Simon Lees
About Simon Lees
Simon Lees serves as the Chief Business Officer at BrightTALK, where he has worked since 2014. He has a background in business development and media, having held various roles at Reed Business Information and Haymarket Media Group.
Current Role at BrightTALK
Simon Lees serves as the Chief Business Officer at BrightTALK, a position he has held since 2014. In this role, he has been instrumental in driving the company's strategic initiatives and business growth. Under his leadership, BrightTALK has seen significant developments, including a remarkable 32% profit growth in his first year. He has also played a key role in expanding the company's live event portfolio to over 30 events annually, enhancing the company's market presence.
Previous Experience at Haymarket Media Group
Before joining BrightTALK, Simon Lees worked at Haymarket Media Group as the Director of the Information Security Group from 2006 to 2014. During his eight-year tenure, he focused on enhancing the group's information security offerings and contributed to the overall growth of the organization. His experience in this role helped him develop a robust understanding of media and information security, which he later applied in his current position.
Career at Reed Business Information
Simon Lees began his career at Reed Business Information, where he held various commercial roles from 1995 to 2003. He then served as a Business Development Manager in Sydney from 2004 to 2006. During his time at Reed, he successfully won a pitch to contract publish the UK's largest circulating B2B magazine, showcasing his capability in business development and strategic planning.
Educational Background
Simon Lees studied at the University of Leeds, where he earned a BA (Hons) in History from 1989 to 1992. His academic background provided a foundation for his analytical skills and understanding of historical contexts, which have been beneficial in his professional roles. Additionally, he attended Lancing College, further contributing to his educational development.
Achievements in Revenue Growth
Throughout his career, Simon Lees has demonstrated a strong ability to drive revenue growth. Notably, during his tenure at BrightTALK, he led his division to achieve a 450% increase in online revenue. He also converted the SC brand to a 100% digital and events revenue model, reflecting his strategic vision and execution capabilities in the digital space.