The executive search committee (ESC) of the client company was comprised of the President, CEO, current CTO and SVP of Human Resources acting as the liaison for the (ESC). The (ESC) identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search (OIC) to conduct a national search to identify and review the proper technology executive capable of facilitating the current CTO’s succession plan and the board of director's desire to enhance the global technological resources of their media holdings across all media platforms.
The CTO had a clear vision of where the diverse media holdings needed to be technologically in international, national, regional and local markets and he was exceptionally articulate in what he was seeking strategically and tactically to assure that his successor could manage this global media and entertainment conglomerate, well into the future.
The diversity of the company's global media portfolio would require Filcro Media Staffing to recruit a CTO with broad media acumen and a sophisticated comprehensive overview of advanced multimedia, multicast and multiplex broadcast technologies. For terrestrial distribution, MSO, OTA & Satellite relationships and FCC mandates this new CTO would require exceptional hard and soft skills to evangelize technology internal and external to the organization. The new CTO would review and manage many IT and broadcast vendor relationships across three continents; this would require a fiscally mature media IT executive with extensive build-out, operations and maintenance experience globally.
With a large multinational and multi language IT engineering staff reporting into this technology executive, a noted and adept mentor with the ability to manage soft and hard assets remotely would be essential. Media technology issues associated with international government regulations, business affairs and monetization were complex and we required an executive who could utilize the firm’s extensive legislative resources effectively to manage these areas with autonomy.
Some of challenges facing the new CTO
Global Dissemination Across Multiple Media Platforms
Optimizing and Upgrading Resources for TV, OD, Radio, Interactive and Wireless Normalization
Change Management
Vendor Management in International & Domestic Markets
Optimizing Sales Technology to Enhance Revenue Across All Platforms
Centralize Control of International Technology Assets
International Government and Domestic FCC Compliance
Management of a Diverse Multinational Staff
Attracting and Mentoring Staff to Facilitate Technology Initiatives
Implementing IT Best Practices Internal & External to the Organization for Assimilation, Dissemination & Production
Integration of media platforms for monetization of multicast products and services
Solution
Based on Filcro Media Staffing’s recruitment experience with prior advanced media technology searches and an awareness of other global media organization's technology infrastructures; compiling, verifying and vetting the entire initial search universe and including the ESC in the process took less than three weeks to complete. With a finite number of appropriate media technology executives capable of moving the organization globally to their next generation of technology across all their targeted media platforms it was apparent who was qualified from a mechanical perspective well before the initial round of interviews in New York, Atlanta and California to understand each executive's capacity strategically.
The OIC’s (Tony Filson) objective was to attract the proper media technology executives to fit well within the organizations unique technology culture. Every ideal media technology executive identified was currently under contract, happy and well vested within their respective media conglomerate. The current CTO’s succession plan was essential while recruiting to attract the “ideals” who were talented and well sought after Media IT executives. All exhibited the career progression and stability sought in the new CTO to maintain continuity and facilitate growth in the client’s global technology organization.
The current Chief Technology Officer CTO required extensive assurances that this incoming executive would assume the initial transitional role prescribed before taking over the CTO position at the cadence prescribed. Maturity and sound judgment during a brief transition alloted would afford the organization and their vendors and affiliates continuity during the new CTO’s ascension. An extensive round of interviews in New York with the CTO, CEO and other senior level executive of the hiring company provided a unanimous consensus that the proper media IT executive to assume the CTO’s position had been identified and that he was indeed uniquely qualified and the single most qualified candidate for the position.
Successful CTO Recruited
The executive recruited and attracted by Filcro Media Staffing - Tony Filson (OIC) for the organization was currently managing (7) seven major TV broadcast and cable entities for one of the largest U.S. based multinational media and entertainment conglomerates in the world. In his previous roles this technology executive managed across every media platform relevant to the organizations diverse global media infrastructure to include: Multicast of Cable TV, Broadcast TV, Radio, Interactive, On Demand, OOH, Mobile and Wireless assets.
The executive was currently managing over 70 senior technology employees across The Americas, Europe and Asia with total technology and financial controls within these geographics for global dissemination. His total reports on a dotted line and vendor management exceeded that of any other candidate by two fold.
With a proven history of efficacy in managing and introducing new media technology from a hard asset and human resource perspective he was respected below, on and above line by everyone who came in contact with him personally and professionally. This level of respect by his peers and those who reported into him would also be an asset in attracting and retaining highly valuable media technologists for the client company in the future.
One of the most challenging aspects of this media technology executive search was negotiating the timing of the executive's release from his current contract due to a media industry merger. At all times, this media IT executive exhibited traits inherent to someone with a fine character, intelligence and honor. It was a pleasure working on this search with the current CTO and attracting such a fine senior media IT executive to carry forward the firm's reputation as a leader in global media technology and broadcasting entertainment.
The incumbent CTO left the firm as designed in his succession plan and the new CTO apparent reported directly into the new CEO.
