Richard Thornton

Leading the Business Development function for UK Passenger Charter team. Focussing on Corporate and Travel sectors; providing both business and commercial aircraft to corporate travel teams, tour operators, travel management companies and group booking agents.

SHY are a market leading Private Aviation brokerage based in Central London, with a satellite office in Dubai. Leading the Sales, Commercial and Operations teams for the company, responsible growing the business by 40% and sales targets in 2023 of £45mil.

d-flo are a market leader in the travel and crisis communications space. I headed up the Business Development function, focusing on generation of new business.

My core function was to directly own & manage B2B relationships with designated key accounts in the portfolio. Through a consultative commercial approach, I was responsible for driving significant growth in solution sales to deepen & broaden existing customer relationships and ensure that Amadeus is regarded as a key technology partner. During my time I was able to network, develop and maintain credible business relationships with account decision makers; maintain and expand customer business with Amadeus.

As a Commercial Sales Manager for NetJets Europe, I lead, coordinated and mentored a team based primarily in London and satellite offices in Munich, Paris and Lisbon. The core focus of my role was to assist in generating new business for the EMEA terroitory. I provided expert guidance to the to both the Sales Team and Management Team on everything relating to new business. This includes such tasks as allocation of resources, product development, customer segmentation, marketing campaigns, etc. I would consider myself a pivotal member of the team linking Sales to Marketing, Finance, Operations and the Management team. I am also responsible for the development of continued operational process improvement within Sales.

As a Commercial Account Executive I worked as an Account Manager in the UK, Scandinavian, Russian and large corporate market. I was responsible for customer contract renewals and upselling. I also provided technical and analytical support to Sales VP’s and Regional Directors in order to drive sales in the optimal way. I offered expert advice and assistance on commercial issues to deliver: a) internal data to senior and line management to assist in day to day operational management; and b) external data to customers to assist in decisions regarding their requirements. I was responsible for monthly analysis to the Director of Sales, Director of Commercial Operations and Flight Services on retention, renewals, risk and top value customers, allowing them to better place their resources in order to drive sales and improve customer satisfaction.

I managed the UK and Corporate team of 4 analysts. I was responsible for analysis and reporting on monthly revenue to the CFO to ensure accurate results for the business. In addition any other ad hoc duties/projects as requested by the CFO to facilitate the continual development of the Billing Team. Meet with the Director of Sales to ensure communication on outstanding issues and provide solutions on over-flying to the Sales Teams to help maximize sales. Meet with high profile customers to discuss solutions that are unable to be resolved at analyst level.