Today saw many of us from the cleaning and FM sector join family, friends and colleagues for the funeral of Chris Klopper, CEO and founder of Mulberry Marketing Communications. Chris passed away on Sunday 17 June following a short illness. Today gave everyone the opportunity to share memories and stories of one of the industry’s great characters.
Chris sold his house in 1995 to fund the opening of Mulberry and led the development of the organisation from a single office to a global marketing communications agency operating on three continents. His leadership, passion and determination enabled Mulberry to outpace many of its peers, to grow sustainably and to leverage market opportunities in good economies and bad for Mulberry’s clients. He was always enthusiastic and up for challenges that were too rich for the majority!
Prior to founding Mulberry, Chris had worked on all sides of the client-agency-media triangle. His journalism experience included stints as a reporter for the Daily Mail, a woman’s interest magazine, and a number of trade and technical publications. After moving into the agency world, Chris worked for a number of agencies gaining B2B, corporate and consumer campaign experience before rising through the ranks to become managing director of Spurgeon Walker Klopper where notable achievements included the UK launch of the Lexus automotive marque.
Chris graduated with double honours in journalism from the London College of Printing and was a fanatical supporter of Everton Football Club. He was also a good friend of mine, someone I could rely on for support and advice whatever the situation. I will miss him.
Everyone at C&M and the Cleaning Show send their condolences and very best wishes to Chris’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.