I'm a strategist and brand builder with a background in corporate finance and strategy consulting for the Virgin Group. I turn customer insight into clear, differentiated propositions across consumer and B2B markets. I've built and launched FMCG brands with national retail distribution, high-profile international events and digital platforms as both founder and senior operator. Hands-on from insight to execution, I bring deep cross-sector experience working alongside senior leadership teams and government stakeholders. Most recently, I have worked as a paid contributor on AI training platforms, developing evaluation frameworks to improve accuracy and reasoning.

Richard Paterson

I'm a strategist and brand builder with a background in corporate finance and strategy consulting for the Virgin Group. I turn customer insight into clear, differentiated propositions across consumer and B2B markets. I've built and launched FMCG brands with national retail distribution, high-profile international events and digital platforms as both founder and senior operator. Hands-on from insight to execution, I bring deep cross-sector experience working alongside senior leadership teams and government stakeholders. Most recently, I have worked as a paid contributor on AI training platforms, developing evaluation frameworks to improve accuracy and reasoning.

Available to hire

I’m a strategist and brand builder with a background in corporate finance and strategy consulting for the Virgin Group. I turn customer insight into clear, differentiated propositions across consumer and B2B markets. I’ve built and launched FMCG brands with national retail distribution, high-profile international events and digital platforms as both founder and senior operator. Hands-on from insight to execution, I bring deep cross-sector experience working alongside senior leadership teams and government stakeholders.

