Christian O'Brien
Maidstone,,Kent
Summary
Client Servicing and Partnerships Manager with a strong track record in scaling Global publisher networks and driving revenue growth for Tier 1 brands. Experienced across network and agencies, specialising in cross-functional onboarding, commercial partnerships, and cross-channel media campaigns. Thrives in fast-paced, self-directed environments, focusing on turning complex relationships into strategic business growth.
Overview
2
2
years of post-secondary education
11
11
years of professional experience
Work history
Publisher Acquisition Manager
Rakuten Advertising
London
2025.08 - Current
- Driven £100k+ in commission revenue within 12 months by executing cross-border partnership strategies, expanding commercial scope, and onboarding high-value global partners across EMEA.
- Own end-to-end partner pipelines within Salesforce, systematically managing the full sales funnel from inbound lead qualification through to opportunity conversion, commercial contract negotiations, and technical partner activation.
- Architect strategic partnerships with tier-1 financial publishers, aligning capabilities with major banks, utility providers, and fintech brands to scale customer acquisition.
- Negotiate exclusive commercial agreements and bespoke offers between global publisher networks and premium client portfolios, maximising ROI and market share.
- Accelerate pipeline growth at major industry events (PI Live, DealMaker, Affilifest), utilising targeted face-to-face networking to pitch Rakuten's capabilities to new partners and unlock upsell opportunities with our existing partners.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to junior partnership resources, aligning internal stakeholders and securing cross-departmental alignment to accelerate international expansion goals. A key win has been the growth and development of our new finance and emerging verticals department internally.
Business Development Manager
Hospitality Finder
Maidstone, Kent
2025.01 - 2025.08
- Managing all inbound opportunities, from enquiries to partnership proposals.
- Convert conversation to business by understanding our clients desires and ensuring the best possible product is provided, from an event to a service.
- Represent one of the biggest names in hospitality, where business growth is the aim. Our clients host partners/colleague at the very best events across the Globe, with the aim of extending their existing relationships, or simply through reward and gratitude.
- Attend prestigious events and represent not only the business, but my clients in ensuring their guests have an outstanding experience.
- Our whole database is ran through Salesforce, as enquiries and leads are developed into tier 1 accounts where business retainers are secured and our clients performance is tracked.
Account Director
DEPT®
London
2023.01 - 2024.12
- As a client servicing Lead, my role was to manage the internal day-to-day handling across four Global accounts, work directly with client marketing teams and stakeholders to deliver outstanding work while developing existing relationships to create a long-term business plan.
- From daily calls with relevant marketing teams, hosting clients for weekly office meets and quarterly outings/socials were all techniques used to ensure a professional and transparent relationship, while taking time to celebrate the small wins and develop personal connections.
- Oversee and support the development of the teams account executives and client/project managers. Bi-annual performance reviews allowed us to highlight key achievements before mapping out new objectives, while our weekly check-ins allowed us to focus more on project specifics. With promotions the obvious aim, it was important to highlight if other avenues were of interest in order to learn new skills and/or move into new roles and departments.
- New briefs sat with me to review and resource before forecasting both budgets and timings for client approval. Once approved, they'd be internally launched across the necessary departments, and roles were delegated to ensure progress was consistent and accurate.
- With the core client as our main priority, we also upsold to other regions/markets whose performance showed that they could benefit in areas with what we could offer, as well as onboarding and winning business through their platforms/partners/sponsorships resulting in award-winning full-funnel campaigns.
Account Planner
DEPT®
London
2020.07 - 2023.01
- I managed the direct relationship for all UK markets across our clientele, handling projects from initial briefing stage to campaign delivery.
- Assisted the progress of Account Executives within the team, while reporting to the Lead Account Planners and Business Directors
- Managed the relationship between internal media, creative and design teams to ensure projects were delivered seamlessly.
- Create and delivered business and performance reports to wider client team and stakeholders.
Junior Account Manager
Acquire Performance Marketing
London
2018.10 - 2020.07
- Managed the affiliate programme for Global brands such as Ralph Lauren and Revolution Beauty, providing key growth in both the US and EU markets.
- Oversaw the daily operations of over 35+ accounts, managing budgeting and strategy plans to ensure forecasts were met, and YoY growth was consistent.
- Implemented marketing strategies resulting in incremental growth in their affiliate channel.
- Experienced in running campaigns and reports in industry leading networks such as Rakuten, Awin, Commission Junction etc.
- Presenting clearly and confidently to existing and potential business.
- Build strong and trusted relationships with clients and influencers/partners to ensure long-term business plans.
Senior Account Executive
Ve Global
London
2016.10 - 2018.10
- Managing a portfolio of clients across multiple sectors.
- Responsible for paid social, display advertising, email remarketing and on-site re-engagement campaigns.
- Building and maintaining key account relationships whilst maintaining ongoing optimisation efforts for all campaigns.
- Supporting the wider account team on all tasks related to delivering campaigns.
Account Executive (Apprenticeship)
Ve Global
London
2015.10 - 2016.10
- I started here as an intern, gaining a permanent position after 12-months.
- Key jobs included assisting with the management of tier-1 campaigns and key clients alongside Account Managers and Directors.
- Setting up, managing and optimising campaigns across paid social and programmatic advertising.
- Creating and analysing target audiences for campaigns across paid social and online advertising and presenting findings to Account Directors and clients.
Education
Level 2: Social Media For Business -
Just IT Apprenticeships
LondonVolunteer -
Tag Rugby Trust
Uganda 2015.06 - 2015.08
A-levels -
Welling School
Welling, Kent 2013.09 - 2015.05
SKILLS
- Senior Client Services and Business Development Leader with over 10 years of expertise driving growth across digital, creative, and affiliate marketing agencies.
- Proven track record of scaling high-value accounts and transforming inbound leads into long-term, high-retention clients.
- Directed global retainers exceeding £100k+ monthly, consistently delivering campaigns on time and within budget through precise forecasting and financial reconciliation.
- Spearheaded inbound lead conversion strategies, establishing a reputation for securing stable, committed, and high-yielding client partnerships.
- Managed, mentored, and advanced the careers of Account Executives and Client Servicing Managers to elevate overall team performance.
- Maintained a calm, strategic approach under high-pressure scenarios, expertly managing expectations and building trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Timeline
Publisher Acquisition Manager
Rakuten Advertising
2025.08 - Current
Business Development Manager
Hospitality Finder
2025.01 - 2025.08
Account Director
DEPT®
2023.01 - 2024.12
Account Planner
DEPT®
2020.07 - 2023.01
Junior Account Manager
Acquire Performance Marketing
2018.10 - 2020.07
Senior Account Executive
Ve Global
2016.10 - 2018.10
Account Executive (Apprenticeship)
Ve Global
2015.10 - 2016.10
Volunteer -
Tag Rugby Trust
2015.06 - 2015.08
A-levels -
Welling School
2013.09 - 2015.05
Level 2: Social Media For Business -
Just IT Apprenticeships