A psychology graduate of the University of Leicester, Olly’s career started out in advertising, including a 9 year stint as founder / owner / manager of a London agency. Having sold the business to a communications group in 2007, he spent three years running large Client accounts across multiple agencies in the group. In 2010, a move into the corporate world saw Olly spend the next 6 years as Marketing Director at Coral and subsequently as Brand Director for Ladbrokes and Coral in the newly formed Ladbrokes Coral PLC. He then spent two years as Chief Marketing Officer at Rank PLC before a sector move to Paperchase as CMO in 2019. Having been promoted to CEO in 2020 he guided the company through an administration process during the Covid pandemic, followed by a turnaround process, refinancing and sale of the business in August 2022. Olly joined Hornby Hobbies as CEO in January 2023 and has spearheaded a strategic, cultural and operational turnaround over the last three years. Under his leadership, the company has reduced debt, grown margins, reduced operating costs, restructured, returned to stability and executed two acquisitions and two sales. A restless and enthusiastic leader, with an unshakeable belief that a strong culture is a critical foundation for any successful business, Olly is keen to work with rising stars and aspiring leaders to share his experience and perspectives on making the move from CMO to CEO.
Olly Raeburn