Most recently, I have worked as a paid contributor on AI training platforms, developing evaluation frameworks to improve accuracy and reasoning.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Project Manager – International Training Programme at Event Academy (UK)
November 1, 2024 - Present
Developed and delivered a professional diploma training programme for Saudi Arabia's ‘Project 2030’. Managed cross-functional teams and stakeholder communications. Created and presented digital learning content tailored to government and corporate requirements.
Head of Global Marketing & Training at One Brightly Cyber LLC (UK)
November 1, 2024 - July 10, 2025
Led all marketing and brand strategy for a US-based cyber threat intelligence and training provider. Created LMS-based training courses and digital content for B2B and B2C markets. Directed cross-functional teams in UX design, messaging, and data presentation. Managed full lifecycle from production to marketing, ensuring brand alignment and engagement.
CEO at Intelligent Finance TV (London)
December 31, 2019 - July 10, 2025
Produced two weekly livestreamed shows targeting crowdfunding and Series A investors. Managed sponsor acquisition, content direction, and full production.
CEO at Crowdfest Ltd. (London)
March 1, 2017 - July 10, 2025
Created and managed the UK's largest two-day crowdfunding Confex & Industry Awards. Secured endorsements from nine leading trade bodies and corporate sponsors. Delivered a multi-streamed, 70-speaker programme with 1,000+ total attendees and livestream viewers.
Founder & CEO – Health Food Startup at Freedom Cereals Ltd.
January 1, 2016 - July 10, 2025
Created the 'Keep Me' brand focused on low-sugar, low-sodium breakfast products. Successfully launched in Ocado, Wholefoods, and multiple independent UK retailers. Developed consumer insights-driven products aligned with public health goals.
Branding & Strategy Consultant at Paterson Associates (UK/Global)
January 1, 2012 - July 10, 2025
Developed brand and marketing strategies for clients in healthcare, FMCG, and property. Led innovation pipelines for new product development. Secured £3.5 million in funding through investor-ready presentations and communications.
Founder & CEO – Footcare Retailer at Feet First Europe Ltd. ('Footwise')
January 1, 2008 - July 10, 2025
Launched an innovative podiatry-led retail concept in London and the South East. Oversaw full P&L, recruitment and brand development. Twice winner of Draper’s “Comfort Footwear Retailer of the Year”.
Strategy Consultant at New Boathouse Capital
January 1, 2005 - July 10, 2025
Advised startups and growth-stage companies on brand strategy and investor readiness. Developed business plans and marketing assets for the Virgin Group and others.
Founder & CEO – Craft Beer Brand at Pig Beer Ltd.
December 31, 2002 - July 10, 2025
Created and scaled a pioneering rye-based lager brand. Achieved a national supermarket listing as well as distribution in leading bar, pub and restaurant chains. Sold over 1 million products.
Founder Director – Conference & Events at Infocentre International LLC (Dubai)
December 31, 1997 - July 10, 2025
Launched and managed the Middle East’s first commercial business conference company. Spearheaded 30+ annual events, including the $2M+ WIBC conference on Islamic Banking.
Conference Director at IIR Ltd (London & Johannesburg)
December 31, 1992 - July 10, 2025
Conceived and produced high-profile international conferences, including FundForum. Delivered an 8-month secondment in South Africa to train teams and expand product lines.
CEO at Crowdfest Ltd. (London)
March 31, 2017 - July 10, 2025
Created and managed the UK's largest two-day crowdfunding Confex & Industry Awards. Secured endorsements from nine leading trade bodies and corporate sponsors. Delivered a multi-streamed, 70-speaker programme with 1,000+ total attendees and livestream viewers.
Founder & CEO – Health Food Startup at Freedom Cereals Ltd.
January 1, 2016 - July 10, 2025
Created the 'Keep Me' brand, focused on low-sugar, low-sodium breakfast products. Successfully launched in Ocado, Wholefoods and multiple independent UK retailers. Developed consumer insights-driven products aligned with public health goals.
Branding & Strategy Consultant at Paterson Associates (UK/Global)
January 1, 2012 - July 10, 2025
Developed brand and marketing strategies for clients in healthcare, FMCG, and property. Led innovation pipelines for new product development. Secured £3.5 million in funding through investor-ready presentations and communications.
Founder & CEO – Footcare Retailer at Feet First Europe Ltd. ("Footwise")
January 1, 2008 - July 10, 2025
Launched an innovative podiatry-led retail concept in London and the South East. Oversaw full P&L, recruitment and brand development. Twice winner of Draper’s 'Comfort Footwear Retailer of the Year'.
Strategy Consultant at New Boathouse Capital
January 1, 2005 - July 10, 2025
Advised startups and growth-stage companies on brand strategy and investor readiness. Developed business plans and marketing assets for the Virgin Group and others.
Founder & CEO – Craft Beer Brand at Pig Beer Ltd.
January 1, 2002 - July 10, 2025
Created and scaled a pioneering rye-based lager brand. Achieved a national supermarket listing as well as distribution in leading bar, pub and restaurant chains. Over 1 million products sold.
Founder Director – Conference & Events at Infocentre International LLC (Dubai)
January 1, 1997 - July 10, 2025
Launched and managed the Middle East’s first commercial business conference company. Spearheaded 30+ annual events, including the $2M+ WIBC conference on Islamic Banking.
Conference Director at IIR Ltd (London & Johannesburg)
