My CV

HARRY HOLMWOOD
Strategic-minded non-executive with a 19-year history in consumer electronics, online media and video games. Experienced in hands-on managing and motivating creative, technical, sales and marketing teams, as well as advising investors and mentoring in a non-executive and consulting capacity.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Founded software developer and took to IPO for £20m in 1999.
  • Launched online games publisher, sold in 2001.
  • Board director of VC-backed motion gaming company sold in 2008.
  • Part of Sony’s team that launched PlayStation in 1995.
  • Advisor to investors, software publishers and developers, hardware companies, marketing agencies, legal and accounting firms.
  • Acted as non-executive director and mentor to both startups and turnarounds.
  • Spent 2 years in USA as VP of consumer electronics/accessories group owned by New York private equity fund.

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Corporate Vision & Business Strategy
  • Startups, Capital Raising & Exits
  • European & North American Markets
  • Video Games Development & Publishing - Building & Mentoring Management Teams
  • Troubleshooting & Turnaround Situations
  • Contract & Licensing Negotiation
  • Consumer Electronics & Low-Cost Manufacture

CAREER OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCE DESIGNED PRODUCTS LLC – San Diego, USA
VP, Software & Licensing – 2008 –2011
PDP, wholly owned by $7bn private equity group Patriarch Partners, is North America’s #1 gaming accessories manufacturer by both market share and volume with sales in excess of $120m annually. It has offices in USA, UK, Hong Kong and mainland China.

  • Initially retained as a consultant following company’s acquisition of In2Games.
  • Asked by CEO to relocate to San Diego to head up new IP development.
  • Introduced new project management disciplines across the company.
  • Took over leadership of licensing group following departure of group COO and VP of Marketing.
  • Steered company into new sectors, heading drives into Apple/smartphone and healthcare/fitness sectors.
  • Built licensing partnerships with Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Disney, Hasbro, Energizer, Pokémon, Warner, Marvel, representing over 80% of the group’s $120m revenue.
  • Now returned to the UK, continuing to advise the company on its European growth, licensing issues and software.

IN2GAMES– London, England
Board Director, 2002 –2008

  • Joined start-up as a consultant to help with business planning, financing and strategic direction; advanced into non-executive role and then full-time position.
  • Moved company from hardware prototype “idea” into thriving, well-respected, global motion gaming company.
  • Mentored CEO and built solid management team comprised of talented professionals from industry leaders.
  • Established manufacturing in China, offices in UK and Hong Kong and sales in all European countries, North America, Africa, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
  • Secured distribution contracts across Europe and North America with customers including Sony, Mad Catz, and Atari.
  • Oversaw pan-European PR and marketing efforts, including high-impact multichannel TV, print and online campaigns.
  • Worked with VC backers to secure company sale to major US group.

PURE ENTERTAINMENT GAMES PLC / FREELOADER.COM – London, England
Chief Executive, 1996 – 2001

  • Founded video games development company that achieved profitability within one year.
  • Built and managed staff of over 100 across development, sales, QA, marketing, finance and web teams to launch high-profile online service in 2000.
  • Negotiated the sale of business in 2001.
  • Led company to an IPO on AIM market of London Stock Exchange in October 1999 with valuation of £20 million.
  • Won software development contracts with leading games publishers including Sony and Mattel.
  • Secured licensing, advertising and sponsorship agreements with key industry leaders such as Sony, Microsoft, Lycos, Virgin, Game, Take Two Interactive, British Telecom and Cable and Wireless.
  • Launched online video games publisher into UK, France, Germany, and USA; expanded reach to include over 40 countries worldwide and gained 3% of total UK on-line advertising revenue within 6 months of launch in 2000.
  • Secured exit for early-stage investors in excess of 5000% return on investment within 4 years.

ANQ CAPITAL LLP – London, England
Partner, 2002-2006

  • Working with a network of business angels to identify and evaluate turnaround opportunities in a diverse range of sectors including retail, software, marketing, manufacturing and food production.

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT – London, England 1994 – 1996

  • Approached by Sony to set up and operate development and publishing support department for their new video games division.
  • Acted as evangelist, cultivating strong working relationships with game developers and publishers internationally.
  • Worked together with internal teams to establish in-house production studios.
  • Successfully collaborated with technical, marketing, sales and third party teams to drive success for PlayStation.

INTELLIGENT GAMES – London, England 1992 – 1994

  • One of the first two employees in a start-up games software company.
  • Designing and creating software for Electronic Arts and others.

CONSULTING AND ADDITIONAL NON-EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE
VARIOUS COMPANIES, 2001 – present

  • Provided a range of consulting services to clients that included software developers and publishers, as well as major accounting, legal and venture capital firms.
  • Awarded short- and long-term engagements that involved advising on game publishing, development, marketing and distribution strategies. Additionally advised on corporate restructuring/turnarounds, acquisitions and portfolio evaluation.
  • Recruited by executives of struggling company to turn around operations for business that was insolvent at the time; instrumental in raising finance and directing the liquidation buyout to revive company.
  • Contracted as non-executive Director for small software company in crisis situation.  Successfully restructured contracts and attracted new financing.
  • Acted as governor of troubled junior school; instrumental in ‘merging’ it into a foundation with infant school, bringing in new head teacher for successful turnaround.
  • Clients have included Clifford Chance, BDO Stoy Hayward, Aberdeen Murray Johnstone, Headway Capital and many more.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

  • B.Sc. (Hons) Computer Science – University of Southampton, United Kingdom