Stephen Rumbelow

My expertise

I bring over 20 years of global sales and digital marketing experience, helping businesses achieve measurable growth by: 

• Crafting lean, high-impact marketing strategies that maximise ROI for SMEs with limited budgets. 
• Helping SMEs define their unique value proposition to stand out in crowded markets. 
• Designing and executing award-winning campaigns that drive high engagement and tangible results. 
• Building sustainable growth pipelines by targeting the right customers with clear, compelling messaging. 
• Using cutting-edge AI tools to streamline marketing processes and amplify customer engagement.  

My competitive edge

Practical Innovation for SME Growth
I specialise in turning complex challenges into actionable marketing strategies, blending cutting-edge technology with a hands-on approach to deliver measurable growth for SMEs. 

About me

As a seasoned Global Sales & Marketing Leader, I have navigated diverse sectors from startups to established corporates, with experience on both client and agency sides.  

I understand the unique challenges SMEs face—limited resources, fast-changing markets, and the constant need to do more with less. Over my 20+ year career, I’ve helped businesses from startups to FTSE 250 companies overcome these obstacles and achieve measurable growth. 

At Optimise Media, as Group CEO, I achieved a 69% increase in operating profits by implementing a global brand strategy, launching a new product suite, and expanding into Middle East and Asian markets. This transformation scaled operations and established the company as an award-winning global performance marketing network. 

As Sales & Marketing Director at the Royal Society of Chemistry, I exceeded a £50 million revenue target during the pandemic, delivering £3 million in incremental profit through new product launches, pricing optimisation, and sales and marketing alignment. I also led an award-winning campaign targeting Gen Z audiences using innovative digital channels. 

I’ve driven further success for SMEs, such as generating more leads in a single month for Isogenica than in the entire previous year and doubling its marketing budget for 2025. For Stacuity, I exceeded SIM pre-order targets by 50% with a focused B2B lead generation program. By blending strategic vision with hands-on execution, I empower SMEs to grow smarter, faster, and with purpose.

Fun facts

• I once completed the Ventoux Triple - cycling up Mont Ventoux three times in one day. The best part? Celebrating with a bottle of Ventoux wine in the evening.  
• I share the same birthday as my dog, and our annual tradition is her sharing my fish and chips on the beach!