Mark Merrywest

About

I'm a down-to-earth product leader with over 26 years of experience turning complex challenges into practical solutions. I began my career in software development and have worked through roles in ICT, agile project management, and product marketing. I focus on creating clear product strategies that align with real business needs, using data and customer feedback to drive decision-making. I’ve hands-on experience with AI integration and SaaS transformations, and I work closely with teams to deliver measurable results. Ultimately, I’m passionate about making technology work for people and helping organisations grow through sensible, user-focused product strategies.

Experience

• Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder · Yond2024-06-01 –

  Developed a clear product strategy for an AI-powered travel platform. Created and maintained a practical roadmap for personalised travel discovery. Secured pre-seed funding by demonstrating market differentiation. Led a small, cross-functional team to deliver key product features. Established an analytics framework to guide product improvements.

• Fractional Head of Product · Huahana2023-04-01 –

  Guiding startups through strategic product discovery. Defining core value propositions and identifying target markets. Facilitating Design Sprints to rapidly validate product concepts. Developing strategic product roadmaps to prioritise features and drive market traction. Conducting market research and competitive analysis to inform product strategy decisions.

• Lead Product Manager · Simprints2023-09-01 – 2024-05-01

  Introduced product processes to embed a product mindset across the team. Defined the overall product strategy and approach in collaboration with key stakeholders. Worked with cross-functional teams to foster a culture of continuous improvement and customer focus. Utilised data-driven decision-making to refine the product roadmap and drive better outcomes.

• Lead Product Manager · flocc2019-09-01 – 2023-04-01

  Led a multi-functional team across 25+ client projects. Developed scalable processes for product development and idea evaluation. Conducted workshops to align business strategy with technical execution. Improved sprint completion rates and reduced development costs.

• Senior Product Manager · flocc2016-09-01 – 2019-09-01
• Product Marketing Manager · flocc2013-09-01 – 2016-09-01
• Agile Project Manager / Digital Lead · flocc2009-09-01 – 2013-09-01
• Head of Faculty - Computing and Business · City of Norwich School2007-09-01 – 2009-09-01
• Head of ICT & Teacher of ICT · Attleborough Academy2004-09-01 – 2007-09-01
• Teacher Training (GTP) · Suffolk & Norfolk SCITT2003-09-01 – 2004-09-01

Education

• University of East AngliaExecutive MBA, Business Administration, Management and Operations
• Chartered Management InstituteLevel 7 Diploma, Professional Consulting
• King's College LondonBachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Computer Science
• Thetford Grammar SchoolSecondary School, GCSE, A Level

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