Marketing systems, the Ring Cycle, and the Layton Effect

The field of marketing, particularly macromarketing, has been enriched enormously by Professor Roger Layton. This essay features some reflection and commentary on his contributions. Four articles published in the Journal of Macromarketing from 2006–2009, Professor Layton’s Ring Cycle, are discussed in some detail. These articles provoke and inspire; they raise questions and offer solutions. They collectively make remarkable contributions to macromarketing, the scholarly study of marketing systems, practical applications to economic growth and quality of life, and theory development. The essay also introduces the Layton Effect – extraordinary scholarly and policy outcomes resulting from keen intellect, gentility, perseverance, vision, inclusion, compassion, resolve and friendship; it concludes with a poignant epilogue.