Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

HARRY ILLSLEY

London

Summary

Versatile and driven professional with a diverse background spanning from executive assistant roles, hospitality management, music production, and event direction. Experienced in leading high-level administrative operations as a Private PA, managing executive schedules, reports, and communications with precision and professionalism. Proven leadership in hospitality, having progressed to Head Waiter at Soutine, managed staff, upheld service standards, and strengthened teamwork in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. I bring extensive creative and technical expertise with over three years of independent experience in the music industry, songwriting, recording, mixing, and mastering. Currently undertaking a BA in Psychology at Birkbeck to further enhance my understanding of human behaviour, communication, and interpersonal dynamics, complemented by formal qualifications in Music Production, Sound Engineering, and Mixing & Mastering. Skilled in strategic planning, leadership, and project coordination, with a proactive mindset and resilience in challenging situations. Adept at balancing technical proficiency with creative direction, I excel in fostering collaboration, problem-solving under pressure, and delivering consistent results across varied industries.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work history

Private PA

Medix International
London, UK
04.2025 - 09.2026
  • Organised high-level meetings for productive collaboration.
  • Managed complex diaries, ensuring seamless executive schedules.
  • Created detailed reports for informed decision-making.
  • Handled incoming calls professionally, ensuring excellent customer service delivery.
  • Ensured timely responses to emails to enhance communication flow.

Music Production, Writing & Engineering

Independent
London
04.2022 - 09.2025
  • Spearheaded music projects for three years, collaborating with many artists to create individual distinctive sonic identities.
  • Oversaw production processes, including songwriting, recording, engineering, and mixing for optimal sound quality.
  • Provided creative direction, guiding artists through pre-release strategies, branding, and marketing initiatives.
  • Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.

Head Waiter

Soutine
London
01.2020 - 08.2022
  • Progressed from Junior Waiter to Head Waiter, assuming significant management responsibilities.
  • Trained new staff to uphold consistent service standards across the team.
  • Managed staff rota to ensure optimal coverage during peak hours.
  • Communicated with management regarding customer feedback and staff performance issues.
  • Handled cash transactions and completed end-of-day accounting tasks, ensuring financial accuracy.
  • Assisted in menu development to enhance guest satisfaction.
  • Strengthened work ethic through full-time shifts and intensive weeks, emphasising teamwork.

Business Director

telltale
London, UK
02.2023 - 10.2024
  • Co-founded and managed music events business, overseeing planning, curation, and marketing in London.
  • Established strong industry partnerships, launching multiple sold-out events.
  • Developed residencies and organised private functions and public art exhibitions.
  • Enhanced venue engagement through strategic event curation and client relationship management.

Podcasting

Key4Life
London
05.2021 - 08.2021
  • Produced and hosted three podcast series, integrating extensive research with professional audio quality.
  • Conducted impactful interviews with ex-offenders, focusing on rehabilitation narratives.
  • Developed two series for John Illsley, highlighting his Dire Straits legacy and vinyl collection.
  • Managed comprehensive production, editing, and marketing strategies from inception to completion.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Birkbeck
London
09/2025 -

Diploma of Higher Education - Music Production & Sound Engineering

Point Blank Music School
London
09/2019 - 06/2021

Certificate of Higher Education - Mixing & Mastering

London Academy of Music Production
London
03/2025 - 07/2025

9 GCSEs - English | Maths

Bryanston School
United Kingdom
09/2010 - 06/2015

A-Levels - Business & Economics | English Literature | Religious Studies

Bryanston School
United Kingdom
09/2014 - 07/2015

Skills

  • Natural communication
  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • Canva design skills
  • Time management expertise
  • Negotiation skills
  • Proactive mindset
  • Deadline compliance
  • Event and project coordination
  • Team collaboration
  • Creative direction
  • Technical proficiency
  • Audio production and editing
  • Leadership and management
  • Calmness under pressure
  • Effective communication
  • Strategic planning abilities
  • Resourcefulness in problem-solving
  • Microsoft Office knowledge
  • Attentive listening skills
  • Ethical judgment
  • Resilience in challenging situations
  • Interpersonal skills

Languages

English
Proficient (C2)

Affiliations

  • Gardening
  • Sport
  • Cooking
  • Chess
  • Travel
  • Piano

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Private PA

Medix International
04.2025 - 09.2026

Business Director

telltale
02.2023 - 10.2024

Music Production, Writing & Engineering

Independent
04.2022 - 09.2025

Podcasting

Key4Life
05.2021 - 08.2021

Head Waiter

Soutine
01.2020 - 08.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Birkbeck
09/2025 -

Diploma of Higher Education - Music Production & Sound Engineering

Point Blank Music School
09/2019 - 06/2021

Certificate of Higher Education - Mixing & Mastering

London Academy of Music Production
03/2025 - 07/2025

9 GCSEs - English | Maths

Bryanston School
09/2010 - 06/2015

A-Levels - Business & Economics | English Literature | Religious Studies

Bryanston School
09/2014 - 07/2015
HARRY ILLSLEY