Mobile
Cable TV & MSO
Broadcast TV
Digital Radio
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Broadcasting Executive Search Filcro Media Staffing - Media Technology Search Group
Filcro Media Staffing, leading technology recruitment for the media and entertainment industry
Tony Filson Filcro Media Staffing Reviews, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing - National Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms - Selected Case Histories - TF Roster
A Filcro Media Staffing advanced media technology executive search for review
Chief Information Officer CIO Executive Director The State of Iowa
Search Chief Executive Officer – CIO - Executive Director - Public / Private Sector Hybrid Based Johnston, IA - USA Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing, Tony Filson functioning as Officer in Charge of Search Reporting to Executive Search Committee in Johnston, IA
Client
A government and private sector hybrid consisting of utility, telecom and broadcast components with some of the most advanced fiber facilitates and technology infrastructure in the United States.
These facilities service Consumer, Business, Government, DoD, Academic, Law Enforcement, Public Broadcasting, Research and Medical Communities with high-end digital voice, video and data services with hardened redundancy. These hardened facilities and human assets are located on a Federal Reservation within a secure military facility
Client Situation
An executive search committee was formed consisting of representation from each primary constituency to identify an executive search firm to conduct a national executive search to identify a new CEO/CIO/ED without regard to title nomenclature in the private or public sectors.
The objective of the search was maintain technological superiority serving a diverse constituency with sophisticated technology needs that could continue to perform under the most adverse circumstances or scenarios to support CONUS and OCUNUS dissemination and assimilation for the interests represented by the executive search committee.
Filcro Media Staffing was retained to identify, recruit and attract a senior level advanced technology executive capable of transitioning the organization where needed strategically while recognizing and capitalizing on the resources and assets to be preserved.
Executive Search Committee Member Industry and Sector inclusion
Television Broadcasting
Telecommunications
Technology Research & Development
Department of Defense
Education
Government – Legislative
Government – Information Technology
Medical Services and Technology
Energy Utilities
The executive search committee (ESC) identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search after conducting their own national identification efforts to review and identify the ideal executive.
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
Filcro Media Staffing’s Officer in Charge of Search Tony Filson was flown to the client company, met with the ESC and commenced the search by first reestablishing a consensus of the ESC based on Filcro Media Staffing’s prior experience with similar searches consisting of diverse sets of private and public sector constituencies.
Filcro Media Staffing was provided with a tour of all technical and operational facilities to evaluate and review all hard and soft assets as they relate(d) to the skills required of the new ED/CIO/CEO. This tour was invaluable in garnering an understanding of a unique culture comprised of mixed Government, Utility and Business interests.
The diversity of the constituency on the executive search committee caused an unusually abundant skill-set and multiple industry experience requirement document, to be initially drawn. It was necessary for Filcro Media Staffing to establish a hierarchy of desired skill sets and industry experience to proceed with universe compilation and tiering. Filcro Media Staffing reported to an ESC consisting of seven (7) executives participating remotely by video conference at times. SEIT offered many advantages during internal consensus building.
Filcro Media Staffing was fortunate to have such vocal, articulate and free flowing input from the ESC. The establishment of the new document used for universe compilation was accomplished immediately once Tony Filson presented market and technology information to facilitate the committee's needs.
Due to political and proposed legislative issues the search offered many challenges. An executive had to be identified that could function within an organization that could possibly experience fundamental “core” changes in a brief period of time.
Some of the challenges facing the new Executive Director (ED) - CIO
Change Management
Resource Allocation
Customer Service
Adaptation of Technology to Client Needs
Legislative Awareness and Formulation
Financial Management and Budget Controls
Reviews of all Vendor Partnerships / Relationships
Human Resource Concerns
Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify the "best in industry" chief technology operational executives and technology CEO’s and CIO’s with proven records of success within similar corporate and technical organizations sharing ecology similarities with documented and effective modality that could be exhibited to the ESC. Strategic business and technological leadership being of primary concern in advanced technology environments serving broadcasting, military, distribution and telecommunication interests with advanced self supporting IT infrastructures.
An executive capable of focusing on cohesive management team development that could be responsive to a diverse customer base was essential. The constituency had to witness immediately, traits that would facilitate efficacy in areas of this “vital concern”.
With an unusual need for “network client” competency assurances for advanced data dissemination at the onset, tactical, strategic and technological acumen was required to compliment effective mentoring skills related to “network clients” requiring 365/24/7 date resources with assured redundancies.
As the ESC was torn equally to the new executive being from the private or government / public sectors, we needed an executive with proven experience functioning within both worlds from a service perspective who was a technologist, honed executive and consensus builder.
The new CIO / executive director was recruited from a next-generation network services provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of network and broadband media services to companies, utilities and government concerns whose businesses require intensive amounts of bandwidth and reliability.
This technology executive serviced pre-and-post Regional Bell Operating Companies, Interexchange Carriers, international carriers, wireless companies, cable service providers, utilities, major Internet service providers and media content owners.
This executive was also familiar with hardened facility requirements that are inherent to the environment and functionality of these unique facilities. His proven efficacy in managing and developing advanced IT infrastructure was ideal as he was a competent CIO, COO and CEO within both the the public and private sectors.
