Sophie Brendel is a leading strategist who specialises in transformational change. The founder of Sophie Brendel Consulting, a global creative consultancy for arts, culture, media and heritage, Sophie specialises in transforming strategy, brand, profile, audiences and impact, working with organisations ranging from the Royal Shakespeare Company, RADA, V&A and the Fashion Museum to the National Trust, BBC, Smithsonian and the British American Project.

Over the past 25 years, Sophie has held senior leadership roles in globally-renowned organisations including the BBC, Thomson Reuters, and most recently the V&A, where she was the Director of Audiences, Commercial & Digital until 2024. Sophie worked at the nexus of the V&A's strategy, spearheading the V&A’s transformation into a family of six museums dedicated to the power of creativity, and led the brand, audience, marketing, comms, digital, front of house and commercial teams.

Sophie is also the MD of Thornfalcon Winery & Press - a 40-acre sustainable farm, vineyard, retreat and film location in Somerset. Sophie is a Trustee and Board Advisor to a number of organisations including Goldsmiths University, Bristol Old Vic and Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.