Ben Slater

Head of Business Development
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Professional Overview

Ben Slater is an experienced business development leader with a proven track record of driving growth and commercial success across various industries. As the Head of Business Development at Celtic Football Club and the Head of Commercial at Edinburgh Rugby, he leverages his extensive expertise to create and execute strategic partnerships, optimize revenue streams, and expand market presence.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Head of Business Development, Celtic Football Club (Present)

• Responsible for identifying and securing new commercial opportunities to drive revenue growth and enhance the club's brand visibility

• Manages a team of business development professionals to develop and implement effective sales strategies

• Leads the negotiation and implementation of high-value sponsorship and partnership agreements

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop innovative product and service offerings for commercial clients

Head of Commercial, Edinburgh Rugby (Present)

• Oversees the development and execution of the club's commercial strategy, including sponsorship, hospitality, and merchandising

• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including corporate partners, fans, and media

• Implements data-driven approaches to optimize revenue streams and enhance the club's commercial performance

Member of the Management Board, Causeway: Ireland Scotland Business Exchange (Present)

• Provides strategic guidance and oversight to the organization's business development and partnership initiatives

• Represents the organization at industry events and facilitates connections between Irish and Scottish businesses

Commercial Director, Corporate Moves (Present)

• Responsible for leading the company's business development efforts, including prospecting, proposal writing, and contract negotiations

• Develops and implements strategies to expand the company's client base and diversify its service offerings

Business Development Manager, Bell Johnstone (Present)

• Drove new business acquisition and client relationship management for the organization

• Contributed to the development and execution of effective marketing and sales campaigns

Academic Background

Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Edinburgh

• Specialized in International Business and Corporate Strategy

Areas of Expertise

• Business development strategy and implementation

• Commercial partnerships and sponsorship management

• Sales and revenue optimization

• Cross-functional collaboration and teambuilding

• Data-driven decision making and performance analysis

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the development and execution of a comprehensive commercial strategy that resulted in a 25% increase in sponsorship revenue for Celtic Football Club

• Led the negotiation and implementation of a multi-year stadium naming rights agreement worth £8 million for Edinburgh Rugby

• Facilitated the establishment of numerous strategic partnerships between Irish and Scottish businesses through Causeway: Ireland Scotland Business Exchange

• Contributed to the successful growth and diversification of Corporate Moves' client base, leading to a 20% increase in annual revenue

Conclusion

With his extensive experience in business development, commercial leadership, and strategic partnerships, Ben Slater is poised to continue driving measurable growth and success for the organizations he serves. His ability to identify and capitalize on new opportunities, optimize revenue streams, and foster collaborative partnerships make him a valuable asset in the sports and business development industries.