January 1, 1992 - July 10, 2025
Conceived and produced high-profile international conferences, including FundForum (one of the largest wealth and asset management conferences globally). Delivered an 8-month secondment in South Africa to train teams and expand product lines.
Project Manager – International Training Programme at Event Academy (UK)
November 1, 2024 - Present
Developed and delivered a professional diploma training programme for Saudi Arabia's 'Project 2030'. Managed cross-functional teams and stakeholder communications. Created and presented digital learning content tailored to government and corporate requirements.
Head of Global Marketing & Training at One Brightly Cyber LLC (UK)
November 1, 2024 - July 10, 2025
Led all marketing and brand strategy for a US-based cyber threat intelligence and training provider. Created LMS-based training courses and digital content for B2B and B2C markets. Directed cross-functional teams in UX design, messaging, and data presentation. Managed full lifecycle from production to marketing, ensuring brand alignment and engagement.
CEO at Intelligent Finance TV (London)
December 31, 2019 - July 10, 2025
Produced two weekly livestreamed shows targeting crowdfunding and Series A investors. Managed sponsor acquisition, content direction, and full production.
CEO at Crowdfest Ltd. (London)
March 1, 2017 - July 10, 2025
Created and managed the UK's largest two-day crowdfunding conference and industry awards event. Secured endorsements from nine leading trade bodies and corporate sponsors. Delivered a multi-streamed, 70-speaker programme with 1,000+ total attendees and livestream viewers.
Founder & CEO – Health Food Startup at Freedom Cereals Ltd.
January 1, 2016 - July 10, 2025
Created the 'Keep Me' brand focused on low-sugar, low-sodium breakfast products. Successfully launched in Ocado, Wholefoods, and multiple independent UK retailers. Developed consumer insights-driven products aligned with public health goals.
Branding & Strategy Consultant at Paterson Associates (UK/Global)
January 1, 2012 - July 10, 2025
Developed brand and marketing strategies for clients in healthcare, FMCG, and property. Led innovation pipelines for new product development. Secured £3.5 million in funding through investor-ready presentations and communications.
Founder & CEO – Footcare Retailer at Feet First Europe Ltd. ("Footwise")
January 1, 2008 - July 10, 2025
Launched an innovative podiatry-led retail concept in London and the South East. Oversaw full P&L, recruitment, and brand development. Twice winner of Draper’s 'Comfort Footwear Retailer of the Year'.
Strategy Consultant at New Boathouse Capital
January 1, 2005 - July 10, 2025
Advised startups and growth-stage companies on brand strategy and investor readiness. Developed business plans and marketing assets for the Virgin Group and others.
Founder & CEO – Craft Beer Brand at Pig Beer Ltd.
January 1, 2002 - July 10, 2025
Created and scaled a pioneering rye-based lager brand. Achieved a national supermarket listing and distribution in leading bars, pubs, and restaurants. Sold over 1 million products.
Founder Director – Conference & Events at Infocentre International LLC (Dubai)
January 1, 1997 - July 10, 2025
Launched and managed the Middle East’s first commercial business conference company. Spearheaded 30+ annual events, including the $2M+ WIBC conference on Islamic Banking.
Project Manager – International Training Programme at Event Academy (UK)
November 1, 2024 - Present
Developed and delivered a professional diploma training programme for Saudi Arabia's ‘Project 2030’. Managed cross-functional teams and stakeholder communications. Created and presented digital learning content tailored to government and corporate requirements.
Head of Global Marketing & Training at One Brightly Cyber LLC (UK)
November 1, 2024 - July 10, 2025
Led all marketing and brand strategy for a US-based cyber threat intelligence and training provider. Created LMS-based training courses and digital content for B2B and B2C markets. Directed cross-functional teams in UX design, messaging, and data presentation. Managed full lifecycle from production to marketing, ensuring brand alignment and engagement.
CEO at Intelligent Finance TV (London)
December 31, 2019 - July 10, 2025
Produced two weekly livestreamed shows targeting crowdfunding and Series A investors. Managed sponsor acquisition, content direction and full production.
CEO at Crowdfest Ltd. (London)
March 1, 2017 - July 10, 2025
Created and managed the UK's largest two-day crowdfunding Confex & Industry Awards. Secured endorsements from nine leading trade bodies and corporate sponsors. Delivered a multi-streamed, 70-speaker programme with over 1,000 total attendees and livestream viewers.
Founder & CEO – Health Food Startup at Freedom Cereals Ltd.
January 1, 2016 - July 10, 2025
Created the "Keep Me" brand, focused on low-sugar, low-sodium breakfast products. Successfully launched in Ocado, Wholefoods and multiple independent UK retailers. Developed consumer insights-driven products aligned with public health goals.
Branding & Strategy Consultant at Paterson Associates (UK/Global)
January 1, 2012 - July 10, 2025
Developed brand and marketing strategies for clients in healthcare, FMCG, and property. Led innovation pipelines for new product development. Secured £3.5 million in funding through investor-ready presentations and communications.
Founder & CEO – Footcare Retailer at Feet First Europe Ltd. ("Footwise")
January 1, 2008 - July 10, 2025
Launched an innovative podiatry-led retail concept in London and the South East. Oversaw full P&L, recruitment and brand development. Twice winner of Draper’s “Comfort Footwear Retailer of the Year.”
