Michael Gale - Managing Director & Founder, Planners Anonymous

Managing Director & Founder @Planners Anonymous

Executive CoachPartnerStartup FounderMarketing DirectorMarketingMarketing Analytics ManagerC-level ExecutiveBusiness AnalystCMOConsultingFounderBusiness OwnerBrand Marketing ManagerAdvisorCustomer Researcher

After a 20 year career spanning roles in consumer goods and construction industries, I made the decision to establish my own business, Planners Anonymous, a boutique direct to consumer stationery brand. Over the last 7 years, my business has experienced steady growth in its customer base, thanks to its unique product offerings and strong online presence. The company's subscription model is proving effective in retaining customers and generating consistent revenue, and provides excellent opportunity to value add to brand loyalists. Prior to Planners Anonymous, I held senior management roles in marketing functions. I have experience in developing products and offerings, managing relationships with partner businesses, managing teams and functions and managing business transformation projects.

Affinity Education GroupMarketing Manager

Jun. 2015 - Jul. 2016BrisbaneHeading up the marketing function at Affinity Education Group, one of Australia’s largest early childhood education providers, I was charged with building a marketing plan that will maximise new enrolments, while also improving retention and loyalty as customers progress through their life cycle - ultimately delivering year on year improvement in group occupancy. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: •Built and implemented the groups digital engagement strategy, linking all elements and providing a platform for improved leveraging of owned assets, including leading the businesses first foray into digital media and relaunching websites and social assets for each of Affinity's 166 operating sites; •Developed, trialed and implemented a school readiness program, improving retention of profitable customers and driving enrolment by targeting a key driver amongst the target market; •Implemented a group wide CRM solution, providing structure and improving management of the customer life cycle (particularly at the initial engagement phase), and giving insight as to the barriers to enrolment that need to be addressed on a site by site basis; •Improved the delivery of an aligned marketing plan by colleagues across multiple roles in the business, by building a 4 pillar structure that is easy to understand and action – empowering employees with little or no marketing background to remain focused on building our brands and improving the connection we have with our customers.

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