more than 400 employees with expertise across various domains.
“We have a number of different functions that are highly integrated under the same roof,” Andrews said. “This allows our clients to access a wide range of complementary capabilities that include creative, brand strategy, media planning and buying, paid search, content and social strategy, digital design and development, multicultural marketing and public relations.”
As the head of the Strategy & Analytics practice, Andrews blends both creative and analytical thinking to achieve results. “We are like an agency-embedded consultancy in the sense that we have a little bit of expertise on a lot of subjects. We take a fact-based approach to analyzing and diagnosing problems, and ultimately our mission is to grow each client’s business in sustainable, competitive ways through our strategic plans.”
Almost 15 years ago, Andrews began his professional career in the investor relations department of a New York-based venture capital firm. In 2003, he relocated to Richmond with his wife and became a marketing manager at Capital One. He decided during that time to pursue an MBA.
“I chose The Richmond MBA because of the stellar quality of its academics, the unusually high student and alumni satisfaction and the prevailing reputation of the Robins School of Business.”
Upon earning his MBA in 2008, Andrews accepted a role at kbs+ because “it was a perfect opportunity for me to apply both my native skills and the insight I’d gained from The Richmond MBA.”
Looking back, Andrews reflected, “There is honestly not a day that goes by that I don’t reference something I experienced in the MBA program. My job is highly dynamic and multifaceted, so it’s typical for me to work on projects that consistently require me to apply skills and knowledge across areas ranging from lateral thinking and design aesthetics to predictive modeling and forecasting. I constantly reflect on the foundation of cross-functional knowledge that I gained from The Richmond MBA.”
As he looks forward, Andrews hopes to guide others to growth. “One of a leader’s most important responsibilities is to take an active role in the career growth of the people on their team. I do my best to live up to that philosophy and strive to grow as a leader. When I see team members reaching their goals, building their confidence and exceeding expectations outside of their comfort zones, it’s really rewarding.”