Key People at Thinking Data
Stephen has had experience of managing the full spectrum of data and mailing processes, including data supply, list building, data capture and lettershop. He joined Bristol-based data and mailing house Eagle Direct Marketing in 1986, rising from Marketing Executive to Director, achieved Account Management Qualifications with the sadly missed QMP, and helped to establish the company as one of the early members of the then fledgling Direct Marketing Association.
Having co-founded Thinking Data in 2009, Stephen's focus is now on data full-time. He is well known for his attention to detail, and for wanting to get things right first time - supplying the right list for the right client. He still enjoys the daily challenges, whether big or small, simple or complex.
Stephen is a Fellow of the Institute of Direct Marketing.
Outside work, he enjoys gardening and local family history, as well as a number of sports such as cricket, golf, darts and skittles (you'll notice that these tend to be ones with a bar nearby!). He is currently Vice-Chairman of the Village Cricket Club.
Richard began his career as a media buyer with Yorkshire-based RAM Media Group in 1994. He moved on to run their data division, working on accounts like Mercedes-Benz and Adjustamatic Beds, and successfully launching RAM's list management offerings onto an unsuspecting world.
Moving to the South West, he joined Eagle Direct Marketing as Business Development Director, and later Managing Director, before establishing Thinking Data with Stephen Cook.
He has been a Member (now Fellow) of the Institute of Direct Marketing since 2001, lectured on the IDM Diploma course, and helped to judge the DMA/Royal Mail Awards.
Richard is passionate about getting the best from data, and finding the right solutions for clients from the wealth of opportunities in the UK list market.
In his spare time, he's a keen cook, walker, and photographer.