New business development manager joins team behind Tees Business
The team behind Tees Business has strengthened its commercial operation with the appointment of experienced professional Julie Leonard as its new business development manager.
Julie joins Resolution Media and Publishing with more than 25 years’ experience in sales, business development, customer engagement and leadership roles across a range of sectors.
Hailing from Stockton, Julie has built a strong reputation for developing high-performing teams, nurturing long-term client relationships and delivering commercial growth throughout her career.
Her appointment comes at an exciting time for Resolution, which continues to grow its portfolio of business publications, awards and networking events across the Tees region and beyond.
Julie’s most recent role was as head of community development at UKISUG – the UK and Ireland’s SAP User Group – where she helped drive membership growth, partner engagement and revenue generation for the organisation’s network of more than 4,500 users and 500 member organisations.
During her four years there, Julie played a leading role in delivering the organisation’s highest-performing annual conference for three consecutive years, while also exceeding revenue targets and helping develop a high-performing sales-focused team.
Prior to that, Julie worked as head of sales at Elite Together Training, where she established a successful central sales team and developed a range of B2B campaigns across the health and fitness sector.
She also spent more than three years with pension and retirement planning specialist Joslin Rhodes, initially joining as sales manager before progressing to head of commercial and joining the senior leadership team.
There, she oversaw sales, marketing, financial planning and estate planning functions, while helping launch successful business-to-business campaigns and expand the company’s Newcastle operation.
Earlier in her career, Julie spent almost 18 years with Swinton Insurance, leading teams across multiple branches and earning a series of accolades for sales and customer service performance.
In her new role with Resolution, Julie will support the continued growth of the company’s publications, events and commercial partnerships, including Tees Business, This is Tees Valley, Tees Skills, awards events and a growing programme of networking events and campaigns.
Julie said: “I’m excited to join Resolution as business development manager and to be working with a team full of passion and belief.
“I’m looking forward to building strong relationships across the Tees region, supporting local businesses, and getting involved in the conversations and events that bring people together.
“The region has a great network of ambitious businesses and people, and I’m excited to contribute where I can.
“I can already sense the buzz around what we have planned which includes the upcoming This is Tees Valley magazine, the Tees Tech awards, networking events and so much more.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”
Resolution director Dave Allan added: “Julie brings a huge amount of experience, energy and positivity to the business, and we’re delighted to welcome her to the team.
“She has a proven track record of building relationships, driving commercial success and leading teams, but just as importantly she shares our passion for championing businesses and organisations across the Tees region.
“We’ve got some exciting projects and events coming up over the next 12 months, and Julie will play a key role in helping us continue to grow our reach, support our partners and create new opportunities for the regional business community.”
To speak to Julie about any sponsorship opportunities, call her on 01642 450255 or email [email protected]
