Working in leading high-growth information technology and service companies to support strategic investors and private equity backed firms in introducing significant change and growth. Mark operates in "C" level roles spanning a range of industry types and functions. A results orientated business leader with an outstanding track record in operations management, business change, leadership, strategic marketing, product management, professional services, strategic innovation, sales and general management. Solid reputation for recruiting and developing top talent and high performing teams with an exceptional track record in delivering high growth business change transformation, operational efficiency improvements, valuation growth and strategic direction. With an entrepreneurial spirit and renowned zest for "making a difference" Mark delivers results with a sense of urgency. Experience: Business management software solutions, SaaS, high growth technology, professional services, document management, workflow automation, vertical software solutions, sales, marketing, resource planning, financial analysis, budgeting and fiscal management. Focus: Product management, product/strategic marketing, leadership, strategy, change management, private equity backed business transformation/turnaround, general management (with full P&L accountability), company Integration/expansion, customer services development, product portfolio management, joint venture development, Shared Service Centre (SSC) development and post acquisition integration. "...I've a true passion for working with high-growth technology companies to improve performance and value. It's innovation, knowledge transfer and mission-driven leadership that inspires others to embrace change..."

Founder @ We work in partnership with company owners, private equity houses, venture capital fund managers and portfolio investors to enable business transformation. Simple really, we work with you to increase business value, productivity and profits. At Crux House we provide interim management support and expertise to successfully transition a company through growth plans to successful exit. Change Management | Interim Management | Product Management | Strategy & Planning | Product Marketing | Strategic Innovation http://cruxhouse.co.uk From January 2013 to Present (3 years) Managing Director (Interim) @ impro are the UK market leader in classroom monitoring and management software with Ofsted compliant e-safety features Focus senior management team on business critical issues whilst working with investors to increase business growth, performance and profitability Manage sales, business development, finance, support, QA, product management, development and marketing teams. Introduced best practice and product management and development methods Define strategic and growth strategies and execute tactical plans to increase market penetration and international sales Focus on key deliveries including strategic partnerships, product roadmaps, international growth and expansion plans, operational standards and KPIs Work with Board and investors to agree product, sales, business expansion and operations plans Helped to appoint new CEO and CTO whilst positioning business to secure additional investment funding From June 2015 to November 2015 (6 months) Nottingham, United KingdomChief Operating Officer (Interim) @ Access Intelligence Plc delivers governance, risk and compliance (GRC) Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions to highly regulated public and private sector clients including banks, airlines, oil/gas and pharmaceuticals Reporting to the CEO with overall strategic and operational responsibility for all aspects product delivery, support and customer care Responsible for group operational teams working across multiple locations. Development, professional services, support, training, client care, account management, project management, infrastructure, QA/compliance and business analysis Lead senior management team in delivering operational excellence, continuous business process improvements and quality standards Update Board as to operational enhancements, strategies and business challenges whilst delivering true operational efficiency savings Shape organisational change to migrate from a “product centric” structure to a Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions provider From November 2014 to May 2015 (7 months) York, United KingdomDirector of Shared Services @ Shred-it is a leading information security company operating from 140 service locations in 16 countries worldwide, servicing 180,000 local and national businesses Delivered world-class Shared Service Centre (SSC) to accommodate a growing customer base and maturing business model. Reporting to the UK VP and working as part of a global senior leadership team to introduce significant operational change projects. Focus on operational management excellence and strategic delivery Managed multiple direct report teams: accounts receivable, customer care, national accounts, telesales, project management, reporting & analytics, governance & compliance, master data, finance, payroll and bid/tender team  Integrated "best-of-breed" support centre technology, IT services and customer engagement programmes to raise service delivery and support levels. Defined functional KPIs/SLAs/SOPs to improve standards and secure ISO, governance, compliance and quality certification  Integrated 14 service centre support/admin functions to single Manchester based SSC. Integrated 6 business acquisitions maintaining customer continuity and back office BAU service levels Deliver increased business valuation and operational change to support Birch Hill equity partners in a successful trade sale to Stericycle for $2.3 Billion. From September 2011 to November 2014 (3 years 3 months) Manchester, United KingdomGeneral Manager (Interim) @ PrintSoft is a global leader in software solutions and professional services within the document management space Accountable for UK/EMEA sales and operations. Reporting to group CEO with full P&L ownership Focused on achieving all sales, revenue, profitability