Chris Brake
Head of Product - Data Strategy at Findmypast- Claim this Profile
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Topline Score
Bio
Terry McGrath
Chris is straight-talking, forward-looking, collaborative, smart, insightful and inspirational. He is a great partner to work with, not afraid to 'grasp the nettle' and champion for change, tackling issues and working them through to a solution. I really enjoy working with Chris. In any meeting or session, he adds lots of value and can always point out a clear path forward. Most importantly, Chris always delivers what he says he will. He is an impressive operator and a visionary leader.
Ed Ackerman
Chris is an incredibly driven individual with a clear vision. In the time we worked together, Chris demonstrated these characteristics in a few ways. For example, Chris delivered highly effective presentations to the Johnston Press sales team, created solid analysis on which to inform the direction of the business and regularly challenged me with the aim of delivering stronger outcomes. Chris is excellent at driving change initiatives. I was particularly struck by Chris' ability to gain cross-functional support and to execute effectively. It's been a pleasure working with Chris.
Terry McGrath
Chris is straight-talking, forward-looking, collaborative, smart, insightful and inspirational. He is a great partner to work with, not afraid to 'grasp the nettle' and champion for change, tackling issues and working them through to a solution. I really enjoy working with Chris. In any meeting or session, he adds lots of value and can always point out a clear path forward. Most importantly, Chris always delivers what he says he will. He is an impressive operator and a visionary leader.
Ed Ackerman
Chris is an incredibly driven individual with a clear vision. In the time we worked together, Chris demonstrated these characteristics in a few ways. For example, Chris delivered highly effective presentations to the Johnston Press sales team, created solid analysis on which to inform the direction of the business and regularly challenged me with the aim of delivering stronger outcomes. Chris is excellent at driving change initiatives. I was particularly struck by Chris' ability to gain cross-functional support and to execute effectively. It's been a pleasure working with Chris.
Terry McGrath
Chris is straight-talking, forward-looking, collaborative, smart, insightful and inspirational. He is a great partner to work with, not afraid to 'grasp the nettle' and champion for change, tackling issues and working them through to a solution. I really enjoy working with Chris. In any meeting or session, he adds lots of value and can always point out a clear path forward. Most importantly, Chris always delivers what he says he will. He is an impressive operator and a visionary leader.
Ed Ackerman
Chris is an incredibly driven individual with a clear vision. In the time we worked together, Chris demonstrated these characteristics in a few ways. For example, Chris delivered highly effective presentations to the Johnston Press sales team, created solid analysis on which to inform the direction of the business and regularly challenged me with the aim of delivering stronger outcomes. Chris is excellent at driving change initiatives. I was particularly struck by Chris' ability to gain cross-functional support and to execute effectively. It's been a pleasure working with Chris.
Terry McGrath
Chris is straight-talking, forward-looking, collaborative, smart, insightful and inspirational. He is a great partner to work with, not afraid to 'grasp the nettle' and champion for change, tackling issues and working them through to a solution. I really enjoy working with Chris. In any meeting or session, he adds lots of value and can always point out a clear path forward. Most importantly, Chris always delivers what he says he will. He is an impressive operator and a visionary leader.
Ed Ackerman
Chris is an incredibly driven individual with a clear vision. In the time we worked together, Chris demonstrated these characteristics in a few ways. For example, Chris delivered highly effective presentations to the Johnston Press sales team, created solid analysis on which to inform the direction of the business and regularly challenged me with the aim of delivering stronger outcomes. Chris is excellent at driving change initiatives. I was particularly struck by Chris' ability to gain cross-functional support and to execute effectively. It's been a pleasure working with Chris.