Strategy Consultant at New Boathouse Capital
January 1, 2005 - July 10, 2025
Advised startups and growth-stage companies on brand strategy and investor readiness. Developed business plans and marketing assets for the Virgin Group and others.
Founder & CEO – Craft Beer Brand at Pig Beer Ltd.
January 1, 2002 - July 10, 2025
Created and scaled a pioneering rye-based lager brand. Achieved a national supermarket listing as well as distribution in leading bar, pub and restaurant chains. Over 1 million products sold.
Founder Director – Conference & Events at Infocentre International LLC (Dubai)
January 1, 1997 - July 10, 2025
Launched and managed the Middle East’s first commercial business conference company. Spearheaded 30+ annual events, including the $2M+ WIBC conference on Islamic Banking.
Conference Director at IIR Ltd (London & Johannesburg)
January 1, 1992 - July 10, 2025
Conceived and produced high-profile international conference, including FundForum (one of the largest wealth and asset management conferences in the world). Delivered an 8-month secondment in South Africa to train teams and expand product lines.
Project Manager – International Training Programme at Event Academy (UK)
November 1, 2024 - Present
Developed and delivered a professional diploma training programme for Saudi Arabia's ‘Project 2030’. Managed cross-functional teams and stakeholder communications. Created and presented digital learning content tailored to government and corporate requirements.
Head of Global Marketing & Training at One Brightly Cyber LLC (UK)
November 1, 2024 - July 10, 2025
Led all marketing and brand strategy for a US-based cyber threat intelligence and training provider. Created LMS-based training courses and digital content for B2B and B2C markets. Directed cross-functional teams in UX design, messaging, and data presentation. Managed full lifecycle from production to marketing, ensuring brand alignment and engagement.
CEO at Intelligent Finance TV (London)
December 31, 2019 - July 10, 2025
Produced two weekly livestreamed shows targeting crowdfunding and Series A investors. Managed sponsor acquisition, content direction and full production.
CEO at Crowdfest Ltd. (London)
March 1, 2017 - July 10, 2025
Created and managed the UK's largest two-day crowdfunding Confex & Industry Awards. Secured endorsements from nine leading trade bodies and corporate sponsors. Delivered a multi-streamed, 70-speaker programme with 1,000+ total attendees and livestream viewers.
Founder & CEO – Health Food Startup at Freedom Cereals Ltd.
January 1, 2016 - July 10, 2025
Created the "Keep Me" brand, focused on low-sugar, low-sodium breakfast products. Successfully launched in Ocado, Wholefoods and multiple independent UK retailers. Developed consumer insights-driven products aligned with public health goals.
Branding & Strategy Consultant at Paterson Associates (UK/Global)
January 1, 2012 - July 10, 2025
Developed brand and marketing strategies for clients in healthcare, FMCG, and property. Led innovation pipelines for new product development. Secured £3.5 million in funding through investor-ready presentations and communications.
Founder & CEO – Footcare Retailer at Feet First Europe Ltd. ("Footwise")
January 1, 2008 - July 10, 2025
Launched an innovative podiatry-led retail concept in London and the South East. Oversaw full P&L, recruitment and brand development. Twice winner of Draper’s “Comfort Footwear Retailer of the Year”.
Strategy Consultant at New Boathouse Capital
January 1, 2005 - July 10, 2025
Advised startups and growth-stage companies on brand strategy and investor readiness. Developed business plans and marketing assets for the Virgin Group and others.
Founder & CEO – Craft Beer Brand at Pig Beer Ltd.
January 1, 2002 - July 10, 2025
Created and scaled a pioneering rye-based lager brand. Achieved a national supermarket listing as well as distribution in leading bar, pub and restaurant chains. Over 1 million products sold.
Founder Director – Conference & Events at Infocentre International LLC (Dubai)
January 1, 1997 - July 10, 2025
Launched and managed the Middle East’s first commercial business conference company. Spearheaded 30+ annual events, including the $2M+ WIBC conference on Islamic Banking.
Conference Director at IIR Ltd (London & Johannesburg)
January 1, 1992 - July 10, 2025
Conceived and produced high-profile international conference, including FundForum (still one of the largest wealth and asset management conferences in the world). Delivered an 8-month secondment in South Africa to train teams and expand product lines.
Project Manager at International Training Programme Event Academy (UK)
November 1, 2024 - Present
Developed, delivered and co-presented a professional online diploma on organising commercial events, offered by the Saudi government to upskill the workforce; designed curriculum, digital learning journeys and assessments; managed cross-functional teams, stakeholder communications, milestones, content quality and cultural fit.
Head of Product Experience & Go-to-Market at One Brightly Cyber LLC
January 1, 2020 - November 1, 2024
Led product strategy and customer experience for the US-based threat intelligence platform, shaping user journeys, interface and dashboards; owned the data presentation layer, selecting and structuring threat feeds, risk scores and alerts; produced UX copy, platform help, thought leadership and explainer videos; introduced AI-generated content blended with conventional material to scale personalised guidance; designed LMS-based cyber awareness training programmes for B2B and B2C clients.
CEO at Intelligent Finance TV (London)
March 1, 2017 - December 1, 2019
