Business Development Manager

• Jan 2023 - Present

International Development Director

• May 2022 - Aug 2022

Short term international development project while exploring more permanent options. Short term international development project while exploring more permanent options.

Sales Director

• Sep 2020 - Apr 2022

As International Sales Director at LEE I am directly responsible for a team of eight U.K. based Sales and Business Development Managers and Customer Service operatives, as well as for our Country Manager in Canada. Balancing the Voice of the Customer with the needs of the business, listening to, mentoring and developing people and building lasting customer relationships are all at the heart of what I do and this shows in the results that my team and I have achieved together. As International Sales Director at LEE I am directly responsible for a team of eight U.K. based Sales and Business Development Managers and Customer Service operatives, as well as for our Country Manager in Canada. Balancing the Voice of the Customer with the needs of the business, listening to, mentoring and developing people and building lasting customer relationships are all at the heart of what I do and this shows in the results that my team and I have achieved together.

Business Development Director

• Apr 2018 - Sep 2020

Rotolight Group Ltd is a privately-owned UK designer and manufacturer of high quality, specialist LED lighting for the consumer and professional photographic, video, broadcast and motion picture industries. In this position: I contributed towards sales team reviews, operational structure changes, internal processes, pricing, promotional policies and drove change to enhance operational competence and boost revenue. I managed significant challenges associated with retail and distribution customers as well as new customers in existing markets/emerging markets and sales channels by bringing the founders’ strategic vision to life. Also, I improved the sales and marketing teams’ performance through sustaining company ethos, encouraging staff, and creating a professional, team-centric atmosphere. I led efforts to present company business vision, strategy and products at regional and international meetings and events. Apart from this, I hired and trained a number of new additions to team, including APAC and UK sales managers, technical support, and broadcast development managers. Following are my key achievements: ⇨ Led and ensured the successful launch of a new high-end studio lighting system, attaining competitive edge against well established and much larger competitors. ⇨ Developed and implemented a new sales plan for the UK educational market, capturing new business opportunities. Show less

European Sales Manager

• Nov 2016 - Mar 2018

XP Distribution is part of Typemaker Ltd, which also trades as ColorConfidence. XP Distribution is the European distributor of leading photographic and video accessory brands, including BenQ colour critical monitors, ExpoImaging speedlight and drone accessories, Rotolight LED lighting, Triad-Orbit advanced modular stand systems, UPRtek handheld spectrometer and X-Rite colour management products. In my past role: I held accountability for the company’s growth and expansion by maximising business development efforts; directly reporting to the managing director. I controlled all aspects of business goals for resellers and distributors and managed the sales team to attain first-rate outcomes. Also, I led overall aspects of video channel development and DACH region account management. Beside these, I administered and aligned ten direct reports across UK-based account management and field-based sales representative teams. I co-operated with the head of marketing to develop the integration of sales and marketing teams and formed effective communication channels for smooth two-way information flow. During my time at XPD I:: ⇨ Secured promotion to senior management team (board) level for exceptional team management skills as well as successful integration into business. ⇨ Successfully appointed and trained a German-based rep group to ensure dealer growth across the Germany. Show less

Business Development Manager

• May 2011 - Oct 2016

Bowens International Ltd, part of the Calumet Photographic Group, was one of the world’s leading manufacturers of studio flash lighting systems for professional photographers. In my past role: I oversaw all activities of account management for Bowen’s distributors in US, Canada, South America, and Scandinavia as well as dealers in France during 2014. Also, I was involved with technical development teams in UK and China to rationalise product development activity. I delivered continuous lighting solutions for professional video and broadcast use via product and market research and development a new division of the company. Also, I exceeded company’s requirements by testing and reviewing competitive products and developing appropriate product recommendations. I engaged with existing core product ranges markets through co-ordinating with key dealers in the UK and USA. Following is my key achievements that I attained: ⇨ Researched, developed and launched a new brand of continuous lighting for video, which exceeded Year 1 and 2 targets and delivered incremental revenue to the business ⇨ Controlled commercial changes in the US market by developing exit plan for a former distributor and providing market entry support and training for a new distribution partner. Show less

General Manager

• Aug 2010 - May 2011

General Manager of the Planet Video Systems based at Pinewood Studios. The Group includes MacUniverse, Appleworld Distribution, Rotolight , Planet Video and Planet Audio. General Manager of the Planet Video Systems based at Pinewood Studios. The Group includes MacUniverse, Appleworld Distribution, Rotolight , Planet Video and Planet Audio.

