After 5 years of working at iCrossing (previously Spannerworks), I’ve finally decided to take the extremely difficult decision to move on.  Today is my final day as Head of Natural Search and as an employee of iCrossing.  The last 5 years have probably been some of the best of my life, and all I have are good things to say about iCrossing and Spannerworks.

I started iCrossing after a bad start to my career.  After graduating from Sussex Uni with a degree in Maths and Artificial Intelligence I decided to move home to parents, where I got a job working as a software developer.  I very quickly realised that neither the job, nor the culture of the company I was working for was a good fit – something that I’ve subsequently come to realise is one of the most important things when choosing a company to work for.

I decided that I wanted to move back down to Brighton, and a friend of a friend (and another Sussex AI grad) was then working for a company called Spannerworks, doing something called Search Engine Optimisation.  At the time, my knowledge of the internet was limited, but the then Head of Search, Nilhan Jayasinghe saw something in me and decided to take a punt on me.  As it turned out, I actually found SEO very interesting, and a real match to the analytical skillset that I developed during my academic career.

Since I’ve been here the company have given me some fantastic opportunities and challenges.  In 2007 I got the opportunity to visit SES San Jose, where the obvious highlight was attending the Google Dance at the Googleplex.  In the same year I summited  Mount Kilimanjaro with a group of colleagues to raise money for Amani Children’s home in Tanzania.

That’s me looking the wrong way on the back row, second from left.  The chance to travel, and work with colleagues in the US has been great, and I’ve learned a lot from the SEO team over there.  More recently, my role as Head of Natural Search has allowed me to push myself even further, speaking at both SMX London and SES London in 2009.  This achievement in itself speaks volumes in terms of how I’ve been encouraged to grow at iCrossing – 5 years ago I don’t think anyone would ever expect me to be doing that!

However, 5 years is a long time to do anything, and unfortunately I’ve reached a point where I’ve got a desire to spread my wings, and experience life on the other side of the fence.  That’s right – it’s time to move inhouse!  In October, I’ll join Review Centre as Head of Search and Social Media.  For me this job title is significant – search is no longer what it used to be.  You need to take a joined up approach that encompasses both disciplines, and I’m looking forward to getting more involved in the social side of things.

Before I join Review Centre in October I’ve a few things that I need to do – one of which is racing Tuk-Tuk’s around Sri Lanka to raise money for a children’s home.  I’ll be accompanied by a good friend of mine, David Coats.  If you’re feeling generous and want to sponsor us, you can do so over here.  Hopefully we’ll be tweeting our adventures from here.  Before I hit Sri Lanka I’ve got a short trip to India – a country I’ve always been fascinated with, so I’m really looking forward to that.  I look forward to seeing you all on the other side