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Phil Johnson
Director Product Strategy - Innovation - Insights - Opportunity Discovery - P&L - Team Leadership
Professional Background
Phil Johnson is a highly accomplished Product Strategy Director with over 20 years of extensive experience excelling in the ever-evolving fields of Telecoms, Media, Play, and EdTech. Through a diverse and rich career, Phil has demonstrated exceptional expertise in product strategy, insight, and innovation, focusing on delivering significant global product portfolio revenue growth. His career has spanned a myriad of reputable multinational corporations and dynamic start-ups, enabling him to amass a wealth of knowledge in commercial product management and strategic growth.
Phil's ability to employ customer evidence effectively in product innovation plans has been a central tenet of his professional approach. This unique perspective has allowed him to secure over £250 million in investments and formulate compelling business cases, contributing significantly to the commercial growth of leading names such as BT, Yell / Yellow Pages, Vodafone, Hasbro, Oxford University Press, Saga, and The Football Association. Phil’s capacity to navigate complex business landscapes and his advocacy for customer-driven strategies are hallmarks of his professional brand, making him a sought-after leader in product management and strategy.
Education and Achievements
Phil’s educational background lays a solid foundation for his professional pursuits. He studied Management Sciences at the prestigious University of Warwick, where he achieved a commendable 2:1 degree from Warwick Business School. His educational journey also includes valuable courses aimed at enhancing his product strategy skills, including "Business Models that Work & Value Propositions that Sell" from Strategyzer Academy and "Practitioner of Lean Startup Principles" from Lean Startup Machine. Additionally, Phil has honed his marketing skills with a Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
This educational preparation, combined with his hands-on experience, enables Phil to approach product strategy with a broad perspective and innovative mindset. He regularly leverages market research, insight development, opportunity discovery, and lifecycle management to drive effective product plans and roadmaps.
Employment History
Phil's professional journey features a diverse range of impactful roles:
- As the Director of Product Strategy, Insight & Innovation at Curious, Phil has championed innovative practices that integrate consumer insights into product development processes.
- Previously, he held the position of Director of Product Strategy & Innovation at the brand shed, where he facilitated impactful marketing solutions tailored for client needs.
- His role as an Interim Digital Membership Products Director at Saga plc involved reimagining product offerings to enhance customer experiences and boost engagement.
- Phil served as the Head of Product at AVADO, where he transformed product offerings into market-leaders by aligning them with strategic business goals.
- His experience as a Freelance Marketing & Growth Consultant at TKC Sales Ltd further solidified his ability to drive growth through impactful marketing strategies.
- Notable interim positions also include roles at Oxford University Press and Babcock International Group, where he led digital strategy initiatives aimed at innovation in educational products and services.
- Phil has also played a crucial role as a Volunteer Start-up Business Mentor at Wayra, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs with guidance and insights based on his rich experience.
- His earlier career highlights include significant management roles at Yell Group, where he was instrumental in developing media products and managing product portfolios, culminating in positions such as Head of Yell Media Products and Senior Innovation Manager.
- Phil began his career at BT, where he underwent a Commercial Trainee - Fast Track Management Programme, laying the groundwork for a successful journey in product management.
Skills and Expertise
Phil's professional skill set is comprehensive and reflects a solid alignment with contemporary business demands. His areas of expertise include:
- Growing Global Product Portfolios: Expertise in expanding product ranges internationally to leverage market opportunities.
- Product Strategy & Innovation: Proven ability to devise and execute innovative product strategies that meet customer needs and business objectives.
- Market Research & Insight Development: An adeptness for gathering market insights that shape product strategies and align with consumer expectations.
- Opportunity Discovery: Skilled in identifying and capitalizing on market trends and growth opportunities.
- Product Portfolio Lifecycle Management: Proficient in managing the entire lifecycle of product portfolios to optimize performance and profitability.
- Business Case Development: Strong capabilities in developing robust business cases that secure investment and stakeholder buy-in.
- Commercial Product Management & Revenue Growth: A demonstrated track record of driving revenue growth through savvy product management practices.
- Partnership & Stakeholder Management: Exceptional influence and relationship management skills that foster collaboration amongst stakeholders.
- Team Leadership & Coaching: A commitment to nurturing talent and leading teams to achieve outstanding outcomes.
- Agile Product Owner: Knowledgeable in Agile methodologies, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness in product development.
Phil Johnson is actively seeking contract, project, or interim opportunities as a Product Manager, Head of Product, or Product Director, where he can leverage his extensive experience and proven track record to drive value and innovation in product strategy and management.
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