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Josh Watts
Principal Commercial Lawyer, Technology Leader, Experienced COO, Company Director
Professional Background
Josh Watts is a highly accomplished executive with proven experience in driving significant revenue and profit growth within the fast-paced technology sector. He possesses a wealth of experience across IT, Telecommunications, and BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industries, demonstrating his ability to construct highly effective and engaged teams while fostering a culture of transformation. His comprehensive understanding of commercial operations, paired with a distinguished legal background, enhances his adeptness at stakeholder engagement. Josh is passionate about generating positive outcomes that not only satisfy customer needs but also promote sustainable growth across organizations.
With five years of executive management experience as Chief Operating Officer and numerous instances serving in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer, Josh has consistently demonstrated his capability to lead organizations in diverse contexts. His over 14 years in senior management positions span from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to large enterprises, routinely fulfilling responsibilities that included regular Board reporting. Further enhancing his profile as a trusted leader, he has served as a Non-Executive Director for an international charitable foundation, positioning him uniquely to contribute from both a corporate and an altruistic perspective.
Education and Achievements
Josh’s educational background provides a solid foundation for his professional endeavors. He studied for his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the College of Law, where he honed his legal acumen. Additionally, he completed the Graduate Company Directors Course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors, equipping him with the skills necessary for effective governance and strategic decision-making. His academic journey began at The Australian National University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government, complemented by a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Honours.
Notably, Josh pursued further professional development by completing a Lean Six Sigma Foundations course at the University of Technology, Sydney. This expertise in process improvement and operational excellence has enabled him to lead various initiatives aimed at reducing costs and improving margins.
Achievements
In terms of financial management and commercial acumen, Josh has effectively controlled full company P&Ls, with oversight of approximately $200 million. His extensive experience in cost-centre management has facilitated the introduction of numerous cost-reduction and margin improvement initiatives, benefitting the organizations he has led.
Josh has cultivated significant proficiency in customer and vendor management, showcasing his ability to engage at all levels with both clients and suppliers. He has successfully closed strategic sales, negotiated advantageous deals, and established long-lasting commercial partnerships that have further contributed to his organization's growth and success.
Known for his exceptional communication skills, Josh is proficient in engaging with stakeholders through compelling presentations, whether addressing internal teams or public audiences, including media sources and industry forums. This unique blend of skills allows him to articulate visions and strategies clearly and effectively.
As a people leader, Josh has a broad spectrum of experience ranging from one-on-one mentoring and coaching to shaping the cultural roadmap for a large, multinational team comprising 1,800 employees. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to both employee development and organizational performance.
Josh's focus on growth has consistently delivered impressive top and bottom-line results, achieved through a rigorous emphasis on efficiency and customer value. He has effectively increased market share by aligning with growth-oriented customers, expanding share-of-wallet, and maintaining a relevant and progressive product roadmap that resonates with market demands.
