Mark Leach, Managing Director at User Conversion

Mark joined User Conversion as Managing Director in 2018, with a remit to drive the agency forwards and focus on continuing to deliver best-in-class service as User Conversion expands.

Mark had been at Missguided since 2015, where he established and led an in-house team of experts, delivering significant increases in conversion rates for the fast fashion retailer. He is an innovator in the e-commerce sector, recognised for implementing a new award-winning online checkout process at the retailer, as well as launching an iOS app which increased mobile conversions by over 30 percent.

At User Conversion he heads up a team of experts that has grown to 30 over the past 12 months, servicing some of the biggest online brands in the UK; with his expertise in e-commerce and fast fashion enhancing the impressive skill set of the existing team.

Sameer Rahman, Group Director of Data Science at Edit

Sameer is the Director of Data Science at EDIT which is a machine learning, digital marketing and technology solutions consultancy based in Bath, London and Leeds. He is also the Chairman of Chartered Institute of Marketing in Wales and has previously led the Data Science, Digital Marketing and Marketing Planning teams at Gocompare, Lloyds, HBOS and various other FS organisations.

As a director and senior consultant, Sameer has helped companies successfully use the different kinds of data available to increase digital marketing performance. He has used predictive modelling techniques on digital and other data sources to radically change marketing practice. He is a thought leader, prominent blogger and conference speaker on various data related topics and truly believes that data is one of the best enablers to satisfy customer needs. His favorite line ‘If your business and marketing doesn’t make customers’ lives easier, then you should rethink your existence’.

Monica Tailor, Head of Digital at McCann Manchester

Monica is a highly experienced senior digital leader. Having studied design and practised digital for more than 20 years, she has been involved with projects of all sizes across a wide range of industries from strategy through to execution. Her passion lies in embedding digital at a strategic level in businesses while getting people excited about the endless possibilities.

In 2002, Monica founded her own agency before joining McCann Manchester in 2012 to head up the digital offering for Aldi, which progressed to her current role in leading all things digital across the McCann Manchester group, including Connected. Her passion for digital innovation and empowering others to join the industry sees her on the board of Manchester Digital.

Andrew Machin, Founder & UX Director at LION+MASON

With over 17 years’ experience in UX and Digital, Andrew Machin, Founder and UX Director at LION+MASON has helped global brands such as John Lewis, Jet2, and Interflora create transformational digital experiences, from web applications to in-store retail experiences.

Through the success of such projects Andrew has received accolades that include high-profile awards that span innovation, strategy, design, and results, such as the Dadi Grand Prix Award and the Digital Impact Award for Innovation.

This experience has led to Andrew judging the Digital Experience Awards, being featured in .net magazine, lecturing at Leeds University, and speaking at seminars and conferences across the UK.

James Brockbank, Managing Director at Digitaloft

James is Managing Director & founder at award-winning SEO & content marketing agency Digitaloft, overseeing the agency’s growth and working alongside the team to drive success for clients across campaigns.

James is a VIP contributor to both Search Engine Journal and a regular conference speaker at the likes of BrightonSEO, DMWF, eCommerce Show North and Digital Olympus.

Martin Calvert, Marketing Director at Blueclaw

Martin has an 11-year career as an international researcher, speaker and client and agency-side practitioner in the field of online communication and influence. Drawing on his diverse experience, Martin provides a practical, personable and data-driven view of digital marketing and SEO.

In his role as Marketing Director at Blueclaw, Martin is responsible for enthusing major brands and challengers alike about the new art of the possible in digital marketing.

Sharon Palmer, Head of Channels and Managing Partner at McCann Connected

Sharon’s career spans 20+ years, beginning her journey at J. Walter Thompson before joining McCann in 1995. Over the years Sharon has built up her experience across brand, retail and direct response sectors working on clients such as Peugeot, AXA Insurance, Magnet Kitchens, Clarks, and Warner Leisure Hotels.

Sharon became Head of Online in 2006 and quickly built a strong digital offering, driving accountable solutions across a number of key markets and brands, including Sainsbury’s Bank, Portland Holidays, American Airlines and Wickes. In 2015, Sharon took on the role as Head of Channels for McCann Manchester, and Managing Partner at McCann Connected, with responsibility for delivering competitive advantage through paid, owned and earned channels.

David Howlett, Digital Strategist at Search Laboratory

David works in Search Laboratory’s digital strategy team, working with large brand-name clients on cross-channel digital marketing campaigns. David sees first-hand the positive impact digging into a client’s data and analysing the numbers can have. His Masters in Mathematics comes in handy when working with large data sets and working out how a client’s budget should be spent across all channels. 

Ian Lloyd, Director of Digital Operations at WMG (Official Master of Ceremonies)

Director of Digital Operations at WMG, Ian Lloyd is a rare breed – analytical, yet matched with equal measures of creativity. Brilliantly talented, Ian has over 11 years industry experience working with leading brands and blue-chip names across the UK and internationally,

With a deep understanding of client needs, Ian guides a team of 50, advising on SEO strategy for our largest accounts and implementing new technologies and processes within the business. An avid reader of industry news, trends and insight, Ian is on the cusp of all things innovative making him pivotal to product development.