and EBITDA targets whilst delivering clear strategic growth vision, product roadmaps, sales and operations plans. Achieved all sales targets and company objectives whilst driving marketing ROI activities  Manage direct report teams including sales, marketing, HR, development, SQA, customer support, finance, admin, professional services, account management and product management Identified profitable partners and introduced strategic vertical "solution-led" sales model to increase unit sales by 12%, support revenue by 18%, professional service revenue by 56%. Increased gross margins from 32% to 46% and realised a 30% operating cost reduction Delivered critical operational, professional services and commercial changes to increase EV/EBITDA and IRR in securing successful trade sale to Objectif Lune Inc From January 2010 to September 2011 (1 year 9 months) Manchester, United KingdomProduct Director @ IRIS is the UK's largest private software house specialising in payroll and accounts software solutions for key vertical markets. Delivere new products, services, partnerships and commercial plans to increase sales and overachieve against growth, revenue and EBITDA targets by >20% Define overarching product strategy, roadmaps and operational plans to deliver against financial targets and operational objectives whilst monitoring product performance, quality and customer feedback KPIs Lead product management, professional services, development, SQA, marketing, business analysis, new business development and project management teams to grow customer base and market share  Introduce new “vertical” products and services to increase customer retention and sales by >£2m. establish new team structures and sales models to support organic growth aspirations. Transition towards “solution-led" sales and "customer centric" product management and marketing focused on product integration, interoperability, vertical enhancements, SaaS and on-demand hosting Support Hellman & Friedman (private equity investors) to achieve successful secondary sale exit via increased valuation levels From 2008 to 2010 (2 years) United KingdomProduct Management & Marketing Manager @ Sage (UK) Limited is a FTSE 100 market leading company providing business management software and services to over 760,000 SMEs. Product Management: Manage extensive SME business management software portfolio (£12m annual sales/£64m upgrade and support revenue), lead product launch teams and own overarching product strategy Deliver innovative products and services and manage cross-functional business teams to support product development, marketing, sales, customer support and go-to-market launch plans Work with customers, influencing groups, domain specialists and partners to define, shape and prioritise product “wish lists”. Product evangelist delivering vision, positioning, messaging, pricing, requirements, market analysis, trends and competitive Intelligence Digital Marketing & Web Development: Own all aspects of online revenue generation by leading digital marketing and web development teams in providing an engaging and interactive online customer experience Deliver e-commerce and digital marketing tools, projects and campaigns to encourage online customer interaction and brand engagement Recruit and manage digital marketing, web development, content and project management teams to increase online traffic, spend, loyalty and retention. Define online marketing mix, messaging and content From 2003 to 2008 (5 years) Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomGlobal Product Manager @ Stanley Black & Decker is the world’s largest producer of power tools and accessories and markets products to over 100 countries Accountable for managing the "cordless" power tool product portfolio P&L (£120m) and engaging multi-location NPD business teams (EMEA marketing, engineering design, account management and product management teams) in delivering new products to market Shape product marketing strategies, commercial plans and financial forecasts. Participate in global NPD and marketing steering groups to present overarching product development and marketing plans  Identify emergent technologies and market trends to grow sales whilst delivering “value-add” derivatives and “white label” products against immovable seasonal deadlines Deliverer 8% reduction in SG&A, 18% YOY growth and 4% uplift in category market share against aggressive low-cost competitors From 2000 to 2003 (3 years) Slough, United KingdomGraduate Management Development Programme @ Managed a range of cross-functional business teams and developed operational and commercial business acumen via acclaimed "fast-track" rotational leadership programme Continuous operational improvement methods honed alongside commercial, problem-solving, leadership and project management Successful completion of four challenging six-month assignments within different business locations (UK, Europe, China and USA) Deliverer significant business, efficiency and operational improvements (>£3.5m cost savings) across different facets of the group and managed project teams to deliver value and cost savings within purchasing, production, marketing and materials management From 1998 to 2000 (2 years) United Kingdom

MA, Master of Arts, Business Research @ University of Durham From 2005 to 2007 MBA, Master of Business Administration, Distinction @ University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne From 2000 to 2001 DMS, Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies, Distinction @ University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne From 1998 to 2000 BSc (Hons), Product Design, Innovation & Marketing, 1st Class @ University of Derby From 1995 to 1998 HND, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Distinction @ The University of Hull From 1993 to 1995 Mark Francis is skilled in: Strategy, Leadership, Management, Business Strategy, Product Management, Business Development, Change Management, SaaS, Business Process Improvement, Product Marketing, Strategic Partnerships, Account Management, Marketing Strategy, Project Management, Business Analysis