Key Rainmakers
Bill Colbourne - CEO
Bill oversees three companies that deliver uniquely effective solutions to the new business support sector. Much copied, but never improved on, he launched Rainmaker Consulting in 1996 as the first ever integrated new business consultancy and antidote to the blunt, high risk options otherwise available. Creator of the Rainmaker Planning Workshop, Bill has helped over 120 clients find their most effective voice. He believes that a combination of intelligent and conscientious delivery significantly enhances the opportunity for new business success. Since Rainmaker, he launched sister company Pearlfinders in 2003 and Blossom Careers in 2005, both supplying mould-breaking solutions to universal issues faced by new business VPs/directors. In his spare time he paints in oils and is a wine enthusiast.
Denese Colbourne - Group Commercial Director
Over the last 12 years Denese has advised the principals of over 500 different marketing agencies on best practice new business programmes. She is the commercial and financial director of the group. In addition to a passion for Egyptology, Denese is a serious cook and likes to relax with a good glass of Gigondas. She and Bill have two daughters, Eva and Maya.
Gareth Dixon - Senior Account Director
Gareth was a new business developer at Saatchi & Saatchi before teaming up with Bill and Denese to co-found Rainmaker. Over the past ten years he has initiated new business wins totalling in excess of £50m for Rainmaker clients. Gareth likes sailing and is the proud father of Kezia, Ted and Rory.
Charlotte Fletcher - New Business Director
In addition to being the New Business Director of Rainmaker, Oxford grad Charlie Fletcher, has also headed up new business activity for a string of high profile agency accounts and is a director of Blossom. Multi-lingual, she lived and worked in Germany prior to joining the team. She is passionate about dance and enjoys ballet whenever she can (so it's fortunate her office is a stone's throw from Sadlers Wells). She and her husband have a baby son, Oscar.
Kelly Robinson – Account Director
A native New Yorker, Kelly comes from a background in business development across print, localisation and marketing. She managed the US and UK Pearlfinders sales teams prior to joining Rainmaker in 2006. Her interests include acting, song-writing and dancing. She is currently on maternity leave.
Chris Gordon - Account Director
With many years' experience in the sponsorship sector, Chris has developed valuable solutions for brands including BMW, HP, PlayStation and Unilever. He’s been a marketing decision-maker at organisations including Barbican and Royal College of Art and has led accounts at the leading sponsorship agency SCL. At Rainmaker, he heads up several key accounts. His interests include football (playing and watching) as well as art, architecture, film and design.
James Porteous-Butler - Account Director
Pre-Rainmaker, James excelled in various sales roles across the property, automotive and business information sectors. Since joining the company he has been central to the success of clients across all marketing disciplines - providing opportunites that have converted to wins with the likes of BT, Virgin, Electronic Arts and HSBC. His interests include film, music, cricket and he sees himself as a dab hand in the kitchen.
Anthony Cooper - Director Pearlfinders
Formerly at Hoover's and Dun & Bradstreet, Anthony has an exemplary record in selling and marketing business information products. A keen sportsman, he brings experience and style to the company's 7-a side football team, while also boasting 2 completed marathons to date. Anthony has helped drive a record performance for Pearlfinders in 2008.
James Cudd - Account Director
Prior to joining Rainmaker, James has 6 years experience in business development with iCandy (design), RPM (experiential marketing) and Getty Images. He also has experience consulting with clients in the US. His time with Getty provided experience across multiple sectors and with clients such as Canon, Topman, Oakley, RBS, HSBC and HELLO! James is fully up to speed with latest marketing technology and has a passion for photography, sport and psychology. He is also a director of Rainmaker's sister company, the recruitment and training business, Blossom.