Off the Clock: The Boots CMO Who 'Fell in Love' With Improv Comedy

Pete Markey found personal and professional growth while making people laugh

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

While in line to buy a train ticket one morning about four years ago, Pete Markey spotted a poster for improv comedy classes that would change his life. 

The ad prompted Markey, chief marketing officer of Walgreens-owned British health and beauty retailer Boots, to realize that while he did want to learn something new, his day job didn’t leave time for academic coursework. Learning improvisation could be the answer.  

Acting also runs in Markey’s family: His son James Markey is an actor, something Markey had considered doing as a hobby, but he didn’t have time to memorize scripts.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in

Adweek magazine cover
Click for more from this issue

This story first appeared in the April 2023 issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.