Gregory Whitaker
Tunbridge Wells
Summary
Experienced Editor with a record of producing engaging copy and delivering complex projects on time and budget. Taking technical or complex copy and making it into lean, informed articles that people want to read is a particular speciality. Passionate about anything that rolls, floats, or flies.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Editor
Aircraft Cabin Management
Real Response Media, London
06.2023 - Current
- Worked on re-launch of Aviation Business News website
- Experimented with different SEO strategies to keep website near top of search
- Produced bi-weekly newsletter to keep site 'sticky'
- Helped launch YouTube channel and regular podcast
- Balanced workload efficiently to meet tight deadlines.
- Developed engaging editorial calendar with various thematic focuses.
- Managed freelance writers for better content generation.
- Fostered positive relationships with authors through effective communication and feedback provision.
- Quickly built up network of aviation contacts
Editor
Car & Accessory Trader
Haymarket Media Group, Twickenham
04.2014 - 05.2023
- Transitioned printed magazine to digital product
- Responsible for measuring and reporting website analytics to management on weekly basis. Became proficient with Haymarket's SEO and analytics systems, including Google Analytics.
- Wrote and commissioned thousands of features for the magazine
- Launched regular newsletters and occasional webcasts. Also edited Transport News Brief for SMMT.
- Regularly reviewed products relevant to the automotive aftermarket
- Achieved faster publication timelines by streamlining editing processes.
- Made it a mission to further build up UK automotive contacts
- Balanced workload efficiently to meet tight deadlines.
- Implemented SEO strategies in articles, improving online visibility.
Editor
Aftermarket Magazine
Crystal Communications, Kent
09.2010 - 12.2013
- Worked on re-launch of this magazine's website and introduced weekly newsletter to drive engagement
- Produced highly technical content for audience of educated professionals
- Helped produce Top Technician skills contest
Editor
Plant Machinery & Vehicles
ITP, United Arab Emirates
12.2007 - 08.2010
- Took newly-launched magazine from standing start to become main business title in sector
- Became expert in field of commercial vehicles and plant machinery very quickly
- Learned the key people in sector, and established contacts
- Understood implications of slight nuances between different versions of English and cultures when creating content for international audiences
- Handled sensitive topics delicately maintaining respectful narratives.
- Applied consistent style guide across all written materials to ensure brand consistency.
- Considered implications of translation and internationalisation of content for intentional word choice.
Freelance
Self Employed
Chelmsford, Essex
07.2005 - 12.2007
- Wrote for wide number of automotive titles including J-Tuner, Mini Magazine, Classic Ford, Classic American and others
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines
- Worked in-house at Haymarket as a contractor on Practical Motorhome magazine
Senior Reviewer
Classics Monthly
Highbury Leisure, Kent
03.2003 - 07.2005
- Drove lots of classic cars and then reviewed them – My dream job
- Edited freelance and junior writers' work to maintain brand voice and quality standards
- Started building network of contacts in UK automotive
- Reviewed products, books and workshops as well as cars
- Partnered with production staff on final proofing to facilitate smooth and timely printing.
- Adhered to established guidelines for consistency across stories and platforms.
- Provided honest, impartial recommendations and reviews to empower reader decision-making.
- Worked with photographers to realise Art Editor's brief during destination photoshoots.
Education
Journalism BA (Hons) 2:1 - Media
Staffordshire University
Stoke On Trent 09.1999 - 05.2002
Access to H.E -
West Suffolk College
Bury St Edmunds 01.1998 - 01.1999
High School -
Great Baddow School
Chelmsford 01.1990 - 01.1995
Skills
- Highly experienced writer and editor
- Have worked with top publishers, domestic and international
- Proven record in transitioning legacy print brands to digital media
- Knowledge of SEO and analytics with track record of delivering results
Professional Bodies
Full member of the Guild of Motoring Writers
Timeline
Editor
Aircraft Cabin Management
06.2023 - Current
Editor
Car & Accessory Trader
04.2014 - 05.2023
Editor
Aftermarket Magazine
09.2010 - 12.2013
Editor
Plant Machinery & Vehicles
12.2007 - 08.2010
Freelance
Self Employed
07.2005 - 12.2007
Senior Reviewer
Classics Monthly
03.2003 - 07.2005
Journalism BA (Hons) 2:1 - Media
Staffordshire University
09.1999 - 05.2002
Access to H.E -
West Suffolk College
01.1998 - 01.1999
High School -
Great Baddow School
01.1990 - 01.1995