Jon Holland

Customer-focused marketing leader with over 10 years of experience leading teams in startups and education organisations. Skilled in using data and delivering strategies that have led to consistent student growth of up to 18% year on year and a 10x return on investment.

Marketing Director at Learnlife (2022-07 – Present)

Global-leading education innovation startup with three international schools

• Created the marketing and admissions strategy using data and audience research, which increased student numbers by an average of 16% year on year and filled our Barcelona school for the first time while reducing our customer acquisition cost to 11% of annual revenue.
• Led the launch of our Sitges school, implementing positioning, messaging and the go-to-market strategy. Launched the school in just three months and grew student numbers by 45% in year two.
• Transformed our lead nurturing and admissions process for families through customer journey mapping, interviews and storytelling, increasing lead to customer conversion rate by 23% and contact to deal by 59%.
• Developed a paid media strategy using Meta and Google ads that generated 8-10x return on ad spend and reduced cost per lead by 33% year on year.

Head of Marketing & Communications at Windsor Academy Trust (2020-05 – 2022-07)

Multi-academy trust and teacher training provider with 15 schools and 8,000 students

• Developed a marketing and admissions strategy that helped achieve the trust's strategic priorities and grew student numbers by 8% and first preference applications by 9%, including a 90% increase at an underperforming school.
• Collaborated with the CEO to enhance the profile and reputation of the trust through positioning, media engagement and a content marketing strategy. Positioned the trust as a leading multi-academy trust, contributing to an increase in the number of schools joining the trust and an increase in media coverage and speaker engagements for the CEO.
• Led the launch of Windsor Olympus Academy, implementing a marketing strategy and collaborating with local partners to create a community-focused school, which resulted in exceeding year one admission targets.

Head of Marketing & Events at Norfolk Educational Services (2015-09 – 2020-05)

School and college group, and teacher training provider with 10,000 students

• Led marketing and communications for all schools and colleges, using a data-driven strategy to increase enrolments by 9% for the colleges and 34% for the teacher training centre.
• Optimised the admissions and enrolment process using automation, lead scoring and nurturing, improving application to enrolment conversion by 14% and online applications by 43%.
• Owned marketing and communications strategy through two college mergers and rebrands, ensuring brand continuity, consistent messaging and stakeholder alignment.

Marketing Manager at VisitNorwich (2014-07 – 2015-09)

Destination marketing

• Increased commercial membership by 6%.
• Positioned Norwich in the top 10 for day visits in the UK, working on the national City of Stories campaign, which reached millions and raised awareness of the city's offer.
• Transformed communications by implementing a digital-first approach.

Marketing Manager at Norwich Cathedral (2012-09 – 2014-07)

Tourism and hospitality

• Increased annual visitor numbers by 29% in 2013 following year-on-year declines.
• Increased profit from commercial services by £30,000.
• Developed and implemented the Cathedral brand across the organisation.
• Nominated for 'Best Marketing' at the EDP Visit Norfolk Awards.

Marketing Manager at Leigh Sports Village (2010-08 – 2012-09)

Sport, leisure and hospitality

• Significantly enhanced online presence through the creation and implementation of a digital marketing strategy. This included optimising email marketing, growing the social media network and implementing SEO.
• Significantly increased digital PR and media coverage that grew Leigh Sports Village’s profile, increased awareness and generated leads.
• Developed and enhanced the social media network. Introduced new channels and a content strategy that increased reach and engagement.

Research Consultant at PMP Consultancy (2008-04 – 2010-07)

• Contributed to a significant increase in turnover and the number of projects undertaken in sport and leisure planning.
• Promoted from Researcher after 11 months due to high performance.
• Twice won company recognition for the work that I produced.

• Advanced Product Marketing Certified – Product Marketing Alliance (2024-01 – 2024-04)
• Product Marketing Certified – Product Marketing Alliance (2023-10 – 2023-12)
• Professional Diploma in Marketing in Marketing – Chartered Institute of Marketing (2012-01 – 2013-12)
• BA Hons in Management and Leisure – University of Manchester (2004-09 – 2007-07)