01 · About
The short version
I lead Zendesk's APAC Renewals function, which I built from scratch in 2023. Today I run a 14-person team across Sydney, Japan and Manila, including two managers, and own a nine-figure renewal book at ~92% average quarterly attainment. I personally lead our largest and highest-risk negotiations, and co-own APAC's expansion target with our AE teams ($21M+ in 2025).
I also build AI tools that change how my team works, and I teach others to do the same.
- 3 → 14team built from scratch
- ~92%avg quarterly attainment
- $21M+expansion ARR (2025)
- $500K+deals personally negotiated
02 · Experience
Where I've been
Head of Renewals, APAC
Zendesk · Hybrid, Sydney
Jul 2023 – Present
- Senior Manager (Mar 2026 – Present) · Promoted
- Manager (Jul 2023 – Mar 2026)
- Built APAC Renewals from scratch: grew the team from 3 to 14 across Sydney, Japan and Manila, including two managers.
- Own a nine-figure renewal book at ~92% average quarterly attainment, and co-own APAC's expansion target ($21M+ in 2025).
Senior Renewals Manager, ANZ
Zendesk
Sep 2021 – Jul 2023
- Owned a $31.1M renewal book end to end.
Renewals Manager
Ansarada · Sydney
Feb 2019 – Sep 2021
- Created the company's first renewals role; moved legacy customers onto subscription during the shift to SaaS, converting 40%+ of the base.
Customer Success Manager
Ansarada · Sydney
Dec 2017 – Mar 2019
Client Service Executive
Ansarada · Greater Sydney Area
Sep 2016 – Dec 2017
Co-Founder / Owner, J&T Espresso Bar
Self-employed · Sydney
Jul 2015 – Sep 2016
Started J&T's Espresso Bar with my best mate (Jesse & Tim). Ran social media marketing and co-ran the cafe, 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. As rewarding as it was difficult.
Advisory
Sales Advisor (informal)
Fieldbook
Advised the co-founders on their sales approach and early adopter process.
03 · Tools
What I build with
04 · AI & Innovation
AI tools I've built
Renewals Bot
Pulls Salesforce data, analyses retention, forecasts the quarter and writes executive briefings. My team uses it to self-serve forecasts and deal updates. Cut 3+ hours a week from forecasting.
AI by a Dummy
An internal course I created and teach, showing non-technical colleagues how to build their own AI tools.
Vibecoded Dashboards
Built internal dashboards that pull data from multiple sources into one place, giving the team real-time visibility they didn't have before.
Efficiency & Accountability
Built AI tooling that turned manual, error-prone processes into faster, more reliable ones, lifting team efficiency and accountability.
05 · Recommendations
In their words
A few words from people I've worked with
“Jesse was an instrumental part in the success of the Zendesk APAC Renewals team from its inception... created amazing collaboration with stakeholders and had an approach in finding win/win outcomes with customers while staying positive. A real pleasure to work with and a top bloke.”
“Jesse's ability to manage internal stakeholders is nothing short of remarkable... His leadership is characterised by empathy, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of betterment, making him not just a manager, but a mentor and a role model.”
“Jesse has been invaluable in helping shape our early adopter process. He brings his extensive sales experience to every conversation and offers actionable suggestions... If you're looking to sharpen your sales approach - look no further than Jesse.”
“I worked with Jesse as a virtual team member where he delivered outstanding value by turning mundane renewals into new sales opportunities and deeper commitments... a person with strong values and principles and a 'yearning for learning'.”
“He has such a great understanding of our business strategy and processes. His incredible work ethic and negotiation skills allow him to drive excellent results and achieve the best outcome for both the customer and the company.”
“Jesse worked to establish and define renewals for the company from the ground up; he was critical to the long-term development of the company and an indispensable part of the team. Anyone would be lucky to have Jesse join their organisation!”
“Jesse's strongest skill is being able to speak with anyone and everyone and leave a positive impact. His ability to solve problems and remain cool, calm and collected throughout is something else!”
“As bright, high-performing and charismatic as he is, he is equally empathetic and emotionally intelligent, with a very genuine willingness to learn from others... he gets no greater satisfaction than helping others succeed.”