Owen Knowles

A data-driven leader working cross-functionally to translate the company strategy into results through both strategic planning and hands-on management, ensuring one eye is always on the business goals and long-term impact. 

Versatile professional with expertise in fast-growth early to scale-up stage businesses, specialising in financial and risk management, revenue strategy, strategic planning and execution, change management, OKRs and project management. Proven leadership in multiple executive roles, responsible for 7 figure budgets, opening global offices, managing international events, and driving revenue growth. Demonstrated entrepreneurial success as an exited Founder (COO) of an FMCG start-up.

GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER [CONTRACT], 05/2023 – 02/2024 [10 months] VeUP & Quadri Ventures; Monaco & London, UK – Tech B2B & Venture Capitalist

COO & Special Advisor at VeUP & Quadri Ventures, responsible for developing and executing the group strategy on of the Chairman and the board. The group comprises a Tech Consultancy, a Venture Capital Firm, and a neo-bank.

• Collaborated closely with the Chairman, guiding VeUP to achieve approximately $30 Million in revenue by Q1 2024 — a remarkable 600% growth since my inception.
• Led the strategy development and directed the senior leadership team in securing €30 Million in post-seed funding.
• Crafted the strategy alongside revenue leaders to transform the revenue department into specialised roles, integrating marketing and employing AI and automation tools, resulting in a 20-fold increase in MQLs and SQLs.
• Implemented organisational structures, governance, departmental KPIs, and forecasting and recruited several key senior roles in preparation for the growth anticipated in 2024.
• Instituted consistent processes enabling Quadri Ventures (VC) to review numerous companies weekly through VeUP, culminating in eight significant investments over six months, totalling over $30 Million.

CHIEF OF STAFF, 06/2021 – 03/2023 [22 months] | BlueOptima; London, UK – SaaS B2B, ~300 headcount
Chief of Staff at a hyper-growth SaaS Enterprise B2B serving FTSE 100 clients with a company-wide mandate translating the

• CEO’s strategy into results. Aligned Enablement team of 6 departments, ~70 headcount.
• Grew team from 2 to 11 as Interim Head of Operations, reducing travel costs by 18%, managing 5 offices
• Established a new legal department and saved over $100,000 annually as Interim Head of Legal
• Implemented and managed OKRs across 300 employees in 5 time zones
• Improved sales conversion rates and revenue by restructuring sales team and new commission structures
• Delivered a $1,000,000+ global event for 250 people, 40% under the previous budget per person
• Opened four global offices with a $9,000,000 investment
• Transitioned 70 contractors to employees in India with a $350,000 investment
• Established a 5-year PhD support program with a $1,500,000+ investment
• Increased data-science pipeline revenue by 300%+ in 8 weeks
• Managed ISO27001 and SOC2 accreditations and certifications
• Led Intercom roll-out on a tight timeline
• Secured cost savings of over $300,000 across subscriptions, tooling, and improved efficiencies

GROWTH CONSULTANT, MENTOR & ANGEL INVESTOR, 03/2020 - PRESENT | Bonhoga Capital & Consulting

• Secured a 12-month contract with a key UK Pharma supplier at an 8-figure value

LEAD CONSULTANT ENTERPRISE ACCOUNTS, 12/2019 - 03/2020 [4 months] | Yapster, London, UK – SaaS B2B Lead the Enterprise accounts team whilst working with the CEO to pivot the business away from SMB

• Agreed pilot projects with 9 clients
• Streamlined Salesforce setup for efficient workflows and delivered sales training

PRODUCT, REVOPS, BUSINESS & ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT, 10/2018 - 12/2019 [14 months] | BlueOptima; London, UK Managed a team of three business developers, co-led two product teams and established revenue operations

• Developed, tested, and validated two MVP-stage products in collaboration with the CEO & CTO
• Created automated weekly reporting dashboards and performance metrics
• Cultivated high-value client relationships and secured a deal with the largest global mining corp

COO & FOUNDER, 09/2017 - 10/2018 [13 months] | Green Lady Sparkling Tea; London, UK Responsible for sales, marketing, logistics, account management, capital investment and KPI metrics

• Successfully exited the business after one year with a 300%+ ARR increase
• Secured listings with two of the five biggest national UK distributors
• Raised a six-figure sum from the first round of UK investments

CREATIVE CONSULTANT & PROJECT MANAGER, 07/2012 - 09/2017 [62 months] | Freelance, UK/Remote
Managed various projects, honing skills in project planning, organisation, timeline management, stakeholder coordination, and cash flow management.

BA (HONS) Fashion & Business