Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
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Liam Johnston

Summary

International commercial leader with 7+ years scaling B2B partnerships, key accounts, and distribution across Europe, APAC, and North America. Experienced in contract negotiation, cross-functional product launches, and go-to-market strategy at scaling consumer tech brands. Business-level Mandarin.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Senior Manager, International Partnerships

Bim (Noerden subsidiary)
Remote
08.2021 - 04.2025

Promoted into a dual role leading B2B partnerships at Noerden's subsidiary, Bim, whilst retaining senior responsibilities at Noerden.

  • Designed & incubated business case across 3 workstreams to embed Bim into Noerden sales channels. Delivered on a defined timeline, boosting app user growth by 40%.
  • Advised on growth/product strategy, bringing a commercial perspective to roadmap priorities, pricing, and go-to-market planning.
  • Led brand presence at Fit Summit Singapore & PerformX London trade shows, leading team strategy, pitching, and lead generation.

Senior Manager, International Partnerships

Noerden
Shanghai, China, and Remote
04.2020 - 04.2024
  • Led end-to-end launch of new pet tech product vertical, including developing pricing and margin models. Coordinated internal tech, marketing and logistics on the project, as well as bringing external stakeholders into the launch by pitching to distribution and retail clients. Secured Currys as a UK retail stockist and delivered a first PO of ~$100k.
  • Defined and executed key account growth strategy, growing accounts 32% YOY on average (above KPIs).
  • Identified and executed concept store strategy with B8ta (US) and Smartech (UK), securing premium brand placements at zero fixed cost. Leveraged as a strategic sales tool to accelerate distribution agreements.
  • Activated and developed key brand retailers including Best Buy (US), Boots (UK), and Myer (Australia).
  • Negotiated 5 agreements with key distributors in strategic markets: UK, US, Hungary, Canada, and China.
  • Collaborated on strategy, P&L management, sales forecasting, target setting, and contract oversight for all major clients.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams (marketing, tech, manufacturing) alongside external distribution and retail partners to develop and execute bespoke country-level marketing strategies and product improvement roadmaps.

Manager, International Partnerships

Noerden
Shanghai, China
05.2019 - 04.2020
  • Negotiated and signed 5 new distribution contracts, expanding coverage from 4 to 9 countries, including Noerden's first single agreement exceeding $1M.
  • Pitched and secured placement with key best-fit retailers including Virgin Megastores and Kogan.
  • Represented the brand at IFA Berlin and CES Las Vegas, presenting the product portfolio to C-suite and mid-level decision makers at two of the world's leading consumer tech trade shows.

International Sales Associate

Noerden
Shanghai, China
10.2018 - 05.2019
  • Identified growth markets and undertook outreach to prospective distribution and retail clients.
  • Built and maintained internal CRM database of distribution and retail opportunities through consistent lead generation.

English Teacher

Kid Castle Educational Corporation
Shanghai, China
05.2017 - 05.2018
  • Taught classes of 12 - 20 students with a focus on creative & engaging lessons and improving teaching style.

White Water Raft Guide

Adventure Outdoors
Colorado, USA
06.2016 - 09.2016
  • Led rafting expeditions as both team member and group leader, making quick, confident decisions in high-pressure situations such as boat flips and clients falling overboard.
  • Reviewed the company's below-the-line marketing and implemented a TripAdvisor strategy to improve brand visibility and customer acquisition.

Education

Master of Arts - International Business Management

Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, UK
09.2012 - 05.2016

International Exchange: International Business Management

Angelo State University
Texas, USA
08.2014 - 05.2015

Skills

  • Languages: Mandarin Chinese - business level working proficiency (primary working language with Chinese teams in Shanghai) Spanish - B2 proficiency
  • Commercial: B2B partnership development, contract negotiation, key account management, external relationship building, distribution strategy, go-to-market planning, pricing & margin modelling, budget management, brand management
  • Cross-functional: Consistent track record coordinating across internal teams (tech, marketing, logistics, manufacturing) and external partners (distributors, retailers) to deliver market-level strategies, product improvements, and commercial outcomes
  • Tools: MS Office (advanced); Google Workspace; Salesforce; HubSpot; Notion; Trello; LinkedIn Sales Navigator; Hunter; Lusha

Affiliations

  • Hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, chess

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Senior Manager, International Partnerships

Bim (Noerden subsidiary)
08.2021 - 04.2025

Senior Manager, International Partnerships

Noerden
04.2020 - 04.2024

Manager, International Partnerships

Noerden
05.2019 - 04.2020

International Sales Associate

Noerden
10.2018 - 05.2019

English Teacher

Kid Castle Educational Corporation
05.2017 - 05.2018

White Water Raft Guide

Adventure Outdoors
06.2016 - 09.2016

International Exchange: International Business Management

Angelo State University
08.2014 - 05.2015

Master of Arts - International Business Management

Heriot-Watt University
09.2012 - 05.2016
Liam Johnston