Published on 11/13/2024
Dr. Ian Howells is a distinguished marketing leader and strategist with over 30 years of experience driving high-growth SaaS companies and leading global teams in the fast-evolving landscape of AI and technology. Based in Orinda, California, Ian has established himself as a thought leader at the intersection of B2B marketing and generative AI, transforming B2B marketing practices and helping businesses effectively reach their target audiences through micro-vertical segmentation.
Throughout his career, Ian has played pivotal roles in several successful acquisitions, leveraging his deep expertise in strategic marketing to scale businesses past the $100 million ARR mark. His most recent exit was at Intacct with an $850m acquisition by Sage. His approach is rooted in data-driven decision-making and a deep understanding of market dynamics, enabling him to develop actionable strategies that resonate with real customer needs. As the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Sage Intacct, Ian was instrumental in transitioning the company’s marketing strategy to a micro-vertical focus, significantly enhancing efficiency in the marketing and sales processes. Under his leadership, Sage Intacct achieved a remarkable 400% increase in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) over four years, a testament to his ability to drive growth while maintaining predictability.
Ian’s career is marked by a series of impactful roles, including serving as the CMO for several high-profile companies such as Argyle Data (funded by Vodafone), where he led the development of a leading machine-learning application for fraud analytics in the mobile industry. This became the leading native AI based Hadoop Telco fraud application chosen as a strategic partner by Cloudera and Gigamon. During his time there he co-authored a book with experts from Vodafone and AT&T: Fighting Future Fraud – Using Big Data and Machine Learning to Fight Mobile Communications Fraud.
His experience at Storsimple as CMO helped to drive the strategic acquisition by Microsoft. At Alfresco, where Ian was CMO and employee number 12, he pioneered open-source marketing to drive Alfresco to be the number one valued private open source company of the time.
In addition to his extensive corporate experience, Ian is a passionate author currently writing a book on generative AI, aimed at sharing insights and strategies for leveraging AI in B2B marketing. His thought leadership has been recognized through numerous public speaking engagements, where he has addressed topics such as industry marketing and the future of AI-driven marketing strategies.
Ian’s international exposure spans both London and Silicon Valley, allowing him to bring a global perspective to his work. He holds a Ph.D. in Distributed Databases from Cardiff University and has obtained certifications in various fields, including ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers and Financial Accounting. Fluent in conversational French, Ian is dedicated to continuous learning and professional development.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Ian is an advocate for health and wellness, enjoying activities such as working out, yoga, and swimming. His personal mission, encapsulated in the phrase “Generative AI First B2B Marketing,” reflects his commitment to innovative and effective marketing practices.
As Ian seeks to expand his impact further, he is actively searching for opportunities to serve on boards and contribute his expertise to organizations looking to navigate the complexities of modern marketing in a tech-driven world. His unique blend of experience, strategic insight, and passion for AI-driven innovation positions him as a valuable asset to any organization aiming to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Character: Ian Howells exemplifies integrity and passion in his leadership, fostering an environment of empowerment and collaboration within his teams.
Knowledge: With over 30 years of experience in SaaS marketing and expertise in generative AI, Ian possesses a deep understanding of B2B market dynamics and data-driven strategies.
Strategic: Ian has a proven track record of developing and executing innovative marketing strategies that drive significant revenue growth and enhance market positioning with multiple successful exits.
Communication: An effective communicator and thought leader, Ian excels in articulating complex concepts and engaging diverse audiences through public speaking and writing.
Awards: Ian was awarded Golden Bridge marketing executive of the year in 2017 and is featured in Who’s Who in 2024
