Who We Are

Richard Conway is the founder and CEO of The Optimisers, and owner of NZ Business, Management, and Exporter magazines. He’s also the author of How to Get to the Top of Google Search (Penguin Random House), a Gold IAB Award winner (Service to The Industry), and an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.

Dale Folland is the Commercial Director at The Optimisers, one of Australasia’s leading digital marketing agencies. With over five years of experience leading a high-performing sales team, he helps businesses grow through SEO, SEM, CRO, and data-driven digital marketing strategies.

Dale began his career as a Sports and Clinical Nutritionist before moving into entrepreneurship, where he built and scaled several e-commerce businesses that still operate internationally. His hands-on experience gives him a clear view of the real challenges clients face in competitive markets.

Alongside his role at The Optimisers, Dale continues to run other business ventures because he believes in building multiple income streams. He is passionate about AI and new marketing technology, and he looks for ways to help clients grow faster and smarter.

Krish is the Director of the Melbourne branch of the business. With a strong passion for digital marketing, branding, and campaign strategy, he focuses on creating meaningful strategies that drive real results. His approach is guided by a simple philosophy: build and deliver a service that he would genuinely want to use himself and recommend to others.

Sam is a marketing data generalist but with a special interest in data collection. He works with clients ranging from early-stage startups to large multinationals, helping teams build reliable foundations for measurement and decision-making. He believes everyone is a data person at heart, and thrives on empowering others and collaborating on complex problems. Outside of work, he loves anything and everything as long as it's hands on and very nerdy.

Frances is a Chartered Accountant with years of working experience in accounting firms. Her previous experience of management accounting, financial accounting, tax advisory, and project services for clients across various industries gained her a solid foundation for financial operations. With a sharp eye for detail and her analytical mindset, she ensures financial performance and compliance. Outside the office she enjoys yoga, swimming, and outdoor walking to connect with nature.

Malvika is an Account Director at The Optimisers, with five years of agency experience and a passion for strategy that delivers real results. She’s energised by uncovering unique, creative ways to help clients grow - balancing bold ideas with a clear understanding of the bigger picture.
Whether it’s having strategic conversations, supporting clients through digital shifts, or identifying new opportunities for growth, Malvika is focused on making every move count. She believes great work comes from collaboration, curiosity, and, of course, a good cup of coffee.

David Nothling-Demmer is Managing Editor of Pure 360, a media network that publishes NZBusiness, Management, and ExporterToday. He also serves as Editor at NZBusiness, where he shares real stories from Kiwi SMEs and the people behind them. David works closely with The Optimisers team to highlight businesses across New Zealand. If you have a great business journey to share, he’d love to hear from you.

Elise has a knack for turning campaigns into success stories and everyday moments into creative projects. Whether she’s optimising ads, painting, or experimenting with gin infusions, she brings the same spark of curiosity and imagination to her work.