Robert Preswick

  • robertpreswick@gmail.com

Summary

I am a product leader with a proven track record of scaling teams and driving significant business growth through a supply platform and user-centered payment solutions. With experience in payments, marketplace dynamics, and online commerce in APAC (and global) markets, I combine deep technical understanding with commercial acumen to deliver stellar results.

Work Experience

Director of Product Management | Luxury Escapes

Jan 2021 - Present

  • I lead the supply platform, comprised of 8 product managers and 9 teams including hotels, flights, villas, cruises, tours, payments, B2B platforms, white labels. Track record of conceptualising, growing and optimising products at all stages of the product lifecycle.
  • Conceptualised and launched deposit payment system during/post-COVID, improving customer confidence and conversion rates whilst managing risk.
  • Established and optimised virtual credit card program in 2021 then in 2024, led re-negotiations and generating 7-figure cost savings and improving cash conversion cycle by 15 days.
  • Lead rate optimisation initiatives resulting in 4% gross margin improvement [+11% margin expansion on 9-figure product line] on hotel reservations within 6 months of kick-off in 2024.
  • Established and refined all operating cadences from daily to annual planning, enabling systematic scaling of the product organisation from 5 to 15+ teams, during which, sales grew from $200M to $1B+ through systematic approach to product development and team building.

Product Manager | Booking.com

Feb 2020 - Dec 2020

  • Led payment accuracy initiatives and SOx compliance for distribution/affiliate payments, demonstrating meticulous attention to financial systems and regulatory requirements.
  • Developed machine-readable data architecture for commercial models, enabling accurate automated billing at scale.
  • Conceptualised new revenue streams through new partner integration, showing ability to identify and execute on market opportunities.

Owner | Wick Online

2020 - Present

  • Rapidly built and scaled digital commerce solutions during COVID-19, including:
    • Developed e-commerce platform for wholesale grocer, generating £300,000 TTV in 90 days.
    • Created online learning platform achieving 240% MRR growth and US$400,000 TTV at 95% margins.
  • Co-founded ServerlessDays Sydney, raising $35,000 from major tech partners.

Product Manager | Luxury Escapes

Apr 2018 - Nov 2019

  • Rapidly progressed to handling largest product scope within 6 months through consistent delivery of critical projects, despite joining as most junior member.
  • Developed automated accounts payable system, improving operational efficiency and financial accuracy.
  • Led successful re-platforming initiative, demonstrating technical depth and project management capabilities.
  • Launched airfare bundling product, involvunf review of many pages of XML documentation, adding $50M+ in TTV to the business within first year.

Product Manager | 3D Safety Systems

Apr 2016 - Dec 2017

  • Established product management function within $4M ARR SaaS business.
  • Secured $60,000 co-investment from LendLease for innovative workforce management solution.
  • Improved product specification, planning, and delivery processes.

Commercial and Sales Analyst | Apotex, Inc.

Nov 2014 - Mar 2016

  • Developed strong foundation in data analysis and commercial strategy.
  • Built expertise in SQL, VBA, and data warehouse concepts.
  • Supported GTM strategies for new product (molecule) launches.

Education

Bachelor of Business | University of Technology, Sydney

2011 - 2014

  • Major in Accounting and Finance
  • Specialised in Portfolio Optimization

Skills and Expertise

  • Product Leadership: Team scaling, strategic planning, stakeholder management.
  • Financial Systems: Payment systems, virtual credit cards, billing automation.
  • Technical: SQL, data analysis, product analytics (Heap, Looker Studio, Snowplow). Experience with Ruby on Rails, Python, HTML/CSS, automation tools.