Alex Thompson
About Me
Alex is a Senior Executive, Technology Consultant, and Qualified Business Coach with deep experience in running business transformation programmes anywhere in the world, helping organisations implement strategies that drive sustainable business and profit growth particularly in the digital, technology, travel and media communications sectors.
His career has taken Alex to live and work in the UK, Asia, North America, South Africa, and Poland, providing a truly global perspective on how to build businesses and lead people.
He has flourished at established corporations and fast-growth startups whether launching in markets, scaling global operations, or taking new products to clients, combining commercial acumen with a collaborative, people-first leadership style that creates high-performing cultures.
Highlights of his career include:
Turning around and scaling businesses across Asia based in Singapore, launching operations in China and India.
Doubling global profits to $40M in four years as Global Head of Business Development at Kinetic in New York, delivering $14M in new client revenue.
Leading the development of digital media solutions in travel retail as Global CEO of Aviator.
Taking an AdTech start-up to market from launch to product market fit in London, securing major global agency contracts and industry recognition.
A passion for helping leaders and organisations achieve clarity, make smarter decisions, and accelerate growth underlines Alex’s approach and with significant Board experience, strong client relationships, and a reputation as a trusted counsel, he brings both strategic vision and practical execution to every challenge
Education
University College London UCL Graduated in June 1918
Bachelor of Arts
Studied for a degree in Geography including modules at The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and School of Eastern European Studies (SEES) both parts of the UCL Campus.
Work & Experience
The Listening co - Enables Stronger Client Relationships 04/10/2023
Founding Partner
Created company focused on improving B2B relationships for service providers. Utilised independent interviews to pinpoint operational and strategic enhancements Successfully acquired clients from launch across various sectors.
Ink Global Travel Media 350 staff, four continents 01/16/2023 - 12/22/2022
Interim Head of International Growth (Jan 2023 – Dec 2023)
Created coherent Ink proposition, working with global management team to establish one face for the business Changed operational culture from siloed working structure to consolidated product offering. Achieved >$5M of new business in 12 months; attracted investment from Amex, HSBC and Johnson & Johnson and their agencies. Gained preferred supplier status with the world’s largest global media buyers (WPP, Omnicom, Dentsu, Publicis, Interpublic), defining a sales and business plan, and agreeing compliant business terms. Identified and formalised partnerships for Ink within Stagwell Group; embedded Ink’s services within the group structure and formulated partnerships to improve offering in data and retail media.
SOUTHWORKS Global Systems Integration; 200 staff, eight countries. 01/04/2022 - 12/22/2022
Interim UK Business Development Director Directed client and partner growth strategy in the UK and Europe.
Secured major opportunities with Microsoft and Amazon; expanded broadcaster business for Amazon via Olympics Mobile broadcast product for AWS with Discovery Eurosport in partnership with Telecom Italia. Grew client usage of Microsoft Stream stack, migrating Siemens global corporate video library from Kaltura to Azure. Won new revenue of >$2M; forged new relationships with V-Nova and ITAL Gas Storage (IGS).
Capricorn Capital Partners 01/06/2020 - 12/23/2020
Interim COO
Actioned successful PE exit from tech investment; merged nonperforming Dojono and Quiddi Hub and shifted to finance community database proposition, Fablious, funded by user subscription and partner referral fees.
7TH MINUTE 05/02/2016 - 11/29/2019
Business Development Director
Led strategy that won business and created partnerships with leading media agency groups and advertisers, taking technology from pre-revenue stage to market fit. Gained access to 65% of UK market for bought-online media activity; negotiated MSAs to supply technology to Omnicom and WPP client base, including VW Group, Compare the Market, Vodafone, British Airways and Wagamama. Partnered with DAZN to create new subscriber acquisition plan; won Global Technology Agency of Record agreement for DAZN OTT sports rights distributor worth $1.5M annual revenue. Signed lucrative annual agreement with Samsung and Publicis Group; negotiated favourable contract structure that drove quality of delivery for client and $500K annual revenue for Mporium. Won Drum Digital Award with the7Stars for use of technology with Iceland Foods.
Kinetic WPP 01/05/2015 - 12/22/2015
Global CEO of Aviator
Promoted to lead travel and aviation media business; grew P&L, created a stronger digital product and continued to manage $90M Global Partnership with GroupM. Oversaw team of 100 (London, New York, Miami, Singapore, Shanghai). Pioneered digital strategy that grew profit from $8M to $11M in one year; embedded Aviator as core element of Kinetic’s global offering. Designed market-leading data tool, APEX (OAG / ACI data sets), providing planners with quantifiable insight to rank media opportunities across price, relevance and impacts. Generated £1.2M YOY revenue growth from HSBC and Accenture; grew PBT margin from 27% to 33%.
Kinetic WPP 01/04/2010 - 12/23/2014
Global Head of Business Development
Promoted to scale Kinetic’s global proposition across 24 markets, managing team of 20. Redefined global approach and management focus on Business Development; formulated an aligned global offering, with aggregated negotiating power delivering top service and pricing across all markets. Boosted revenues from WPP network by 50%, equating to 75% of Kinetic’s total revenue; transformed relationships with key agencies, driving reputation and visibility among C-level leadership and global clients. Fostered new account growth ($240M billings, $14M revenue, $9M profit), increasing global profit by 21%; secured Swatch China, Coca-Cola China, Tesco, Vodafone, Allianz and Star Alliance.
Kinetic WPP 01/03/2006 - 12/01/2009
CEO, Asia PacificJan 2006 – Dec 2009)
Posted from London to turnaround the commercial performance of the region, improve operational quality of markets, fix relationship with GroupM and expand into China and India; led team of 500. Grew annual profit from $800K to $5.1M and billings from $36M to $91M; closed loss-making Australian business and restructured leadership of existing Southeast Asian markets. Launched Kinetic in China and India via JV, growing the businesses to >65% of APAC profits in two years; achieved instant market penetration through WPP partnership, establishing 12 offices across the countries. Won major global clients, including $MM deals with HSBC, Accenture, Unilever and AMEX; transformed external market perception, driving continuous improvement to quality standards and delivery. Embedded rigorous governance and commercial controls; created regional management hub (Singapore) and three new FDs, plus robust systems, processes, and reporting mechanisms to ensure Sarbanes Oxley compliance.
Kinetic WPP 05/03/2005 - 12/22/2009
COO Europe (May 2005 – Dec 2005)
Promoted to align European operations of newly created Kinetic and drive smooth transition for partners. Attracted top talent into senior roles and cut 40% operating cost, leading organisational redesign. Maintained 100% client retention; transitioned clients into new operational structure, aligned systems and processes
Portland Outdoor Advertising 02/01/1999 - 04/29/2005
CEO, UK Feb 1999 – Apr 2005)
Grew annual billings from $80M to $200M and took $2M annual loss to $6.5M profit via new strategy. Managed integration of Portland into WPP, including FTSE reporting disciplines and operational controls. Led Portland’s merger with #1 competitor, PPL, creating Kinetic; global footprint and $130M annual revenue.
Portfolio
