Richard Payne
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Sports Marketing Surveys
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Aside from 6 months travelling, I have worked in market research since leaving Exeter in 2006. Initially I worked for a boutique agency just outside Winchester working with FMCG clients such as Walkers and Diageo but have spent the last 13 years working within sports research working with professional events such as Wimbledon, through to governing bodies like the R&A and England Hockey and a variety of sports equipment brands from New Balance to Trek to Callaway.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I have always been analytical and during my degree particularly enjoyed the modules around marketing and business strategy. I am now very fortunate to be able to combine a job that I enjoy with my passion for sports so it is very much a win-win!
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was part of the golf club, sub aqua society and for a while the windsurfing society.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
As mentioned previously I very much enjoyed anything to do with marketing and business strategy. Biggest highlight was probably doing a presentation on personal branding and speaking to the lecture hall about tattooing and how that was an expression of personal branding.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
Everything – I loved being at Exeter.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
A combination of it having a great reputation, a beautiful campus and proximity to the coast.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
To be honest every module from my degree helps with me with my current role as being a director of a small(ish) agency means I am involved in every aspect of the business from budgeting to marketing, account management and HR.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
If you are going to get into market research then don’t ever be happy with the first piece of insight! Look into the data, put things into context and really explore the reasons behind certain responses.
What are your plans for the future?
Keep growing my current agency. Retire at a good age to be able to play golf and travel.
