Steven Oakes has been promoted to chief marketing officer at Manchester-headquartered tech training provider Northcoders.
The news will also see Oakes move onto the strategic board at the firm, which is one of the UK’s premier coding bootcamp providers.
Earlier in his career he founded a digital marketing agency in 1999 and created websites for the likes of Elbow, Stereophonics and Underworld. He also worked with Sony Music, Universal and EMI on a broad range of digital marketing campaigns for their artists.
He joined Northcoders in September 2022 as director of marketing and since his arrival, has revamped all marketing activities which has resulted in a 92 per cent increase in course applications over the past 12 months.
One of his biggest passions is championing diversity in tech, which has included the launch of a new Gender Diversity Fund to help with cost of living while on their courses. It also increases the accessibility of Northcoders onboarding and learning platforms – doubling the number of women and gender minorities on its courses in 2023.
Oakes said:聽鈥淚n a world where technology and more recently, AI continually reshapes our landscape, I鈥檓 excited to step into a role where I can directly contribute to moulding a future that reflects the diversity of our society.
鈥淎t Northcoders, we’re not just teaching code; we’re crafting a more inclusive digital tomorrow.
鈥淭his promotion enables me to amplify our commitment to breaking down barriers, ensuring that the transformative power of technology is accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.鈥�
CEO Chris Hill said:聽鈥淥ver the past 18 months, Steven has made a hugely positive impact on the business. His experience, insight and expertise has ensured a near 100 per cent rise in quality applications to our courses.
鈥淗is unwavering commitment to Northcoders, and his shared passion for promoting diversity in tech, means this promotion is well deserved.
鈥淢yself and the rest of the board are looking forward to him becoming an integral part of the senior leadership team as we continue to grow and expand our offering over the coming years.鈥�
He joined Northcoders from STM-GRP where he was group digital director across the five-agency group. He has also worked at Red C Marketing, Bauer Media, BMG and Universal Music.
Tech Returners 鈥榗reating something special with Northcoders鈥�
As part of his promotion, he will now play a pivotal role in helping to shape the firm鈥檚 ongoing growth and development alongside Hill, chief partnerships officer and co-founder Amul Batra, chief operating officer Sam Caine and chief financial officer Charlotte Prior.