JOHN E. A. BARTHOLOMEW Consulting

Scarborough, Maine - New York NY - Edinburgh UK - Since 1999

(as currently in employment has ceased freelance activities)

Freelance consulting work focused on direct and interactive marketing

Freelance international consulting work focused on direct and interactive marketing: On-site and off-site assignments including: Central and Eastern European multi-market development; developing marketing teams and business strategy in Mexico, Finland and Scandinavia; creative strategy direction for interactive marketing in Massachusetts-based global e-commerce company; internet magazine sales development.

CM IT SOLUTIONS of Portland Maine, Scarborough, Maine - 2003-2004

President and Owner

On-site Computer support, training and mentoring for small businesses

Launched and developed business solutions franchise focusing on technology consulting, support

and training for small businesses in Maine. Hired and managed team of certified technicians and trainers.

Grew client base with B2B consultative sales techniques to breakeven.

CORPORATE CAREER

GEOWISE Limited, Edinburgh UK

http://www.geowise.co.uk

International Business Development (Edinburgh, UK)

since Feb 2006

Driving software sales in international markets through direct selling channels..

Implementing an international business development strategy to establish the company’s brand position in interactive mapping and data visualization software worldwide.

THE READER’S DIGEST ASSOCIATION, INC., Pleasantville NY 1982-1998

http://www.rd.com/

Vice President, Circulation Director (New York)

1998

Recalled to headquarters to stabilize declining circulation and profit levels of the US edition of Reader’s Digest magazine. Led subscription and newsstand circulation marketing programs for acquisition and retention.

With the magazine on a downward slide, completed analysis and recommended strategy to cut magazine circulation rate base from 15MM to 12.5MM, significantly reducing cost base and expected to yield 10% higher profits over three year period.
Partnered with outside consultant to implement new test programs built on best US magazine industry practices to reduce the company’s dependence on sweepstakes. Programs in place 3/99.
Successfully re-energized circulation marketing team in difficult motivational climate by placing emphasis on strategic review of current product line campaign and test plans; prepared a set of urgent cross product line strategic imperatives.

Marketing Director, European Regional Group (London)

1997-1998

Joined small regional team to oversee the marketing strategies, tactics and resources of ten medium-sized to small country market operations in Western Europe (Total revenues $350MM). Evaluated business plans, reviewed and approved budgets across magazine, book, music and video product lines. Recalled early to return to US headquarters.

With new aggressive corporate strategic priorities defined, completed detailed on-site reviews of each country’s business plan, recommending changes in short term budget plans with emphasis on elimination of all marginal activities.

Marketing Director, New Country Dev.-Europe (London)

1995-1997

Developed and drove aggressive growth strategies across the Central and Eastern European region in five countries by understanding the market places, building the skills of existing local teams and overseeing the hire of 16 marketing executives. Provided hands-on support through regular visits and reviews, implementing cross-regional training programs.

Championed plans for accelerated roll-out of new product lines across the region to secure $14MM operating profits in 1997 versus break-even expectations. Secured corporate resources needed to make the plans happen.
After four years low key presence of Reader’s Digest in Moscow, recognized enormous profit potential of launching book publishing operations across Russia by direct mail. Overcoming senior management hesitance, implemented programs which within 12 months saw unit sales of each title exceed levels of any other international market outside the US.
Played significant role in changing the mindsets of local marketing staffs resistant to adopting internationally proven company best practices, through assertive selling of strategies, cross-country training and one-on-one coaching.

Marketing Director, Circulation Marketing (New York)

1994-1995

Managed all US domestic subscription renewal and new gift generation programs. Led team approach to complete 5-year operational plan across the whole circulation business.

Successfully implemented contingency program to secure 400M shortfall in paid subscriptions.
Realized major improvements in retention rates and reduced renewal mailing volumes through implementation of internationally established automatic renewal offers. This drive, ahead of the US magazine industry, was projected to add $7.5MM annually by 1999 to the bottom line.

Director, Magazine Circulation Systems (New York)

1993-1994

Appointed to core executive team responsible for development of major state-of-the-art customer information management system.

Helped develop a plan delivering the system in strategic manageable modules with successful completion of the circulation management and promotion selection components.

Director, International Magazine Circulation (New York)

1991-1993

Set the strategic direction for magazine circulation in all countries outside the US consistent with corporate plans. Ensured each local manager was skilled in circulation marketing, promotion and database management. Reviewed and monitored plans to ensure each market’s business potential was maximized by leveraging global best practices.

Earlier Positions

Circulation Marketing Manager (Switzerland)

1987-1990

Associate Director, International Magazine Circulation (New York)	1990-1991
Marketing Assistant, Magazine Circulation (Switzerland)	1986-1987

Assistant, Marketing Statistics (Switzerland)

1982-1986

MAISON CHEVALIER, Edinburgh, Scotland

- Sales Representative, Wines

1981

ORELL FÜSSLI AG, Zurich Switzerland

- Publishing Research Assistant

1980

KÜMMERLY & FREY, Bern, Switzerland

- Cartographic Trainee

1978

313 West 107th Street, New York, NY 10025 USA

26 Braid Farm Road, Edinburgh EH10 6LF

( +44 (7740) 681 724 * JohnEABart@aol.com