Leaders of the Future Conference - Strategy Unlocked: Think, Plan, Win

Simone Hindmarch

Managing Director, Commercial

Simone Hindmarch is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Commercial, the Business Transformation Specialists set to exceed £100 million turnover. A former Commonwealth Games swimming gold medallist, Simone has channelled her determination and creativity into building one of the UK’s most forward-thinking, purpose-driven businesses.

Guided by her philosophy, Commercial by Nature, Simone has embedded innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility at the heart of Commercial’s success, the company is on track to achieve Carbon Net Zero, while expanding into green technologies, renewable energy, and AI solutions.

Passionate about creating positive impact, Simone regularly collaborates with business leaders to share insights from Commercial’s Annual Sustainability Report, inspiring others to build more responsible and resilient organisations.

In 2015, she founded the Commercial Foundation, a B Corp-accredited social enterprise supporting young adults facing barriers to work or education, with over 90% progressing into employment, education, or training.

 

Simone’s leadership continues to unite high-performing teams and challenge convention across the business services sector.

Kristine Humphreys

Commercial Director, Avery UK

Kristine Humphreys is a commercially driven brand and business leader with over 20 years of experience across FMCG, retail, and direct-to-consumer sectors. As Commercial Director at Avery UK, she leads the Sales, Marketing, Digital & E-commerce, and Customer Service teams - shaping strategy, driving growth, and bridging big-picture thinking with execution. Kristine has played a key role in evolving the Avery UK business by fostering a collaborative team culture, encouraging digital acceleration, and embedding a consumer-focused mindset. Alongside her UK remit, she contributes to European projects and shares insights across markets where relevant. Prior to Avery, Kristine held senior roles at Johnson & Johnson and Coca-Cola, where she helped revitalise iconic brands and delivered award-winning work. With her broad international experience, Kristine brings a unique blend of strategic vision, commercial acumen, and people-first leadership to every challenge.

Matt Balcombe

Managing Director, Exertis Supplies

Matt Balcombe took over as Managing Director of UK business products wholesaler Exertis Supplies in May 2025. Prior to the appointment, Matt had spent more than ten years at Exertis UK, having previously worked for Computers Unlimited – which was acquired by the distributor in 2014. Most of his career to date has been in sales and commercial leadership positions, but in 2020 he moved to the role of UK Transformation Director, working across all business areas. Balcombe also joined the senior leadership team at Exertis Supplies in the autumn of 2024.

Simon Brooks

Simon Brooks is a dynamic and commercially astute C-suite leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformation, growth, and operational excellence across international markets. With a proven track record as Chief Commercial Officer, Managing Director, and Chief Operating Officer, he has led multi-functional teams and delivered shareholder value across complex B2B, B2C, and D2C environments. Recognised for building customer-centric cultures, scaling businesses globally, and executing high-impact commercial strategies, Simon also brings depth as a qualified business coach and published author of Lead Anyway—a leadership guide rooted in emotional intelligence and legacy-driven impact.