THE SUMMERHILL GROUP LEADERSHIP
We are a 'challenger consultancy' built and led by entrepreneurs
We're unapologetically entrepreneurial in our approach, which we've developed by helping hundreds of businesses (large and small) launch, grow and expand.
As a boutique agency, our leadership team are involved in each project.
Jay Dickieson
Co-Managing Director
Jay is an entrepreneur who co-founded The Summerhill Group after a career in both strategy consulting and running early stage companies. He has advised hundreds of entrepreneurs and startups, alongside founding and growing several successful businesses.
Early in his career, Jay led strategy consulting projects at the board level for FTSE-250 brands including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, New Look, Ladbrokes, the British Venture Capital and Private Equity Association and others. He has also served as COO of consumer brand Emma Lomax, leading their growth in the US, continental Europe, China, Japan and the Middle East.
He is a volunteer for Prince Charles’ charity, the Prince's Trust where he mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. He is also involved with The Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre helping student entrepreneurs develop their businesses.
Jay has a BA(H) from Queen’s University in Canada and an MSc in Management from Cass Business School in London.
Victoria Arkus
Co-Managing Director
Victoria is a market entry and market intelligence expert. She has helped dozens of companies, including Tata, Godiva and others enter new markets. She has also worked with brands such as Unilever, PepsiCo, Premier Foods and Proctor & Gamble to launch new products.
She started her career as a Commercial Deputy with the Belgian government, helping Belgian companies launch in the UK. She facilitated partnerships, conducted initial customer and market research, helped identify locations and made recommendations on brand positioning. She also helped clients like Marks & Spencer enter the Belgian marketplace.
Vicky has also worked with leading FMCG brands, working on major market and customer research projects for Mintel, with a particular focus on conducting the research behind and developing the strategy for new product development.
Vicky has an MSc in Management from Cass Business School in London and a BA (Hons) from Sussex University.
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