Jan 2026 – Present · 3 mos · United Kingdom · Remote

• As the Founder & Managing Director, leading the overall strategy, positioning and growth of Top Of The Game across video games, mobile, toys & licensing and the wider entertainment space.
• www.topofthegamerecruitment.com
• ​
• 🔹Building and managing end-to-end commercial recruitment processes for roles spanning Community, Marketing, Sales, BD, Data, Licensing, PR and Senior Leadership up to C-suite.
• 🔹Designing and delivering flexible commercial models (contingent, retained, embedded, subscription) tailored to client needs and hiring roadmaps.
• 🔹Developing and owning the sales pipeline: outreach, lead generation, proposals, negotiation and closing.
• 🔹Representing clients and the brand at key industry events (Gamescom, GDC, Pocket Gamer Connects, Develop:Brighton, BLE, Toy Fair) to drive talent networks and new business.
• 🔹Building long-term partnerships with studios, publishers, agencies and service providers, including C-suite and board-level stakeholders.
• 🔹Owning P&L, pricing, forecasting and commercial decision-making to ensure sustainable, profitable growth.
• 🔹Creating and refining service lines (Talent Quest, Nexus, Agency Connect, Power Up, Commercial Growth Representation) and associated go-to-market.
• Key achievements
• 🔹Scaled multiple client accounts into multi-year partnerships delivering consistent six-figure revenue growth.
• ​🔹Closed senior and niche commercial hires globally, from high-impact individual contributors through to C-suite and executive leadership.
• ​🔹Built a high-value network of commercial leaders across games, mobile, toys, licensing and entertainment, enabling faster, more targeted searches.
• ​🔹Implemented optimised CRM and pipeline practices to improve visibility, conversion and forecasting across all business development activity.
• ​🔹Established Top Of The Game as a specialist “commercial growth” partner – blending recruitment, business development support and event representation for clients worldwide.

Dec 2024 – Apr 2025 · 4 mos · Remote · Remote

• Collaborating exclusively with Plaion, I led the talent acquisition process for a series of pivotal roles across their Brand, Marketing, and Business Insights teams.
• This exclusive partnership allowed me to deliver tailored recruitment solutions, connecting Plaion with exceptional talent to drive their ambitious goals forward.

Oct 2022 – Dec 2025 · 3 yrs 2 mos

• As Co-Owner & Director at Aardvark Swift Recruitment, I’ve spent the past decade helping game studios — and companies across toys, licensing, film, and entertainment — scale their businesses through exceptional commercial talent. Combining hands-on business development with strategic talent partnerships, I’ve supported organisations across AAA, mobile, and indie sectors to build the teams that power global success.
• 🔹 Business Development & Commercial Growth
• Scaled client accounts into multi-year partnerships, delivering consistent six-figure revenue growth.
• Designed and closed innovative commercial models — including retained, embedded, contingent, and subscription solutions — tailored to client needs.
• Forged C-suite relationships with leading publishers, developers, and service providers across every continent.
• Represented the business globally at Gamescom, GDC, Pocket Gamer Connects, Develop:Brighton, BLE, and Toy Fair.
• Skilled in pipeline development, CRM optimisation, and board-level stakeholder engagement to drive sustainable growth.
• 🔹 Talent & Leadership
• Recruited commercial talent at all levels — from entry to C-suite — across sales, marketing, publishing, licensing, partnerships, and leadership roles.
• Managed and mentored teams of 5–10 recruiters, embedding best practices and driving commercial performance.
• Partnered with studios and entertainment brands to design scalable hiring frameworks, succession plans, and employer branding strategies.
• Built a reputation for a people-first, transparent approach that strengthens long-term client and candidate relationships.
• With over 10 years at the intersection of business development and talent strategy in the global games and entertainment industries, I focus on sustainable growth, measurable results, and meaningful partnerships.

Sep 2021 – Dec 2025 · 4 yrs 3 mos

• 🔹 Leadership & Delivery
• Led recruitment across all commercial disciplines — from sales and marketing to publishing, partnerships, and leadership roles — while staying hands-on with senior and hard-to-fill positions globally.
• Mentored and developed consultants into high-performing recruiters and future leaders, building a results-driven, people-first team culture.
• Championed a client-first approach focused on quality, accountability, and long-term partnership growth.
• This role brought together commercial development, account growth, and team leadership — setting the stage for my move into a Director role.
• My teams focus areas are;
• 🎮 Community Management/ Social Media
• 🎮 Brand Management
• 🎮 Business Development/Sales/Account Sales/ Digital Sales
• 🎮 Buyers
• 🎮 High level roles - CEO, CMO, VP, CCO, MD, GM, Commercial Directors
• 🎮 Content Acquisition
• 🎮 Data Analytics/ Business Intelligence/ Data Scientists
• 🎮 Marketing/Digital Marketing/Product Marketing/ Trade Marketing
• 🎮 E-Commerce Management
• 🎮 Editor/Writers
• 🎮 PR/Communications
• 🎮 Product Development
• 🎮 Licensing roles right up to Licensing Directors
• 🎮 QA - All levels

Jan 2019 – Sep 2021 · 2 yrs 8 mos

• Specialist Commercial Consultant
• Partnering with global games studios and technology companies to deliver top commercial talent while building long-term client relationships.
• Highlights:
• Recruited commercial talent worldwide, placing mid-to-senior hires across permanent and contract roles.
• Built and managed key client partnerships, providing strategic hiring advice and long-term talent planning.
• Negotiated commercial terms and secured repeat business through a transparent, relationship-led approach.
• Developed deep candidate networks across sales, marketing, publishing, partnerships, and leadership roles within the global games industry.

Apr 2016 – Jan 2019 · 2 yrs 9 mos

• Commercial consultant - building relationships within the video games industry.

Jul 2013 – Jan 2019 · 5 yrs 6 mos

• Founded in Sheffield in 2013, Ten Men Clothing was built on a simple idea: create high-quality garments with distinctive designs for people who want to look sharp and feel confident. We’re here to bring something different to the table—and redefine what modern menswear can be.
• Proud to be recognised as one of the Top 10 Best Online Men’s Fashion Brands in 2017/18.

Jun 2013 – May 2016 · 2 yrs 11 mos · Greater Sheffield Area

• As Client Engagement Manager - I was responsible for managing and enhancing the relationship between a letting agency and its clients (typically landlords, sometimes tenants). The role sits between account management, customer service, and business development.
• 1. Onboard new landlord clients
• 2. Explain services, fees, and processes
• 3. Act as the central point of contact
• 4. Improve client satisfaction & retention
• 5. Build strong relationships to encourage repeat business
• 6. Monitor negotiations and move-in progress
• 7. Drive business performance

Dec 2010 – Jun 2014 · 3 yrs 6 mos · Greater Sheffield Area

Feb 2009 – Mar 2012 · 3 yrs 1 mo · Chesterfield