I believe that simplicity is the single most important attribute of a website or an app. The fact that it does cool or complex things is irrelevant if you need a manual to operate it. There's nothing I enjoy more than taking something really, really complicated and making it appear simple. This is the process that can convert data into information, or transform business operations from horribly inefficient to streamlined. This is the most exciting aspect of technology for me, and happily, what I spend most of my time doing. I have been working with digital technologies now for over 20 years, in many different roles from user, technical support, developer and trainer through to managing teams and directing digital strategy. The pace of change in digital technology is thrilling and I am fortunate enough to be working for a company, in a sector not known for early technology adoption, that encourages me to challenge the status quo and constantly drive improvements through technology.

Development Director @ From February 2015 to Present (11 months) Director - Digital Development @ Definition and implementation of Digital Strategy. Management of in-house development team delivering dynamic B2B and B2C websites and digital solutions. Responsible for implementation, integration and management of digital marketing, reporting/analysis, CMS and CRM platforms. Key achievements: - Central role in the provision of technology change required to enable massive business growth - Design & implementation of global digital solutions - Technical business lead on outsourced project to deliver student management application - Established the digital platform for Direct Sales "startup" at Study Group - Successful implementation of Content Management Systems (Red Dot/OpenText, then Sitecore) - Successful implementation of Customer Relationship Management systems (bespoke, then Salesforce) - Established highly-skilled and effective in-house Digital Team - Integration of systems to deliver digital ROI reporting From January 2000 to February 2015 (15 years 2 months) Computer Manager @ Development and support of bespoke software solutions for language schools and sales offices throughout Europe. From 1996 to 1999 (3 years) Amsterdam Area, NetherlandsSupport Analyst @ Started life on the helpdesk providing first-line support. Moved on to the Unix development team and worked on integration with desktop PCs, reporting and on-site consultancy. From 1994 to 1996 (2 years)

BSc, Biological Sciences @ University of Warwick From 1985 to 1988 Whitchurch High School Ric Francis is skilled in: Software Project Management, Strategic Leadership, Web Development, Thought Leadership, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Management, Digital Marketing, Digital Strategy, Internal Communications, Team Management, Requirements Analysis, Functional Specifications, Inspiration, Creative Problem Solving, Salesforce.com Implementation