In order to support a growing client base, says the company, the new appointments will enable Collingwood Advisory to scale its breadth and depth of expertise.
Fergus Gregory is an experienced B2B media business leader who has spent over 15 years in the world of media, subscriptions, and events.
He has a strong track record as a hands-on director with responsibility for commercial activities, memberships, subscriptions, publishing and events brands. He has developed business across multiple industry sectors in Europe, North America, and APAC.
Fergus led major profit centres at Informa, and was responsible for The Drum’s global expansion in his most recent role as Group Commercial Director. He works with Collingwood Advisory’s clients on scaleup, sales strategy, and key product development.
Gregory says: “Independent media and events companies are the lifeblood of the sector, close to their markets and consistently pushing boundaries. I’m thrilled to have joined the Collingwood Advisory team, supporting even more entrepreneurs to create value and prosper.”
Daniel Pitchford is an entrepreneur and tech VC whose first business, Futurum Media, was acquired by Informa within 18 months of launch.
After a successful media career leading commercial teams, he co-founded Futurum Media, and launched the AI Business brand, which became the world’s largest AI news platform. AI Business’ global events series 'The AI Summit' delivers over 40,000 attendees annually, across Europe, US, Asia, and Africa.
Daniel is also a Venture Partner with SuperSeed, which focuses on early stage tech companies, investing capital but also operational expertise to fuel growth. Daniel specialises in commercial scaleup and exit planning, and works with Collingwood Advisory’s clients on creating and crystallising value.
Pitchford says: “I am delighted to be joining the Collingwood Advisory team; they’re really adding tremendous value to independent media businesses who are striving for growth especially in such uncertain times. It’s exciting to be part of a team who truly has such a high level of care for their clients, and so look forward to being a part of the next step in the journey of Collingwood’s growth.”
Jenefer Thoroughgood is an expert in engaging customers to develop great products, says Collingwood Advisory. She has over 20 years' experience in digital media and SaaS.
Jenefer’s career spans roles in sales, marketing, product ownership, editorial and customer insight. She held multiple roles at Informa including Managing Editor of Scrip Publishing, Publisher of Agrow and Research & Development Director, and subsequently joined Zapnito as Chief Product & Customer Officer. Jenefer acts as Collingwood Advisory’s Chief Product Officer, and Senior Adviser specialising in customer insights and product development.
Thoroughgood says: “I’m very excited to be working with the expert Collingwood Advisory team and their inspiring clients. The media entrepreneurs that Collingwood Advisory supports are doing some of the most exciting work in the media space and I’m looking forward to helping them achieve their product development ambitions and deliver even greater value to their customers.”
CEO Piers Bearne said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Daniel, Jenefer and Fergus to the Collingwood Advisory team. Their depth of knowledge, and successful careers that span events, media, membership and subscriptions models are helping us to create even more value with clients. All three are thought leaders in their own right, and it’s been great to see them helping the entrepreneur community through webinars, surveys and articles as well.”
“These senior appointments are key to our mission to help independent media companies to launch, scale, and create and crystallise value.”
