Stuart Neilson — Co-Founder
I provide solutions. I work with clients within the optical and hearing industries wanting UK or International distribution and expansion. Including tech startups requiring commercial strategy. I leverage my extensive industry networks, executive and commercial experience to unlock new markets, accelerate distribution, and increase sales performance . Where required I will actively represent these brands with U.K. and Global Key Accounts. Having spent my career inside the global hearing industry including serving as an SVP within a €1Bn multinational organisation I understand first hand how commercial decisions are made, where bottlenecks arise, and what it really takes to succeed in highly regulated, competitive markets. Through Neilson Consulting, I advise leadership teams on market entry. My work bridges strategic intent and practical execution, ensuring brands are positioned to engage effectively with providers, retailers, and stakeholders across the hearing ecosystem. I am particularly passionate about creating effective go to market plans for innovative products and solutions that drive true category value. Clients value my ability to combine board level perspective with operational realism, offering clear, independent advice shaped by my lived experience rather than theory. If you are looking to enter, scale, or reposition your brand within the hearing or optical market, I bring insight I also provide personalised coaching and mentoring for senior executives looking to further their careers or build their leadership capabilities. A commercially driven, globally experienced MD and CEO with a track record of scaling, transforming, and turning around businesses in optical, audiology, MedTech, FMCG, and PE environments. I’ve led both Country level businesses and a number of PE-backed commercial operations through transformations. Throughout my career, I’ve revitalised underperforming businesses in the US, UK, Germany, and Italy by aligning commercial strategy with cultural and operational excellence. My leadership style is authentic, people first, and very results driven, focused on building resilient, high-performing teams , inclusive leadership and talent development. Commercially, I bring sharp market insight and a bias for execution. I’ve led successful market entries, built new revenue models, and driven M&A and integration strategies. I’m currently open to: Representing manufacturers and brands looking to access the UK Hearing or Optical Sectors Advisory roles , Interim C Suite positions and NEDs
Stackforce AI infers this person is a seasoned leader in the Optical and Hearing industries with a strong focus on B2B strategy and market expansion.
Location: Winchester, England, United Kingdom
Experience: 35 yrs 4 mos
Skills
- Leadership
- Business Strategy
- Consulting
- Sales Management
Career Highlights
- Extensive experience in the optical and hearing industries.
- Proven track record of scaling and transforming businesses.
- Expert in market entry and commercial strategy.
Work Experience
Neilson Advisory Consulting & Mentoring Group
Founder Owner (5 mos)
Neilson Mentoring & Consultancy Services
Consultant & Mentor (1 yr 5 mos)
Duncan and Todd Group
Group Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) (1 yr 5 mos)
mark'ennovy
Managing Director UK & Nordics (1 yr 9 mos)
Eave
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) (5 mos)
The Future Work Forum
Global Partner (8 yrs 2 mos)
WSAudiology
Senior Vice President Global Sales (C-Suite) (2 yrs 4 mos)
Sonova Group
Managing Director (Local CEO) Phonak UK (Sonova Group) (6 yrs 9 mos)
Bausch + Lomb
Business Unit Director UK & Nordics - Visioncare (1 yr 1 mo)
Novartis
Sales Director - NOVARTIS Ciba Vision (5 yrs)
Boots UK
Head Of Customer (Trade) Marketing (6 yrs 9 mos)
Golden Wonder
National Account Manager (7 yrs)
Cadburys Schweppes PLC
Field Sales Representative (3 yrs)
Education
Business Studies at Leeds Beckett University
Higher National Diploma at Leeds Beckett University
