
Huw Allen
5.0
(14)
Studied at University of Oxford
Worked at Wendy's
Successful clients at
Not currently taking new clients
About Huw
Oxford MBA with 12+ years of experience at the crossroads of creative industries and global business. My career spans commercial theatre producing, investment structuring, and brand strategy, with a proven record of raising capital, delivering national touring productions, and co-producing acclaimed shows across the UK. Alongside this, I have led global marketing and transformation initiatives for Apple, Google, Samsung, and Wendy’s International, building campaigns that reached audiences worldwide. I have worked across both commercial and non-profit sectors, navigating the distinct demands of international markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. This dual lens — creative producing and strategic business leadership — has shaped my perspective on how culture, commerce, and community intersect to create lasting impact. Passionate about bridging theatre and finance, I am particularly focused on sustainable investment models for the arts, widening access to live performance, and embedding equity and inclusion in the structures that support artists and audiences. My approach combines analytical rigour with creative empathy, always grounded in collaboration and the belief that cultural work can drive both social and financial returns. “Harness creativity as both cultural value and commercial driver — build structures that empower artists, engage audiences, and generate sustainable returns for all stakeholders.”
Why do I coach?
Coming from a creative, non-traditional background, I know how overwhelming it can feel to take big steps forward — the uncertainty, the rejections, and the self-doubt alongside the excitement of possibility. Having navigated those moments myself, I understand the value of having someone in your corner who believes in you and helps you see your own strengths with clarity and confidence. Coaching is my way of paying that forward: sharing what I’ve learned, supporting others to unlock their potential, and making the journey feel less intimidating and more empowering.
Work Experience

Senior Manager, Marketing
Wendy's
February 2024 - April 2025
• Guided and worked in partnership with domestic and international franchisees to track and grow brand health across the rapid market growth, leveraging own business acumen, marketing expertise and team-wide collaboration. • Partnered with the global brand and advertising team, agencies and cross-functional teams to develop high-impact strategic product launches bespoke for each market • Sustained plans for important new markets to leverage the strengths of the Wendy’s International brand. Lead research and development of menus, brand positioning and recommended pricing strategy. • Generated weekly sales reports and annual promotional calendar, media strategy and channel-specific growth plans to maximise launch year sales and subsequent year-on-year growth.

Executive Producer
Valentine Endeavour
September 2023 - Present
Led capital raising, investor relations, budgeting, and touring logistics, applying financial structuring expertise and Theatre Tax Relief to optimise production models and investor returns. Raised investment and served as Executive Producer on multiple UK national tours, including: • A Shoddy Detective and The Art of Deception (UK Tour 2025) • A Shoddy Christmas Carol (Lichfield Garrick Theatre 2025) • Motorhome Marilyn by Ben Wetherill (Edinburgh 2025) • ART by Yasmina Reza (30th Anniversary UK Tour 2024) Co-produced acclaimed productions, including: • Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks (UK Tour & Alexandra Palace 2024) • The Croft by Ali Miles (UK Tour 2025) • Murder at Midnight by Torben Betts (UK Tour 2025)

Growth Strategy Consultant
Candour Wine
March 2023 - Present
• Increased sales by 43% by developing the bespoke brand plan and marketing campaign. Utilising knowledge of the competitive environment and impact of the economic landscape to adapt and refine the campaign to make a lasting impact with customers. • Targeting key customer demographics with D2C product messaging to maximise conversions, from views to purchases. • Strategising product offering portfolio to solidify the firm's market position in the fast-growing FMCG industry.

Growth Strategy Consultant
The New Normal Charity
January 2023 - Present
• Working with the senior leadership team and the board to implement process and expand the free alternative to one-on-one bereavement therapy. • Created working best practices on corporate oversight and expansion into new territories (HK & US considering cultural nuances and attitudes to grief). • Reviewed cost structures and strategies for sustainable and consistent global growth. Business Development, Business Process Improvement and +2 skills

Marketing Strategy Lead
TBWA\Media Arts Lab
September 2019 - September 2021
• Consulted with senior management on Apple best practices, content strategy, and product launch procedure. • Increased sales forecasts of the iPhone 12 Min by 38% in the EU, RU, TR & UAE by orchestrating the go-to-market launch strategy. • Led multi-disciplinary cross-functional teams of 40+, utilising consumer insights, user data analytics and product positioning within Apple’s brand portfolio to tailor media plans to each territory’s specific customer demographic. • Increased subscriptions by 29% by leading the EU media marketing launch for Apple Arcade and Apple TV+. Brand Strategy, Storytelling and +8 skills

Project Lead
Don't Panic London
June 2018 - September 2019
• Consulted on business transformation and adoption strategies, media planning and client acquisition. • Achieved a 200% increase in advertising engagement in YouTube’s B2B operations through my leadership of Google’s global commercial market strategy revamp ‘This is My YouTube’. • Spearheaded an engagement increase of 60% and donation revenue by 38% for the Wildlife Trusts' national ecological brand strategy. • Received a D&AD Graphite Pencil for Creative Excellence (top 1% of global campaigns). Brand Strategy, Storytelling and +8 skills

Marketing Consultant
Cheil Worldwide
October 2016 - June 2018
• Achieved record customer acquisition and engagement, resulting in an increase in AU airfares of 23% over a one-year period for the international identity revamp and market strategy for Etihad Airways. • Increased customer acquisition for Samsung, Hankook Tires, and Nivea in the EU by consulting on business and media strategy. Brand Strategy, Storytelling and +7 skills

Commercial Producer
Various companies
January 2013 - September 2016
• Produced $2M+ global campaigns for brands like Dior, Jaguar, and Tom Ford with directors like Martin Scorsese, Johan Renck and Matthew Vaughn. • Increased UNICEF subscriptions by 20% by producing 'For the Love of the Game,' a global football film with David Beckham in partnership with BBC Studios.

Theatre Producer
Independent
June 2011 - January 2013
Produced a sell-out West-End debut of the acclaimed off-Broadway phenomenon ‘The Last Session’ working with the MAD Trust, increasing charity engagement by 35%. Awarded the Time Out Critics Choice award. • Selected out of 4000 to become a founder member of The National Theatre’s Young Studio.
Education

University of Oxford
Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme
2023 - 2023

University of Oxford
Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General
2021 - 2022
Activities and societies: Oriel College, Oxford Union, Finalist - Dean's Commendation, Finalist – UCLA/Paramount MBA Media and Entertainment Case Competition 2022, Media and Entertainment Society, Ideation Lab Member, Entrepreneurial Finance Project, Frontman in MBA Band 'LinkedIn Park' Focus on: Behavioural Economics M&A Entreprenurial Finance Corporate Turnaround and Restructuring Negotiation The Business of Arts and Media

University of Hull
Bachelor's Degree, Drama and Theatre
2008 - 2011
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Huw has helped Leland clients get into Portas