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How has the partnership between
Adobe and Cushman & Wakefield
evolved?
Mark Bell:
What started out as another
ordinary client/vendor relationship,
transformed into a trusted partnership.
Not only do we all have the same
goals, but on a personal level, we all
work well together. We’ve formed
strong bonds and our partnership is
reflective of that.
Giles Flaxton:
The relationship
started in The U.S. more than 10 years
ago, but we now deliver facilities
support globally. The length of the
relationship has allowed us to gain a
deep understanding of how Adobe
works and what it needs from a service
partner – this is a crucial aspect of our
partnership.
Tell us about a recent success?
MB:
We’ve had the opportunity to
leverage Cushman & Wakefield’s size,
scale and expertise. Recently, we had
a market review of all things related
to innovation and the “Internet of
Things.” We condensed weeks’ worth
of research into one meeting, which
was extremely helpful. Cushman
& Wakefield’s Head of Workplace
Strategy, Neil McLocklin, was able to
give us a rapid overview of current
technology and also link us up with a
suitable supplier.
GF:
Changing how Adobe’s Paris office
is used from a predominately allocated
desk environment to a much more
flexible and agile working environment.
By creating team neighbourhoods
rather than allocating desks we make
much better use of the available space.
How have you partnered to improve
operational efficiencies?
MB:
Customer centric approach, with
a focus on impact. Noticing what is
getting in the way of our employees
being productive and then conveying
this to Cushman & Wakefield so they
can adapt their delivery or provide a
new service.
GF:
We defined and clarified roles
and responsibilities in order to target
the team resources efficiently. It’s not
about creating silos, but rather break
them down, to work as a team and
avoid any duplication of work.
How do you successfully integrate
services?
MB:
It’s not easy, but you have to
keep working at it. One best-practice
I would recommend is constantly
reviewing and tweaking, which will
help lead to success.
GF:
By being visible, proactive and
not “hiding” in a facilities office, we
can better understand our client’s
challenges. By engaging with our client
first-hand, we’re better equipped to
integrate services seamlessly.
What project or milestone are you
most proud of?
MB:
Enabling Adobe to scale in EMEA
by adding new or refreshing existing
offices in Berlin, Dublin, Paris, Munich
and soon London. We now have more
than 29 offices across 18 countries
and more than 2,500 professionals.
I’m proud that we think outside the
box when it comes to space planning.
One exciting example being the new
London office which we will use much
more flexibly with only around 20% of
the seating being allocated and the
rest being used as drop in space.
GF:
Working with the Dublin leadership
team to move away from private
manager offices to make better use
of the available space. Private offices
are often empty and don’t foster
collaboration – it's much better to use
them as meeting spaces.
In your current role, what excites you?
MB:
Every day is different – it keeps
me on my toes. I also enjoy traveling
as part of my role. Taking in different
cultures and seeing first-hand how style
of working differs across the globe
is interesting. My favourite place I’ve
visited is Hamburg, we have a fantastic
office next to the river. Eventually, I
would like to travel to South America
because I’m curious about The Inca
Trail.
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