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.

Bruno is an SEO and analytics specialist who sees organic search as equal parts science, art, and a little bit of wizardry. He helps businesses of all shapes and sizes get found online and actually make sense of their data. On a lifelong mission to prove that SEO and paid search don’t have to fight, they can be best buddies - with a bit of data therapy. Outside of work, you’ll find him tinkering with dashboards for fun, playing tennis, or getting way too excited about things most people would call a bit too nerdy.

With a unique background in both accounting and marketing from the University of Auckland, Graham pivoted from a career in finance to pursue his passion for digital media and technology. He has worked across various industries, including for The Walt Disney Company, and found his ideal career in digital marketing, where he could leverage his analytical skills and eye for detail to measure performance and stay ahead of business trends. Experienced in a broad range of digital fields from e-commerce to SEO, Graham has now specialised in SEM and Google Ads at The Optimisers, blending his technical expertise with creative strategy to drive results.

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.

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.

Tama’s SEO journey started with building his first website and falling headfirst into the world of SEO - what began as curiosity turned into a career. He’s especially passionate about crafting smart site architectures that make both users and search engines happy. When he’s not geeking out over SEO, Tama swaps the keyboard for a tennis racket, proudly representing the Cook Islands on the court. He's also the 2-time reigning table tennis champion in the office.

Joshua’s focus is on helping the team grow and deliver great work for clients. With more than a decade in digital and performance marketing, and experience across global agencies and Tier 1 brands, he’s as comfortable diving into the data as he is shaping big-picture, cross-channel strategies. He believes leadership is about empathy and creating the right environment for people to thrive, whether that means solving challenges together, encouraging fresh ideas, or celebrating the wins that matter most.

From leading TV shows production to shaping long-term brand and marketing strategies, I’ve always loved keeping an eye on the bigger picture. Today, I help brands align their digital marketing with business goals, build meaningful relationships, and discover exciting opportunities that keep them one step ahead.

Rachel O’Reilly has been with the team since 2019, bringing 13+ years of international experience across agencies, healthcare, education, sales, and retail. She is focused on relationship management and workplace culture, and experienced in operations, and project management. Rachel enjoys building supportive environments where people and businesses can thrive. Outside of work, she loves travelling, days at the beach, and the occasional piña colada, even in the rain.

Kris swapped hospital corridors for Campaign dashboards and hasn’t looked back a Search Engine Marketing specialist at The Optimisers with a knack for turning data into strategy. Outside work, he’s either beat-matching in a home studio, trekking through trails, or daydreaming about hitting the open road on a motorbike.

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.

Returning to her finance roots after time dedicated to raising her family, Michelle brings warmth and precision to her role as a credit controller. Known for being approachable, organised, and detail-oriented, she balances professionalism with a friendly touch, always ready to support colleagues and clients alike.
Outside the office, Michelle is often busy with family life, but also enjoys diving into podcasts and personal projects that keep her curiosity and love of learning alive.

Wearing both hats as a writer and editor, Nam loves to produce content and optimise the work of others. Whether expanding a case study or researching a niche topic, where there is a story worth telling, you'll find Nam in hot pursuit.

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.

Ruby is a Digital Marketing Consultant with 4 years’ experience, known for her creative problem-solving and passion for AI. She loves demystifying digital marketing and shaping strategies that future-proof businesses for the evolving world of search. In her spare time, Ruby enjoys tennis, gardening, growing her property portfolio, and tuning in to a good podcast.

Ben is an SEO specialist who began his digital marketing career as a copywriter. He has a background in English and creative passions in music and writing - he tries to bring that creative flare to everything he does.

As a Web Content Editor, Robin gets a kick out of SEO’s ever-changing landscape—there’s always something new to learn, tweak, and master. When not fine-tuning content strategies, Robin is usually out catching waves, birdwatching, or jamming on a guitar. With a home full of rescued cats, dogs, and even chickens, life outside of work is as dynamic as the digital world they edit in.

With a background in Mathematics and Psychology, Deepika enjoys turning numbers into meaningful strategies and stories. She values collaboration and is always exploring new ways to bring fresh ideas into digital campaigns.
Outside of work, her interests include playing badminton, trying out new workouts, and cooking, which she finds both therapeutic and creative.

Eylül has dedicated years to statistics and data-driven solutions in marketing, and what brings her the greatest joy is transforming insights into creative thinking and crafting a unique story for every client. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is passionate about generative art and enjoys balancing her digital life by engaging in DIY projects during her free time.

Carissa is a Senior Programmatic Specialist at The Optimisers. Her experience is entirely rooted in Programmatic trading, serving ads, securing ad inventories with publishers. She enjoys helping clients grow through strategic campaigns and finds it rewarding to see results come to life. With a keen interest in broadcast and live production, you may catch her tinkering with setups or studying new tools and workflows in her free time.

Marionne graduated from De La Salle University in Manila with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and brings a vibrant mix of experience in TV, advertising, events, branding, and communications. Her creative background fuels her knack for crafting engaging, SEO-friendly content that connects with people and brands alike.
When she’s not busy writing at The Optimisers, Marionne can usually be found re-watching her favourite TV shows (for “research,” of course), giving endless pats to her dog, Draco, or enjoying an iced coffee, her fuel of choice for both deadlines and marathons.