Ashok Patel

Market intelligence specialist, research manager, and editor with eighteen years of experience producing authoritative content across technology, professional services, commodity markets, and the automotive industry. Proven ability to translate complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, compelling analysis for specialist and general business audiences. Track record of leading content programmes, developing talent and teams, and delivering to a high standard in fast-moving, high-output environments.

Research Manager - IDC

(2022-09 - 2026-05)

• Produced engaging and insightful content on key topics and trends in the EMEA enterprise application space, with a focus on application modernisation, cloud migration, and AI strategies.
• Created data-driven thought leadership, strategic advisory, and marketing content in written, visual, and video formats.
• Provided support for events and conferences, including pre-event preparation and planning, written and presented content, and managing both event scheduling and participant engagement activities.
• Explored new business development opportunities both through the creation of new, vendor-specific content, and direct discussions with current and prospective clients.
• Helped to identify in-house AI use-cases and provide advice on LLM training and end-user requirements.

Market Trends Content & Strategy Lead - Source Global Research

(2020-08 - 2022-08)

In addition to the responsibilities in the "writer/editor" section: Full ownership and responsibility for delivering the Market Trends report programme, working with a variety of stakeholders to ensure all aspects of the 27-report programme were completed to the highest standards.

• Worked with project coordinators to ensure resources were allocated effectively and efficiently both for Market Trends and other project areas.
• Worked closely with the marketing team to improve the quality and reach of marketing content.
• Developed training programmes to onboard and upskill new and existing employees with a view to improve the quality of content produced for both internal and external clients.
• Led the company's efforts to expand into new markets through new report formats and coverage.
• Worked with the research team to ensure desk research covers all relevant markets, in addition to running monthly meetings to discuss the latest trends and developments across the market.

Writer/Editor - Source Global Research

(2017-10 - 2020-08)

• Wrote clear, concise, and accessible reports detailing trends in the professional services market based on robust analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
• Proofread and edited content produced by other writers and analysts with an eye toward strengthening arguments, improving clarity and readability, and ensuring consistency of content and quality.
• Conducted and edited interviews with leading figures in the professional services industry to ensure they conformed to the company's readable, informative, "business magazine" style.
• Prepared interview and survey questions aimed at gaining insights from consultants and end-users into the key trends in their respective markets.
• Contributed to the Client Perceptions programme by using quantitative data to provide clients with unique insights into the effectiveness of their branding, and clients' perceptions of their work.

Ferro-alloys Editor - Argus Media

(2016-01 - 2017-09)

In addition to the "Market Reporter" responsibilities outlined below: Collaborated with colleagues in offices throughout the world to create and produce a new daily non-ferrous metals service.

• Represented Argus Media at conferences, seminars, and meetings with industry representatives.
• Recruited, trained, and managed new market reporters for the ferro-alloys team.

Market Reporter - Argus Media

(2015-02 - 2016-01)

• Drove the creation and production of a new ferro-alloys news and price reporting service.
• Produced high-quality analysis on the latest metals market developments and trends.
• Provided news coverage of the latest market developments, including filing stories from conferences.

Lead, Zinc & Precious Metals Consultant (2) - CRU Group

(2013-10 - 2015-02)

In addition to the "Lead, Zinc & Precious Metals Consultant (1)" responsibilities outlined below: Involved in in-house strategy projects including reviewing current data profiles and product offerings, identifying weaknesses, and developing strategies to fix these, and improving the quality of content.

• Created and oversaw the completion of the Lead Mining Costs Report 2013.

Lead, Zinc & Precious Metals Consultant (1) - CRU Group

(2011-08 - 2013-09)

• Wrote several lead market products including a weekly news bulletin, a monthly Lead Monitor report, and a quarterly Lead Market Outlook report, which included analysis of macroeconomic trends, supply/demand dynamics, primary and secondary market balances, stocks, prices, and premia.
• Edited the Lead Mining Costs report—an annual publication that included large volumes of data and analysis—as part of the company's new launched lead mining costs service.
• Delivered the Lead Monitor Online project as part of a product modernisation programme.
• Regularly interacted with market participants including face-to-face meetings and regular calls with producers, consumers, and financial, national, and international organisations.
• Contributed to the CRU Consulting Uranium Market Outlook 2013, including updating the uranium demand database, and writing an in-depth long-term Uranium demand forecast.
• Consulted with CRU sales and marketing to further the development of marketing opportunities.

Powertrain Buyer - Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)

(2011-01 - 2011-08)

Engine Component Buyer responsible for 10 components, with an initial budget of £15m before assuming control of additional components and an increased budget of £25m.

• Developed sourcing strategies for new and existing components to technical and financial targets.
• Supported the powertrain team with information and market insights on the commodities markets.
• Trained two new starters, ensuring they were fully prepared to assume responsibility for my portfolio before I moved to a new role.

Raw Material Market Analyst/Buyer - Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)

(2008-09 - 2010-12)

'Initial fills' buyer responsible for purchasing key components with a £10m budget across 10 suppliers.

• Created commodity and FX market intelligence reports to help the business navigate the 2008/09 recession and support the introduction of new hedging policies.
• Developed and executed a cross-functional fuel strategy, consolidating suppliers, and leveraging purchasing power while meeting engineering, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements.
• Assumed responsibility for the 'sealants & adhesives' portfolio in April 2009 until October 2009 in addition to my previous role, increasing budget to £20m across 18 suppliers.
• Assumed responsibility for resins portfolio in October 2009 with an additional budget of £10m across four materials, developed a new strategic sourcing strategy, and negotiated new long-term contracts.
• Trained with new employees on JLR systems and my portfolios, ensuring they were fully prepared to assume ownership of my portfolio before I moved to new components or a new team.

PhD (Withdrew prior to Completion) - History - University of Warwick (2006 - 2008) MA - History - University of Essex (2004 - 2006) BA Honours - History - University of Essex (2001 - 2004)