Commercial Product Manager

• Jan 2006 - Jul 2010

Calumet is a multi-national professional photographic and digital imaging retailer with locations across the UK, USA, Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium. Commercial Manager May 2008 – July 2010 • Managed and developed a multi-vendor portfolio with sales of over £7 million per annum and 10%+ YOY growth • Established Calumet as a Sony Specialist professional dealer, meeting all Year 1 targets and growing the business by 25% in Year 2 • Developed and implemented Calumet’s entry into the emerging HD-DSLR accessory market, consistently enhancing Calumet’s reputation in new sectors outside of the company’s core market • Successfully selected and appointed new vendors including the sought-after Redrock Micro brand for which Calumet was awarded a pan-European dealership • Led the Calumet international group in sales growth of own-brand products with over 18% YOY growth at very high retained margin • Managed a wide marketing mix including trade advertising, internet & brochure copy content, direct marketing, PR and trade shows • Provided training and after-sales support for multiple product ranges across all sales channels • Regularly presented at Group Board Meetings in the US to both Main Board Directors and Shareholders Pro Video Sales Manager January 2006 – May 2008 • Successfully established the new Pro Video sales channel within an existing digital photographic business. Recruited specialist sales staff, implemented multiple new vendor relationships and commenced trading within three months of the initial brief • Met and exceeded sales targets in Years 1 and 2, developing sales in excess of £1.2 million per annum by Year 2 • Planned and launched new marketing initiatives critical to Calumet’s success in the penetration of this new market including dedicated direct marketing brochures, advertising and trade show exhibits • Presented to management conferences of over 30 delegates Show less

General Manager

• Aug 1997 - Dec 2005

OpTex Ltd was a specialist retailer, manufacturer and distributor supplying the professional video, broadcast and digital imaging markets in both the business-to-business and advanced amateur sectors. General Manager August 1997 – December 2005 • Managed a total staff of 55 with day-to-day strategic and operational management across the entire company • Successfully introduced a sales target and monitoring system, growing sales to £8 million per annum • Regularly presented to the Board, bank and key vendor partners • Appointed a dedicated sales and marketing team responsible for penetrating the emerging market for digital imaging accessories in the UK, France and Germany via a newly-established UK Call Centre • Managed all matters relating to the company’s estate including insurance, business rates and motor fleet. Implemented regular supply partner reviews, which resulted in cost savings of over 10% • Initiated staff training and customer after-sales care programmes, dramatically enhancing customer and staff retention • Developed vendor relationships and successfully introduced the Kata bag brand to the UK market. Also worked closely with Tiffen, Sachtler, Steadicam, Toshiba and other leading brands on vendor relationship development, product launches, promotions and major international trade shows including IBC and NAB Show less

Marketing Manager, Group Products

• May 1986 - Aug 1997

KJP Ltd was a leading supplier to the UK professional photographic industry and an early adopter of emerging opportunities within digital imaging. Group Product Manager January 1990 – August 1997 • Provided marketing and product training support across the UK in both the professional and advanced amateur photographic sectors, implemented and oversaw annual UK marketing plans and provided technical product support to KJP’s fledgling European business in the Netherlands • Brand/product manager for Manfrotto photo/video tripods and lighting/grip products. Also for Bowens professional lighting and Wein lighting trigger systems • Managed a team of five marketing support specialists • Successfully organised and ran a distributor conference in the Netherlands for over 30 delegates from across Europe • Wrote, edited and published new catalogues and direct-marketing pieces targeted at professional photographers • Managed external design and print suppliers and relationships with trade media Retail Branch Manager May 1986 – January 1990 • Took full responsibility for branch operations, recruitment and reporting and successfully managed a team of ten staff • Increased branch sales and margin performance by 8% YOY • Successfully developed equipment rental department and delivered increased turnover and profitability • Developed and managed relationships with vendors Show less