LIONEL O’HARA

A highly motivated professional with a proven record of achievement in sales, new business development and revenue generation across the Business-to-Business, Commercial and Publishing Sectors. Has a good understanding of internet opportunities. Outstanding communication, presentation and negotiation skills, a charismatic public speaker with presence, drive and energy. Expertise spans the key general management disciplines, centred on delivering global sales and marketing strategies delivered with flair and imagination. A dynamic executive, committed to meeting stretching corporate targets and growth objectives. Seeking an interesting and challenging role which will utilise skills, knowledge, commercial acumen, vision and perception.

Career Highlights & Achievements

Reed Business Information

Variety: Publishers 11 newspapers a week, 150 editorial specials / supplements annually and Newspapers at international film festivals supporting an impressive, state-of-the-art Website.

2000-2003: International Sales Director

* Appointed to turn round sales, marketing and business activities in Asia, Australia and Europe;

* Devised/delivered the sales strategy to build strong revenue streams;

* Created a strong sales culture across the bi-lingual sales teams and support staff;

* Increased sales and profit against a back drop of industry strikes and global disasters;

* Created marketing alliances and sponsorship opportunities;

* Successfully built annual revenues to $4 million across print and web operations;

* Increased revenues for the first quarter of 2003 by over $100,000 against last year; with March sales up by 15% against budget;

* Contributed to key decisions re: budgets, sales forecasts, P & L; Circulation, distribution, events, conferences and seminars;

* Chaired bi-weekly international sales meetings and attending weekly Editorial, marketing / executive management team meetings;

* Made presentations in Europe / Asia and attended festivals and events worldwide;

* Worked closely with the International Managing Director.

Sales Marketing Europe

A sales/promotion and marketing outsourcing company. Clients included a computer software company, various magazine and directory publishers, book publishers, charities and corporate design companies.

1991 - 2000 Account / Managing Director

* Directed the day-to-day sales and marketing operations;

* Implemented the new business development strategy;

* Recruited, trained and motivated the support teams;

* Devised DM campaigns for several clients;

* Implemented Sales Promotion campaigns;

* Full Profit and Loss accountability;

*Co-ordinated advertising, sales promotions, internet & PR activities;

* Developed sales and media bookings to £1.4 million.

Designers Incorporated

A corporate identity company that worked for a vast range of clients including record labels, law firms, publishers, postage stamps and automotive businesses.

1987 - 1990 Account Director

* Devised and established the sales, marketing and PR strategy;

* Directed day-to-day sales and marketing initiatives;

* Organised Direct Mail and Direct Marketing campaigns;

* Canvassed and prospected for new business;

* Managed existing accounts and maximised revenue;

* Increased turnover from £50k to £400k per annum;

* Closely involved in winning the Maserati Car Account.

Crain Communications Incorporate

Crain Communications Inc. are the largest independent magazine publisher in North America. I worked on specific magazine titles including: - Advertising Age, Advertising Age's Focus (a European version), Business Marketing and Media World.

1984 - 1987 International Advertisement Director

* Achieved the sales targets for the UK / Mainland Europe and Asia year on year;

* Managed the launch cycle for new products;

* Negotiated key sponsorship contracts;

* Spearhead the acquisition of Media World Magazine;

* Gained the account of Saatchi and Saatchi for the trade press.

Pre 1984

Developed early career in Private Banking before moving to the sales, marketing and new business development environment.

Personal Information

Qualifications/Courses

Range of professional and in-house courses, seminars and workshops: Strategic Business Planning and Marketing, Team Building Marketing Diploma (current) credited towards a MBA

Technology

Computer literate and a competent business user

Memberships

The Institute of Sales and Marketing Publicity Club of London, BAFTA, European Film Academy Chartered Institute of Marketing and Professional Sales

Appearances

Guest appearance on Channel 4 Business Programme – The Sharp End Press coverage in trade magazines and The Sunday Times Guest speaker at business colleges Guest speaker at FRAMES, (2003) the largest Film and Entertainment Festival in India

Email: ohara@ntlworld.com

Page last updated September 28, 2004.