People

Kirk Tobias

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

An accomplished strategic marketer, business developer and CEO with over 15 years of experience in delivering results within corporate, mid-market and entrepreneurial environments. He has significant experience in building brands and businesses, throughout the Americas, within the financial services, professional services, technology, manufacturing, consumer marketing, and not-for-profit industries. Has proven skills to enhance shareholder value by assessing situations, identifying issues and solutions, creating strategies and implementing change. A measurable track record of success has been achieved by exhibiting strong strategic planning, management, leadership, and communication skills.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Successfully repositioned the brand and business focus of a North American manufacturer after the completion of a global expansion plan and unique market position for the company. This work lead to an ongoing Chief Marketing Officer assignment.
  • Completed an Americas market sizing and expansion plan for a global financial services company that was attempting to broaden its products and markets beyond its core offerings.
  • Successfully repositioned a US based technology company from a product focus to services after conducting all required analysis, planning and execution during a Chief Marketing Officer engagement.
  • Led the research, analysis and development of a strategic plan for a Financial Services company looking to expand its business into 6-10 new verticals with the North American marketplace.
  • Developed and managed an integrated Cruise Line solutions portfolio (Global Purser) from concept through to a $50 million dollar business during its first year of operation.
  • Led the business planning and venture capital funding efforts for a US based software company. Successfully completed two rounds of funding raising more than $1.3 million dollars
  • Successfully restructured a Toronto based general services advertising agency, enhancing the company's market value by 220% in a 13 month period. The restructuring included a headcount reduction of 35%, renegotiating vendor contracts and corporate debt repayments, achieving a 45% reduction in monthly operating expenses. Improved gross margins and top line revenue in parallel to cost reductions.
  • Founded and developed all branding and marketing communications for the Ride for Karen, an annual charity cycling event that has raised more than $1,150,000 to send children with cancer to camp.
  • Managed the successful implementation of a Managing Local Markets (MLM) program for a retailer with more than 100 locations throughout North America. This program included the development and execution of local marketing plans for each retail location as well as the management of a $1 million annual budget.

CAREER PATH

  • SYNERGY (Managing Partner) 2006 - Present
  • AKA COMMUNICATIONS (President & CEO) 2003 - 2005
  • VISUAL KEY, INC. (President & CEO) 2001 - 2003
  • VISUAL KEY, INC. (VP Sales & Marketing) 1999 - 2001
  • THOMAS COOK FINANCIAL (Dir. Bus Dev.) 1998 - 1999
  • THOMAS COOK FINANCIAL (Man. Bus Dev.) 1997 - 1998
  • THOMAS COOK FINANCIAL (Marketing Mgmt.) 1995 - 1997

EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Hon. Bachelor of Commerce, Degroote School of Business, McMaster University, 1995
  • Certificate of Advanced Studies, The University of Manchester School of Business, 1994
  • Stakeholder Selling, Managing Local Markets (MLM), Bottom Line Innovation, Value Innovation - The Strategic Logic of High Growth