Venture Forge appoints Kenwright as Chief Commercial Officer

SOFIAH NICHOLE SALIVIO

News Editor

Venture Forge has appointed Stephen Kenwright as Fractional Chief Commercial Officer, adding the former Rise at Seven executive to the Yorkshire Amazon agency’s leadership team.

At the 21-person company, Kenwright will lead new business and marketing as Venture Forge develops its commercial strategy and expands its market presence. The appointment comes as the agency prepares to support client brands through Amazon Prime Day, a key trading period for sellers on the platform.

Founded in 2018 by former Heads of E-Commerce Andrew Banks and Jonathan Newton, Venture Forge helps consumer brands sell through Amazon. Its clients include Thermos, VAX, John Cotton and Glen Dimplex.

Kenwright brings nearly two decades of experience in commercial, digital and agency leadership. He founded Rise at Seven in 2019 and helped grow the business to annual revenues of more than £7 million, with 110 employees across Sheffield, Manchester, London and New York, before leaving after three years.

He also founded SearchLeeds and now works as a non-executive director and business development consultant for several agencies. His work has been recognised by Business Insider’s 42 Under 42 and The Drum.

Growth plans

The hire reflects Venture Forge’s efforts to strengthen its leadership team as the business grows. The agency has built its position by advising consumer brands on Amazon sales, operations and profitability.

The role adds dedicated senior oversight of commercial development beyond the two founders, marking a shift from a founder-led growth model to a broader management structure as the business expands.

Kenwright said he had not expected to take on another CCO role.

“I had no plans to return to the fray in a CCO role, but the opportunity with Venture Forge was too good to pass up.

“I was excited to get deep into Amazon, since I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface in my previous companies. Working with Andy and Jonathan, who’ve been friends of friends for a long time and experienced retailers in their own right, has been a great experience over the last few weeks.”

“Most of all, it feels like an agency in its ascendency, and one where I can make a significant difference.”

Founders’ view

Andrew Banks, Founder and Managing Director of Venture Forge, said the appointment reflects both Kenwright’s background and the stage the company has reached.

“Stephen isn’t a stranger. He’s someone Jonathan and I have known of and rated for years.

“So this was never just about hiring a CCO. It’s about the right person arriving at exactly the right moment: the point where our commercial ambition has outgrown what two founders can carry alone.

“Having an operator of his pedigree choose us tells us everything about where Venture Forge is heading.”

The recruitment also reflects continued demand for specialists in marketplace commerce, particularly among consumer brands seeking stronger sales on Amazon. Agencies in this segment have benefited as manufacturers and retailers devote more attention to direct marketplace performance, advertising and fulfilment economics.

Prime Day remains one of the most important points in the Amazon trading calendar, often driving a surge in promotional activity, stock planning and advertising spend among brands. For agencies serving that market, the period can act as both a test of operational readiness and a source of new client demand.

Both founders previously held Head of E-Commerce roles before setting up the business. As Banks put it, the company has reached “the point where our commercial ambition has outgrown what two founders can carry alone.”