Simon Howard Email & Phone Number

Stamford, Gb

Luton, Bedfordshire, Gb

I lead a team of sales professionals selling data and analytic solutions (think Data as a Service, DAAS) from offices in Luton, Chicago, Singapore, Beijing & Tokyo. Delivering sustainable ACV subscription growth for more than 11 years.Through various ownership cycles we have completely and repeatedly overhauled the ambition, strategy and effectiveness of our commercial operation to deliver consistant double digit growth YoY. I/we have also accelerated growth through successful value accretive acquisitions.I have recruited quality sales talent worldwide, work hard to onboard effectivey and then really focus on coaching. We have fully embraced SalesForce.com, now end to end in our sales process, up-skilled the team and re-engineered our sales process including clear KPIs to help drive robust performance management. It's been great fun and hugely educational to be part of the transformation of OAG to a fast growing, fully digital data & analytics business with strong organic growth, many NPD launches, value added M&A and a complete platform transformation more than once.Background/context:OAG was carved out from UBM, acquired by Electra Partners in May 2013. Four years of transformation and solid growth led to an exponential increase in EV and a very successful sale to Vitruvian Partners in early 2017.Since 2017, Vitruvian have helped challenge and develop our strategy, invest in the business and scale for further success. OAG showed remarkable resilience through the C19 pandemic without taking a step back in revenue. In 2022/3 we were back delivering double digit YoY growth partly aided by our new Metis data platform unlocking new ways of using OAG data in diverse use cases with new customers plus strong migration $ upside.July 2023, secured further multimillion £ investment from Vitruvian & acquired Infare, HQ Copenhagen. The synergy between Supply, Demand and Fares datasets is clear and integration continues at pace as we plan to scale up again.

Responsible for all commercial revenues including core print incl: Birmingham Mail, Birmingham Post, Coventry Telegraph, METRO, the full digital product portfolio including MOTORS.co.uk and the events business.KPIs: Print revenues<10% YoY decline, Digital revenues >50% YoY Growth Plus >£100k Event contribution growth

Full P&L responsibility for £34m business, 24 newspapers, localised editions, supplements, companion websites and a number of events including wedding shows, awards and other conferencesLed organisational change to defend our core business whilst developing our digital offering and events business.

Manchester, Greater Manchester, Gb

In addition to my Manufacturer and Key Account role across vans, trucks, plant, farm and bikes I added Dealer Update. DU was the monthly B2B magazine and web offering for automotive professionals offering unsurpassed industry insight, analysis and data to help our readers and user make better business decisions leading to more sustainable profit.

Manchester, Greater Manchester, Gb

Initially 'Go To Market Manager' for Trader Publishing to launch the new Commercial Vehicle websites including:- Market size/opportunity- Sales strategy/structure- Target setting/reward schemesAfter a year, I took responsibility for the manufacturer and key account strategy leading a direct sales team.

Predominantly media sector helping clients realise their sales potential: strategy, sales process, structure, establishing KPI's that matter, coaching and succession management

Dubai Media City, Dubai, Ae

General Manager for MEED, relocated to Dubai with EMAP.The MEED portfolio included: the pre eminent weekly B2B magazine in the GCC, website www.meed.com, conferences and high value information products for business leaders in the middle east. General Manager with full P&L responsibility for the portfolio with more than 100 reports based across 3 offices in Dubai, London and Saudi Arabia

London, England, Gb

Promoted from Publishing Director for Fleet News, AM, Sewells their respective web sites and the automotive B2B events portfolio, promoted to MD of the Automotive B2B division.Grew this group of businesses to revenues in excess of £9m and profit growth of in excess of 40% from FY05 to taking an EMAP role in Dubai.Other achievements in this role include a successful acquisition, two magazine and website relaunches together with a successful restructure of the production workflow.Graduate from Emap's 'Inspire' leadership program.

London, England, Gb

Joined as Commercial Director for Fleet News. After considerable success with the Fleet News portfolio, I was given commercial responsibility for AM(formerly Automotive Management) and Sewells.After another very successful year as the commercial head for EMAP's Automotive B2B business, I was promoted to Publishing Director for this group.