Open to opportunities

John Connolly

@johnconnolly

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Executive operator transforming financial services businesses through strategy, P&L ownership, and disciplined growth.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I’m seeking a senior leadership role in a professionally run organisation that values commercial rigour, operational discipline, and measurable impact—where I can own outcomes, translate strategy into execution, and drive sustainable growth.

I’m an executive operator with two decades of experience building, scaling, and transforming businesses at the intersection of financial services, marketing, and growth. I’ve been trusted by 14 of the world’s top 20 asset managers and recognized as a thought leader across investment marketing, strategy, and operations—bringing commercial clarity by translating strategy into execution and turning ambiguous mandates into measurable results.

Most recently, I’ve led acquisition strategy and operational buildout for FRC, serving as a strategic advisor to leadership teams across GTM strategy, commercial infrastructure, and pricing. Previously, as Chief Executive Officer, I surpassed five-year board targets in the first 12 months through margin improvement and operational transformation, expanded the product suite to a four-service platform, and built disciplined global operating rhythms that retain exceptional talent.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Managing Director

Current

Bifrost Advisors & Fettes Row Capital

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 5 months)

Led acquisition strategy and operational buildout across the financial marketing sector, including deal sourcing, diligence, structuring, and post-acquisition planning. Advised financial services leadership teams on GTM strategy, commercial infrastructure, and pricing, and designed EOS-style planning frameworks and SOPs to enable sustainable scale.

Mergers & Acquisitions Deal Sourcing Go To Market Strategy P L Ownership Strategic Advisory EOS Planning Financial Services Marketing

Chief Executive Officer

Copylab

Jan 2021 - Jan 2023 (2 years)

Surpassed five-year board targets within the first 12 months through margin improvement, operational transformation, and commercial realignment, contributing to an eight-figure company valuation. Expanded the product suite from 2 editorial offerings to a 4-service platform, improved underperforming regions, and served as the agency’s public voice to drive new business growth.

Strategic Planning Business Transformation Revenue Growth P&L management Product Strategy International Expansion Thought Leadership

Managing Director, North America

Copylab

Mar 2016 - Jan 2021 (4 years 10 months)

Founded and scaled the U.S. division from a $25K pilot to a $5.3M valuation in under five years. Led relationships with 14 of the world’s top 20 asset managers (70%+ of U.S. revenue) with client churn below 10%, delivering 2.5x average YoY revenue growth and 24% net margins in the final year while building delivery, quality control, and financial reporting systems.

Client Relationship Management Revenue Growth Pricing Strategy Brand Messaging Team Leadership Quality Control Financial Reporting

VP & Senior Writer

The Boston Company Asset Management

Apr 2011 - Mar 2016 (4 years 11 months)

Served as a voting member of the firm’s global editorial board and shaped content strategy and thematic positioning for a major asset management platform. Produced award-winning thought leadership featured in WSJ and Bloomberg, partnering with portfolio managers and investment teams to develop commentaries, whitepapers, and fund positioning materials.

Editorial Strategy Thought Leadership Content