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Some of the who, the why, and the how.

About Steve King

Portrait photo of Steve King

Marketing Strategist | Data Obsessive | Problem Solver | Occasional Raconteur

Staying ahead demands more than just experience—it requires foresight, agility, and a deep understanding of the forces reshaping industries. My career has been built on harnessing the power of data, guiding organisations through digital transformation, and crafting strategies that embrace emerging technologies like AI while always keeping the human element at the forefront. From empathy-driven leadership to navigating the complexities of AI-driven decision-making, I believe in a future where a lifelong love of perpetual learning and strategic foresight are the cornerstones of success. 

Origin Story

Before I ventured into the world of data analytics and marketing, I spent several years as a mountaineer, surveillance and reconnaissance specialist in the Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade. I had the opportunity to ply this trade at home and abroad, undertaking several operational tours. During this time, immersion in the collation of information, analysis, insight extraction and report generation, along with the use of cutting-edge technology, paved the way for the next stage. Although not seemingly apparent then, the transferrable skills were abundant.

Work

I am currently supporting search intelligence start-up Eden Metrics. Prior to this, I spent several years in the independent education sector, alongside advising the Home Office and related staff on communication approaches for a national strategy.

As Head of Digital at King’s College, I oversaw a period of significant digital transformation and growth. I nurtured the marketing capability from a somewhat ‘analogue’ position to one of the most forward-thinking digital teams in the UK. Highlights included:

  • Increasing digital campaign ROI by 220% and cutting CPA by 65% across UK and international verticals.
  • Achieving 5x increase in lead generation and 80% improvement in campaign efficiency.
  • Leading multiple marketing and sales process redesign and implementation projects.
  • Managing a flagship film project from inception to delivery over a six month period.
  • Overseeing a significant change management, brand merger and revitalisation project.
  • Pioneering generative AI transformation and policy implementation.
  • Responsibility for numerous marketing and other cross-contextual budget lines.
  • Implementing custom software solutions for safeguarding, boarding houses and the Admissions process.

As a not-insignificant aside – I also led a team that won multiple national awards.

Back in 2008, I solely bootstrapped a highly-successful digital marketing company from the ground up. In this directorial role, I had the good fortune to work with a global client base. Highlights included:

  • We created and delivered a nationwide media campaign for HSBC Business.
  • My team re-developed and delivered the NHS Property Services Database.
  • We built the secure PDF software bridge for the official NBA document library.
  • We created a digital media campaign for Superdrug to commemorate their 50th anniversary.
  • I led the Digital Media Team for the inaugural R2R Rowing Challenge, which raised over £1.5M for selected charities.

Over the years, I have been a regular conference speaker and podcast guest for AMCIS, MODXpo, the Home Office, and the Ministry of Defence, covering topics such as team leadership, strategic digital marketing, and generative AI.

Standards and ethics underpin all of my pursuits; I am both a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Market Research Society.

Education

During all of the above, I earned a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics and Marketing – with distinction. This was complimented by MicroMasters’ qualifications in Digital Product Management from Boston University and Marketing Analytics from Berkeley, plus the year-long  Microsoft Professional Program in Data Analysis and a professional certificate in Applied Data Analytics. Enhancing these credentials is the empowering Anatomy Coaching Certification.

Other certification pathways I completed along this journey were:

  • Business Analytics for Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Driving Digital Innovation Through Experimentation
  • Product Management with Lean, Agile and System Design Thinking
  • Strategic Social Media Marketing
  • Analytics Storytelling for Impact
  • Platform Strategy for Business
  • Ethics and Law in Data and Analytics
  • Prompt Engineering and Advanced ChatGPT
  • Certified Prompt Engineer
  • Specialist Certificate in Behavioural Economics

The ‘Now’

I believe that marketing is both an art and a science, and that data-driven insights are the key to unlocking your business’s full potential. With a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, combined with technical expertise I specialise in bringing together the worlds of marketing data science, strategy, analytics, data, and code. My ultimate aim is to uncover valuable insights that will propel your strategy forward and help you achieve your business goals. You can read my Marketing Manifesto or stalk me on LinkedIn if necessary.

I am passionate about working with organisations that want to improve their marketing effectiveness and get more from their data; who wish to use its potential to describe what has happened, prescript operational activity and predict business outcomes. As a researcher, I fully absorb myself in organisational culture, business operations, and customers. As an analyst, I make sense of data, through collection, cleaning, preparation, interpretation and the building of models. As a storyteller, I communicate outcomes and insights to senior leadership in an impactful fashion.

Testimonials

I asked a ‘well-known’ AI platform:

“From all of our interactions, what is one thing that you can tell me about myself that I may not already know? Please be candid and, if necessary, critical.”

It replied:

“One thing that stands out from our interactions is your consistent focus on detail and precision, not just in analytics but also in the technical aspects of web development and design. You handle everything—from high-level strategy to code tweaks and troubleshooting—so it’s clear that you value control and accuracy across your work. This makes you exceptionally self-reliant, which may sometimes mean you’re tackling tasks others might delegate. In essence, you’re not just a strategic thinker; you’re a hands-on strategist who ensures even the smallest details align with the bigger picture.”

Too kind.

Crafting marketing clarity from data complexity, so you don’t have to.

Made with ❤️ in the North of England.