Sharon Whittaker
VP Commercial Operations
Professional Overview
Sharon Whittaker is an experienced commercial operations executive with a strong track record of driving growth and optimization across the financial services and payments industries. As the VP of Commercial Operations at Freemarket, she oversees all revenue-generating activities, leading high-performing teams to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As VP of Commercial Operations at Freemarket, Sharon is responsible for managing the company's commercial operations, including sales, marketing, and customer success. In this role, she has spearheaded the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that have resulted in a 25% increase in revenue and a 20% improvement in customer retention over the past two years. Sharon's data-driven approach and ability to foster cross-functional collaboration have been instrumental in Freemarket's continued market expansion and industry leadership.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Freemarket, Sharon held senior roles at leading financial services and payments companies, including NexPay, AFEX, and Travelex Global Business Payments. As the Operations Director for the UK and Europe at NexPay, she successfully led the integration of two acquired businesses, resulting in a 30% increase in operational efficiency. At AFEX, Sharon served as the Head of Sales Development for EMEA, where she spearheaded the implementation of a new sales strategy that drove a 15% increase in new client acquisition.
Academic Background
Sharon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Warwick, where she graduated with honors. She also completed a postgraduate certificate in International Business from the London School of Economics and Political Science, further strengthening her expertise in global financial markets and cross-border transactions.
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial operations management
- Revenue growth and optimization
- Sales and marketing strategy development
- Customer success and retention
- Financial services and payments industry knowledge
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Data-driven decision making and analytics
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Sharon has demonstrated a strong commitment to driving innovation and delivering tangible business results. Her leadership in implementing data-driven strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement has been instrumental in the success of the organizations she has served. Sharon is recognized as a thought leader in the industry, regularly speaking at industry events and contributing to industry publications.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, exceptional leadership skills, and deep industry expertise, Sharon Whittaker is positioned to continue making a significant impact as the VP of Commercial Operations at Freemarket. Her ability to drive growth, optimize operations, and deliver exceptional customer experiences makes her a valuable asset to the organization and a respected leader in the financial services and payments industry.
