Nick Atkinson

I'm an experienced head of digital specialising in publishing and retail.

I'm a motivated, passionate and commercial digital leader and strive to be the secret weapon for every business I work with. I am a strategist by nature and have an irrepressible flair for creative marketing. I also have a deep understanding of all aspects of the digital landscape and a broad range of experience to draw from. I look for success at every turn, from myself and those around me. I've got high standards, a great work ethic and inspire the best perfomance in people I work with and manage. I can articulate complex digital concepts clearly and concisely and leave no traditionalist behind. As Head of Digital at Hardie Grant, I develop digital publishing, commerce, content, development, marketing and partnership strategies across the HG group of businesses. I've won prestigious awards for my work, had number ones in most charts, including iTunes books and apps, grown substantial customer databases, increased traffic and conversion rates, created award-winning marketing campaigns, driven great online sales and worked with most mainstream press, publishers and media. I've managed tight marketing budgets and challenging suppliers, connected loads of consumers to masses of product and content, and done it all with positivity, commercial acumen, creativity and flair.

Digital Sales & Marketing Manager at Hardie Grant Publishing

January 2010 - May 2011

I head up all aspects of digital development and strategy for Hardie Grant Group incorporating a mix of commercial and marketing based website development, digital marketing, social media development, content syndication and digital licensing, ebook development, app development and email marketing. My work takes me across the adult, trade, children's and travel lists as well as for Hardie Grant's numerous custom clients including Coles (AU equivalent of Tesco), Bupa, Brown Brothers and various tourism bodies.

Digital Marketing Manager at Borders

May 2008 - November 2009

As Digital Marketing Manager for Borders UK Ltd, I was part of the e-commerce team that launched Borders.co.uk into the UK market and grew the site from a standing start to a multi-million pound website within a year. I was responsible for all supplier relationships, encompassing marketing spend, campaign activity, product placement and promotions, as well as all creative campaign-based digital marketing.

Manager at Summersdale Productions

2004 - 2008

As general manager of the media production arm of Summersdale Media Group, an independent publisher and producer based in Sussex, I was responsible for managing staff, securing new business, international content rights management and creating and designing new products and services which ranged from producing mainstream DVDs on subjects as diverse as Freestyle Football and Street Magic to creating and distributing digital content, including podcasts, viral videos, corporate video and trailers. I completed successful projects with Nike, Arsenal FC, The Environment Agency, Cobra Beer, John Wiley & Sons, Diageo and more. Working for a smaller independent demanded creativity with both ideas and budgets in order to attract big multinational clients and build an enviable client base.

Designer at Summersdale Publishers

2004 - 2004

As part of the design team, I designed numerous jackets and layouts for books across a wide range of genres. I was also involved in the commissioning process and worked closely with the sales and editorial teams.

Head of Digital at Hardie Grant Publishing

May 2011

Leading digital strategy and development for the Hardie Grant group of businesses, my role covers the development of digital publishing, marketing and commerce through web, eBooks and mobile channels as well as all aspects of digital marketing for all publishing divisions within the HG group of companies across Australia and the UK.

University of Leeds

2001 – 2004

BA Hons