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Ian Freeman C2U, PO Box 24382 Tel (020) 8673 0058 “A confident communicator with proven skills. A successful career in the entertainment, media and leisure industries has resulted from a deep understanding of these businesses at all management and operational levels, as well as familiarity with the retail, service and commerce & industry sectors. A competent organiser, with highly developed interpersonal and presentation skills and a polished and creative public speaker. Troubleshoots difficult media situations clearly, concisely and swiftly. Has a good understanding of the importance of new media. Combines a winning personality with a persuasive approach and ready wit.” Ian is a consultant in external corporate communications, under the trading name of C2U. The business was established in November 1999, following the demise of his former employers, First Leisure Corporation PLC. His clients include the companies that acquired First Leisures interests in nightclubs and health & fitness, as well as other individuals and organisations in the entertainment and leisure sectors. He is also an adviser on corporate, City and financial relations to several private and listed companies and writes regularly for various trade publications. He also retains an insight into the television, film and media sectors, industries of which he has vast knowledge and experience and was recently responsible for the pre-launch of an interactive TV game-show. Employment history 1986 - 1999 First Leisure Corporation PLC (operators of leisure venues) Marketing Manager (1 of 4) > PR Manager > Head of Group Public Relations>Head of Communications Products include: 22 Esporta health & fitness clubs; 27 Superbowl tenpin bowling centres; 12 Brannigans music bars; 40 nightclubs Solely accountable at senior level for corporate relations, as well as supervision of internal staff and external agencies handling day-to-day consumer PR for company’s venues. Position reports to Chief Executive and involves extensive UK travel. All corporate roles at First Leisure Corporation PLC became redundant as the company was split up and sold off. ompany has grown from market capitalisation of £44m to over £500m and has recently been disposed of by division to achieve true shareholder value Diverse responsibilities include crisis management, internal communications and relations with national media, investors and the financial sector Responsible for the creation of award-winning house magazine “Your Shout”
Regular contributor to leisure and marketing industry publications 1983 - 1986 Pushbike Publicity Ltd. Director PR company formed with 2 partners to specifically service film, TV, video and entertainment clients Clients included:
1980 - 1983 Thorn EMI Film Distributors Overseas Ltd. Deputy Director, Feature Marketing Control of production and release publicity for all EMI films and television productions world-wide. Extensive foreign travel involved. Based in London, Los Angeles and Paris. Product included: “The Deer Hunter”; “The Jazz Singer”; “The Elephant Man” 1976 - 1980 Paramount Pictures (UK) / CIC UK (film distributors) Advertising Manager > Director of Publicity & Advertising Responsible at board level for all UK marketing, talent co-ordination and PR on release of over 100 films including: “Saturday Night Fever”; “Grease”; “Watership Down” Achieved, with “Saturday Night Fever”, the first-ever implementation of a total marketing package to include film, album, book and other merchandising opportunities. Grease was, for several years, the highest-grossing film of all time in the UK. 1973 - 1976 Lonsdale Osborne Ltd. (advertising agency) Account management trainee > Account Executive > Account Manager > Account Group Supervisor Responsible for major agency clients, notably:
1971 - 1973 Jayman Artistes Ltd. Director Talent management and agency 1968 - 1971 Shipman & King Cinemas/London Management (theatrical agency) Trainee Inerests and Activities The media, film, theatre, TV, music, books, computer technology Barker, Variety Club of Great Britain (registered charity) |