Historically seen as a Tier 3 supplier, ESI Automotive’s ambition was to be recognised as a strategic ADAS materials partner. We built an integrated thought-leadership campaign to raise awareness, drive engagement, and create targeted, high-quality leads.

A key to ESI’s perception shift was being viewed as a credible thought leader by OEMs and Tier 1s. They could do this by demonstrating deep materials expertise in ADAS hardware and making the case for closer collaboration to develop safe, reliable systems for the future of mobility. Our role was to define a clear narrative to reposition the brand, build authority in-market, and turn that attention into qualified conversations and leads.

We created a strategic framework including a thought-leadership narrative, value proposition and message house – all designed to position ESI as an essential partner for OEMs seeking greater control over vehicle design, IP, safety and reliability. The campaign’s centrepiece was an insight-led eBook, released in chapters and promoted through paid and organic social and targeted PR. We supported this with executive profiling and authentic LinkedIn persona management for three senior leaders, alongside regular thought leadership content to engage OEM and Tier 1 audiences directly and drive traffic to the eBook. The channel mix included PR and leadership positioning, SEO-optimised landing pages and supporting content, PPC/programmatic to reach engineering and procurement decision-makers, and a webinar activation to convert interest into dialogue and leads.

The campaign increased ESI Automotive’s visibility with OEM and Tier 1 audiences and established the business as a recognised voice in the ADAS technology space. LinkedIn impressions increased by 14,185% over six months. The programme also created 100+ new senior industry contacts and created new opportunities for the client, including an invitation to host a webinar alongside vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers, and a podcast invitation from a Tier 1 supplier.