Ian Smith

Global Product Launch Manager/Global Product Marketing Manager/B2B SAS/Product Readiness/Go to Market/Collaboration/Communication/Business

Upminster, England, United Kingdom

About

A resourceful, adaptable, and personable Product Marketing Manager with a proven track record in the dynamic fields of business travel, the airline industry, and Global Distribution Systems (GDS) with Travelport. With a deep passion for travel, I thrive on the constant innovation within the travel technology landscape. My expertise lies in being highly customer-focused, employing strong communication and presentation skills to tailor solutions that precisely meet customer requirements. Over the course of my career, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to driving business success through strategic marketing initiatives,

Experience

  • Senior Product Marketing Manager at American Express Global Business Travel
    May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Travelport (Remote)
    • Global Product Launch Manager
      Oct 2023 - Feb 2025 · 1 yr 5 mos

      Responsible for successfully introducing and adoption of new API products in line with the Travelport Product Strategy. Key responsibilities: Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams for seamless product launch execution. Develop detailed launch plans with timelines, milestones, promotional strategies and go-to-market strategies. Create comprehensive product documentation and marketing materials. Coordinate beta testing and gather user feedback for improvements. Monitor performance KPIs and report on product adoption. Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and create contingency plans. Design targeted marketing campaigns and organize launch events. Engage with customers for feedback and support during integration. Drive continuous improvement based on data analysis and user insights. Key Achievements ➢ Product Launch manager for Hotel V11 and worked with the Product Manager to role out Hotel Kit V12 managing stakeholders and ensuring launch readiness. ➢ Using RACI Matrix helped Product Managers with stakeholder engagement to stream line the planning and Go-To market readiness. ➢ Introduced Smartsheet Forms to help streamline the onboarding of booking.com customers, improving the efficiency for our Account Managers

    • Global Product Marketing Manager
      Sep 2022 - Oct 2023 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Joined Travelport to take on the responsibility of underpinning the development of successful API solutions. Key responsibilities: Develop and execute comprehensive go-to-market strategies for API launches Create compelling messaging and content highlighting API value propositions. Collaborate with product, sales, and engineering teams for successful API launches. Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities. Gather user feedback to inform continuous API improvements. Produce marketing collateral, including product guides and demo videos. Train sales teams on API features and benefits for effective communication. Monitor API performance metrics and report insights to stakeholders. Manage relationships with external partners in the travel ecosystem. Launch DevEx Developer website and demo site for the developer community, with supporting marketing materials Key Achievements Grew the Travelport API customer base from 50 customers per month in 2022 to 229 customers per month in 2023. An increase of 358%. Implemented a revised value proposition for Travelport’s API solution, the number of bookings using NDC rose from 2.3 million globally in April 2023 - 26 million globally in October 2023. An increase or 940%. Successfully launched the Travelport API Demo tool to meet the growing demand from our customers and commercial teams, with supporting training material. Since go live in July 23 it has attracted 267 users. Studied for and passed the Leading SAFe Agilist Exam.

  • CWT (9 yrs 8 mos)
    • Product Marketing Manager
      Sep 2013 - May 2021 · 7 yrs 9 mos

      Returned to CWT as Senior Travel Consultant then progressed to Technology Adoption Manager and finally Product Marketing Manager during my tenure. Key responsibilities: Develop strategic marketing approaches to drive product awareness and adoption Create compelling messaging that communicates CWT product value propositions Conduct comprehensive market research and competitive analysis. Collaborate across product, sales, and engineering teams for successful launches Generate actionable insights from user feedback and market trends Produce marketing collateral to support sales and customer engagement including customer presentations. Train sales teams on product features and competitive advantages Monitor product performance metrics and report key insights using analytics data tools Tableau and later on CWT AnalytIQs tool. Manage external partner relationships in the CWT partners, such as Trainline and payment solutions providers Conferma. Align product marketing with CWT's overall brand and business strategy On leaving CWT through redundancy, I took an elective career break, I supported friends with their own businesses for a spell then rejoined the job market to seek my next career based role.

    • Technology Adoption Manager
      Oct 2011 - Sep 2013 · 2 yrs

      Technology Adoption Manager I assisted clients with implementing CWT technology and online booking tools. This would include running training sessions, producing training material including videos and training manuals. Working onsite to ensure a smooth implementation and working with bookers to ensure they had full understanding of the booking technology.

  • Sales Account Manager at CityJet
    Jan 2006 - Sep 2011 · 5 yrs 9 mos

    I was responsible for a developing a portfolio of corporate clients in London and the south of England. I’d generate leads through network events, cold calling and other marketing activities. Once leads had been generated I would work with these clients to develop a contract, manage the contract negotiations and renewals. I would ensure that the relationship with the clients flourishes and be the main point of contact for any issues that arise. While also working with the Travel Management Companies to ensure they have all the information about the service and products we offered at CityJet. This would include attend trade shows and familiarisation trips.

  • Senior Business Travel Consultant at CWT
    Jan 2004 - Dec 2005 · 2 yrs

    I worked on a multi-account desk, booking all aspects of travel for our portfolio of clients. Transferred to an online booking tool help desk, assisting travellers and travel bookers on how to use the online booking tool and providing a hints and tips documents to help them.