Produced two weekly livestreamed shows targeting crowdfunding and Series A investors; managed sponsor acquisition, content direction and full production.
CEO at Crowdfest Ltd. (London)
January 1, 2016 - March 1, 2017
Created and managed the UK's largest two-day crowdfunding Confex & Industry Awards; secured partnerships/endorsements from nine leading trade bodies, as well as corporate sponsorship; delivered a multi-streamed, 70-speaker programme with 1,000+ total attendees and livestream viewers.
Founder & CEO at Freedom Cereals Ltd. (Freedom Cereals)
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2016
Created the ‘Keep Me’ brand, focused on low-sugar, low-sodium breakfast products; launched in Ocado, Wholefoods and multiple independent UK retailers; developed consumer insights-driven products aligned with public health goals, including a range of snacks.
Branding, Strategy & Partnership Consultant at Paterson Associates (UK)
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2012
Developed brand and product propositions for clients in healthcare, FMCG and property; mandates with Circle Health, Priory Clinic and BMOR.
Founder & CEO at Feet First Europe Ltd. (Footwise)
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2008
Launched an innovative podiatry-led retail concept in London and the South East on behalf of private investors; oversaw full P&L, recruitment, management and brand development; twice winner of Draper’s “Comfort Footwear Retailer of the Year”.
Strategy Consultant at New Boathouse Capital (Virgin Group)
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2005
Developed strategy, business plans and marketing assets for Virgin Group’s senior management; reviewed and filtered investment proposals; advised startups and growth-stage companies on brand strategy and investor readiness.
Founder & CEO at Pig Beer Ltd.
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2002
Created and scaled a pioneering rye-based lager brand; achieved a national supermarket listing as well as distribution in leading bar, pub and restaurant chains; over 1 million products sold.
Co-Founder Director at Conferences & Events Infocentre International LLC (World Trade Centre, Dubai)
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1997
Launched and managed the Middle East’s first commercial business conference company; led the delivery of 100+ events, including the World Islamic Banking Congress (WIBC) in Bahrain which attracted 1,200 paying delegates p.a. and ran for 27 years; co-founded a PR agency and a Direct Marketing services provider.
Project Manager – International Training Programme at Event Academy
November 1, 2024 - Present
Developed and delivered a professional online diploma in commercial conference and exhibition management, commissioned by the Saudi government as part of a national workforce development programme. Designed curriculum, digital learning journeys and assessments, ensuring cultural fit and relevance for a Middle Eastern government audience. Managed cross-functional teams, stakeholder communications and content quality across the full programme lifecycle.
Head of Marketing, Communications & Training at One Brightly Cyber LLC
January 1, 2020 - November 1, 2024
Led product strategy and go-to-market for a US-based cyber threat intelligence platform, working directly with engineering teams to design the customer dashboard, data presentation layer and user journeys. Structured and selected threat feeds, risk scores and alerts to enable users to rapidly understand exposure and take action. Produced UX copy, thought leadership, explainer videos and platform help, introducing AI-generated content blended with expert material to scale personalised guidance. Designed and delivered LMS-based cyber awareness training programmes for B2B and B2C clients.
Founder & CEO at Crowdfest Ltd (London)
January 1, 2016 - March 1, 2017
Created and produced the UK's largest two-day crowdfunding Confex & Industry Awards, a two-day multi-streamed event with 70 speakers and 1,000+ attendees & livestream viewers. Secured partnerships/ endorsements from nine leading trade bodies, as well as corporate sponsorship.
Founder & CEO at Freedom Cereals Ltd (London)
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
Founded Freedom Cereals and created the Keep Me brand, a low-sugar, low-sodium breakfast range. Secured listings in Ocado, Wholefoods and multiple independent UK retailers. Extended the range into snacks, developing products aligned with public health goals around sugar and sodium reduction.
Branding, Strategy & Partnership Consultant at Paterson Associates (London)
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
Provided brand, proposition and go-to-market strategy to clients across healthcare, FMCG and property, including Circle Health, MBC Broadcasting and Priory Clinic. Delivered insight-led positioning, product development and communications strategies for growth-stage and established businesses.
Founder & CEO at Feet First Europe Ltd (Footwise) (London)
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008
Launched a podiatry-led retail and clinic concept across London and the South East on behalf of private investors. Oversaw full P&L, recruitment, fit-out, procurement and brand development. Twice winner of Draper's "Comfort Footwear Retailer of the Year", generating national media coverage.
Strategy Consultant at Virgin Group – New Boathouse Capital (London)
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2005
Developed strategy, business plans and marketing assets for Virgin Group’s senior management. Evaluated investment opportunities on behalf of senior leadership and private investors. Advised startups and growth-stage companies on brand strategy and investor readiness.

