James Cornford

Senior Strategist · Mindstream Interactive

Columbus, OH

In My Own Words

From working extensively on the London 2012 Olympic Games, through to brand management, new product development and content strategy, I am strategic marketer and content creator with regional, national and international experience.

A driving force for my work is ensuring that strong branding, content, activations and product development, all work cohesively towards ensuring a brand has purpose and relevancy towards its market.

Work Experience

Senior Strategist

Mindstream Interactive

2017 – Present

Acting as the agencies strategic lead for a portfolio of key clients and new business work, I uncover and drive insights to positively impact the customer experience while accomplishing business goals. I have also acted within a thought leadership role and helped to develop a range of new product offerings for the agency, placing strategic big picture thinking at the core.

Journalism, Marketing & PR Specialist

JCornford

2010 – Present

Utilizing first hand experience competing and working at the highest levels of sport, I supply a full range of creative, written, digital and marketing services to the sports and lifestyle industries. Contributor (past and present) to: • Singletrack Magazine (Columnist) • SKY TV (Guest spots on Tour de France and other cycling features) • IMB (Features Editor, Features Writer and Product Tester) • Conquista.cc (Features) • BikeBiz (Features) • Fastlane BMX Magazine (Features) • MBUK (Race Editor, Features Writer and Product Tester) • Sports Management Magazine (Features Writer) • Decent-World (Event Reports, Features Writer and Product Tester)

Content Strategy Consultant

Nationwide

2016 – 2017

Create and implement the first content strategy and management process for the Nationwide group of brands. Establishing content hierarchies and organizational schemas, as well as guiding all aspects of content creation and distribution across a wide array of media, for a large and diverse group of target markets.

Content Strategist

WhiteSpace (Abbott Nutrition)

2015 – 2016

Created and managed content across social, digital and traditional channels, for multiple brands in the sports nutrition space, as well as providing analytical insights and advice to optimize the achievement of key marketing and business objectives.

PR & Marketing Manager

Tenn Outdoors

2012 – 2013

PR & Marketing Manager for a manufacturer and retailer of cycle clothing. Responsible for creating and implementing the marketing, NPD and PR and social media strategies.

Head of Media & PR

English Table Tennis Association

2007 – 2012

Managed the media, PR and activation events for the sport of table tennis, as well as working extensively on the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Brand Manager

Ironhorse Bikes

2007 – 2007

Working closely with the media, retailers and sponsored athletes to market and promote Ironhorse bikes

Website and Marketing Assistant

De La Warr Pavilion

2006 – 2007

Responsible for managing all print and website activities, including full content and commerce overhaul for this art and life performance center.

Assistant Marketing Manager/Marketing Coordinator

Marshall-Tufflex

2003 – 2006

Handling the marketing, brand development and advertising for a multinational building products company, including the creation and media buying for the most successful advertising campaign in the companies history.