Getting to Know You: Sven Lung, CEO, Greenpark

Greenpark is a global performance-driven content agency specialising in omnichannel search and social.

Founded to revolutionise brand publishing, it combines deep audience insights with innovative digital strategies, helping top international clients such as Unilever, Campari Group and Kimberly Clark create content that resonates with people and algorithms alike.

From its early days, Greenpark has focused on producing tangible business outcomes. With over 150 managed brand websites and social channels worldwide, and more than 200 million organic sessions generated annually, the agency has saved clients millions in paid media while boosting brand recall and purchase intent. It has recently strengthened its foothold in advanced AI technology and creative AI labs, further cementing a reputation for staying ahead of the curve.

At the helm is CEO and founder Sven Lung, who honed his data-driven ethos while managing substantial paid media budgets as the founder of online fashion retailer BrandAlley. He emphasises that strong, long-term growth depends on purposeful earned and owned media strategies: ‘I wanted to offer brands a comprehensive approach integrating SEO, tech, content and digital PR to build visibility and scale effectively. Being independent from external funding has also given me control over the business’s direction.’

What was the inspiration behind Greenpark?

I wanted to revolutionise brand publishing for brands and organisations. I previously managed a substantial paid media budget as founder of an online fashion retailer, BrandAlley, so saw first-hand how good earned and owned media strategies were more effective in achieving long-term growth.

I started Greenpark to offer other brands a comprehensive approach that integrates SEO, tech, content, and digital PR to build brand visibility and scale effectively. I also wanted to be independent, without external funding, so I could have control over the business long-term.

I’m proud to say we now operate in 40 markets and serve multinationals like Nestlé and Sanofi.

Who do you admire?

I have great admiration for Sir Martin Sorrell. His ability to continue building successful businesses at this stage of his career, driven by a genuine passion for growth rather than solely profit, resonates with me.

His recent ventures exemplify innovative thinking and rapid scaling, which I find incredibly inspiring. I share his commitment to empowering teams and fostering a collaborative environment – I believe this is essential for long-term success.

He has also been able to reinvent himself after setbacks and continues to innovate as the industry landscape changes. Maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit in business allows you to be resilient and adaptable despite changes and I admire that a lot.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

My main regret is my early hiring practices. As a creative leader, my enthusiasm stopped me doing thorough due diligence, leading to costly hiring mistakes. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to carefully vet candidates, especially for key positions.

Having the right people in key roles enables earlier strategic planning so not to be stuck in the weeds of the day-to-day. I find founders often become too engrossed in daily operations, trying to manage every aspect of the business, and that can quickly become a barrier to growth. Hire the right people so you can step back and become the architect of your business vision instead.

What defines your way of doing business?

Greenpark distinguishes itself as a boutique agency focused on delivering world-class digital services to large multi-national clients. We are known by our clients to drive business results through amazing content that both people and algorithms love. We’re particularly known in the industry for our innovative approach to omnichannel search and social marketing.

Our unique model includes building AI powered in-house squads for clients, ensuring dedicated experts align closely with their goals – it’s all about injecting performance into their owned and earned media strategies. Our agile, tech-savvy approach fosters strong partnerships and delivers measurable value.

Securing a substantial contract from Unilever in our early days (after refining our business model) is testament to this. Unilever recognised our potential and awarded us a multi-million-pound project driving growth over multiple years, which validated our approach. We haven’t looked back since.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

My top piece of advice for new entrepreneurs is to focus on market potential first. Many start-ups fail despite significant funding because they lack sustainable growth strategies. Having these in place from the outset while being nimble enables you to adapt to changing needs as well as capitalise opportunities.

It’s also important to prioritise and cultivate a strong foundation before seeking quick returns. This requires a commitment to nurturing talent and building infrastructure to ensure your team can thrive and contribute meaningfully to your mission.

I would also advise anyone starting out to be independent for as long as they can, even if it means doing things slower. This allows you to develop a long-term vision and create value in the business.