Credentials
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Data Analyst Nanodegree
UdacityDec, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Introduction to Data Science in Python
CourseraSep, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Capstone: Retrieving, Processing, and Visualizing Data with Python
CourseraJul, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Python for Everybody Specialization
CourseraJul, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Managing Data Analysis
CourseraMay, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Using Databases with Python
CourseraMay, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Data Science in Real Life
CourseraMay, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Python Data Structures
CourseraMay, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Using Python to Access Web Data
CourseraMay, 2017- Nov, 2024 -
Building a Data Science Team
CourseraApr, 2017- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Findmypast
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United Kingdom
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Technology, Information and Internet
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100 - 200 Employee
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Head of Product - Data Strategy
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Oct 2018 - Present
Responsible for data & core platform architecture products at Findmypast Responsible for data & core platform architecture products at Findmypast
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Independent Consultant
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London, United Kingdom
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Independent Consultant
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Nov 2016 - Jan 2019
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Digital Kitbag
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Advertising Services
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Managing Director, Digital Kitbag
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Jan 2013 - May 2016
Built Digital Kitbag - a Digital Marketing Services business - as part of the Johnston Press transformation into a digital media group. Recognised as one of the most effective new business lines & operational teams within the group, and a key driver of digital revenue growth. Winner of Johnston Press 'Brand of the Year' 2014. Built Digital Kitbag - a Digital Marketing Services business - as part of the Johnston Press transformation into a digital media group. Recognised as one of the most effective new business lines & operational teams within the group, and a key driver of digital revenue growth. Winner of Johnston Press 'Brand of the Year' 2014.
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Yell
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United Kingdom
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Advertising Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Global Director, Digital Marketing Products
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Apr 2012 - Nov 2012
Took on responsibility for for the Yell Digital Marketing Product portfolio for SMBs (Websites, Digital Presence, Search & Display Marketing, Deals) across all territories in the Yell Group (UK, US, Spain, Latin America).
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Director, Digital Products
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Sep 2009 - Mar 2012
Built a >£50m business line in c. 3 years from scratch - selling digital marketing services (Search Marketing, Websites, Videos, Display) to UK SMEs.
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Ofcom
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United Kingdom
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Telecommunications
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700 & Above Employee
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Consultant
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Jul 2009 - Sep 2009
Reviewing technology issues associated with the evolution of converging media value chains Reviewing technology issues associated with the evolution of converging media value chains
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Virgin Media
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United Kingdom
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Telecommunications
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700 & Above Employee
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Director, Group Strategy
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Feb 2008 - Feb 2009
A range of strategic projects & assigmnents
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Head of Strategy & Business Development
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Jun 2006 - Feb 2008
Helped create new 'Non-cable' business division, and negotiated key platform and network supply deals.
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Senior Product Manager
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Jul 2004 - May 2006
(Formerly ntl:)Led growth of 'offnet' (ADSL) broadband platforms (with partners Tesco.net and Virgin.net) from initial launch to >500k live end users.Learnt a LOT about how to manage 10x - 100x growth.
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SAIC
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United States
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IT Services and IT Consulting
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700 & Above Employee
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Senior Consultant
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May 2003 - Sep 2004
(Formerly Opta) A range of telecoms and technology strategic consulting engagements (Formerly Opta) A range of telecoms and technology strategic consulting engagements
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Imparta
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United Kingdom
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Professional Training and Coaching
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1 - 100 Employee
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Product Manager & Business Development Manager
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May 2000 - Dec 2002
Developing & delivering cutting edge eLearning interventions to business school and corporate clients at this innovative startup. Developing & delivering cutting edge eLearning interventions to business school and corporate clients at this innovative startup.
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Arthur D. Little
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Belgium
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Business Consulting and Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Senior Consultant
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Mar 1999 - May 2000
A range of telecoms and internet consulting engagements. A range of telecoms and internet consulting engagements.
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Cabinet Office
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United Kingdom
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Government Administration
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700 & Above Employee
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Fast Stream Development Programme
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Dec 1995 - Mar 1999
A range of roles at the heart of UK Government, including a year as a Ministerial Private Secretary. A range of roles at the heart of UK Government, including a year as a Ministerial Private Secretary.
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Education
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1988 - 1991
University of Cambridge
MA, Natural Sciences (Geology) -
1992 - 1995
The University of Edinburgh
PhD, Geology & Geochemistry -
2017 - 2018
Cambridge Spark
Applied Data Science -
2017 - 2017
Udacity
Data Analyst Nanodegree, Data Science
Community