Education

BA Hons at Business Studies
January 1, 1970 - December 31, 1979

Qualifications

Diploma in Market Research
January 11, 2030 - July 10, 2025
Certificate in Corporate Finance
January 11, 2030 - July 10, 2025
Diploma in Market Research
January 11, 2030 - December 29, 2025
Certificate in Corporate Finance (FSA)
January 11, 2030 - December 29, 2025
Certificate in Corporate Finance (FSA)
January 11, 2030 - April 13, 2026
Diploma in Market Research
January 11, 2030 - April 13, 2026
Certificate in Corporate Finance (FSA)
January 11, 2030 - December 29, 2025
Certificate in Corporate Finance
January 11, 2030 - July 10, 2025
Certificate in Corporate Finance (FSA)
January 11, 2030 - December 29, 2025
Certificate in Corporate Finance
January 11, 2030 - July 10, 2025
Diploma in Market Research
January 11, 2030 - July 10, 2025
Diploma in Market Research
January 11, 2030 - July 10, 2025
BA Hons Business Studies
January 1, 1980 - December 31, 1983
Diploma in Market Research
January 11, 2030 - July 10, 2025

Industry Experience

Financial Services, Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Retail, Professional Services, Government, Media & Entertainment, Education, Software & Internet, Travel & Hospitality, Other