The executive was ambitious and an accomplished manager with proven abilities to identify areas of strength and weakness with hard and soft assets. He improved bottom line results in every environment he managed directly or on a dotted-line. He was pro-active and detail oriented with a hands-on team management style focused on the big picture and developing strategies to achieve objectives, yet he had the sensitivities to successfully manage the unique constituency issues of the organization.
His experiences in P&L, cost center management, business development, corporate environment IT, market strategy, product development, operations, turnarounds and call center operations were quite distinct from that of other candidates. The compilation of this executive's work experiences and skills were a perfect fit for where the organization wanted to be in the future.
The cultural fit was proper from functional, technical, business and personal perspectives relevant to the present and proposed core changes of the network itself. His capacity to transition the environment and culture from a predominantly “military feel and culture” to that of a private industry technology resource provider was apparent also.
The executive had implemented market based pricing approaches in the past that improved average revenue per operating unit by 30%.
The executive experienced a smooth and speedy relocation and is performing exceptionally well receiving promotions and chairmanships of numerous entities relevant to the constituencies interests.
We found the executive to be an exceptional business person, fine gentleman and a respected member of the community.
Security and Senate confirmation was required and received for this CEO / CIO Executive Director who holds the title of State CIO of the most advanced private and public sector utility hybrids in The United States of America.
Mobile
Cable TV & MSO
Broadcast TV
Radio
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Broadcasting Executive Search Filcro Media Staffing - Media Technology Search Group
Filcro Media Staffing Media Executive Search skill set and recruitment experience designations for review
TV Broadcasting Music Television Network - Executive Search Reviews
TV Network CEO Chief Executive Officer
Based New York, NY - USA
Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing OIC Tony Filson reporting to the Board of Directors
Client A Music TV Network seeking departure from legacy media and looking to the future in the way music is produced, distributed, licensed, monetized and assimilated across (8) eight media platforms.
Search Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Client Situation Due to increased competition, affiliate agreements, licensing costs and technology developments the board of directors opted to form a new company as a model for future multiplex music distribution across multiple music genres. The board was seeking a TV Network CEO with solid efficacy in directing management and monetization within this space. The objective facilitated was to cut out legacy media CAPEX and start with a business model that vastly improved margins and lowered operating costs that were previously associated with 100-Million plus rated advertising driven TV Networks. The CFO and Chairman of the company specifically wanted to attract an executive from this space with the capacity to leverage technology, content and distribution to the new TV Network’s advantage. Below is a review of Filcro Media Staffing completing the search
Executive Search Committee Member(s) Industry and Sector inclusion
Cable TV
Broadcast TV
Satellite TV
Technology
Music Publishing / Music Distribution / Music Production
Investment Banking
The CFO identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) as Officer in Charge of Search.
Filcro Media Staffing Retained
The Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search, Tony Filson, The client CFO and current Chairman met in New York and set revenue goals for the new TV Network. Based on FIlcro Media Staffing’s experience conducting executive searches for other music and entertainment based TV Networks the board of directors wanted guidance on a number of areas relevant to the future of multiplex broadcasting and broadcasting technology that could enable the Network to enjoy profit margins well above the industry mean while greatly reducing operating costs and initial distribution CAPEX.
Technology developed by the company for terrestrial distribution gave them an exceptional advantage over others in this space. The ability to multi-cast across eight media platforms without legacy BO&E costs was clearly one of the company's strongest assets aside from their creative content.
Tony Filson and the Network CFO felt that a new standard for music entertainment television would catch on quickly, executing expeditiously to monopolize on the Network's intellectual property was essential.
Filcro Media Staffing reviewed all aspects of the network's infrastructure and every member of the executive search committee agreed with the firm's strategy on attracting the proper CEO.
Some of the challenges facing the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) were
Evangelizing New Forms of Music Distribution & Monetization
Attracting and Building Management Teams in NY, CA & IL
Financial Controls that Excluded Legacy Media CAPEX
Adaptation of New Technology to Affiliates and Distributors.
Identifying a New Board Member
Solution Filcro Media Staffing proceeded with revenue objectives, team building, technology and genre specific industry experience at the forefront.
The initial universe of potential candidates was rich and obtaining insight into each candidate's experience with adapting new broadcasting technology to transform an industry was key. Evangelizing new modality to an industry steeped in legacy media with vast investments in legacy broadcasting technology and distribution, was not going to be an easy task.
Of the initial universe of 20 screened and possible CEO’s, 4 were separated as first tier candidates and after extensive interviews with Filcro Media Staffing, the client board and the investment bankers all agreed that one executive was highly desired and every effort was to be made to attract this gifted CEO.
The Successful CEO Identified
A CRO of a major media entertainment technology company who prior to his current role was a senior officer of a competing music and entertainment TV Network.
As this TV Network is emerging in 2012 and based on proprietary technology. We are limiting this case history to protect the client company. A more verbose review will be posted in 2013.
Mobile
Cable TV & MSO
Broadcast TV
Radio
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Filcro Media Staffing Media Executive Search Skill Set and Experience Designations for Review
A Filcro Media Staffing reviews of a CRO level executive search
Global CRO Chief Revenue Officer Music Media & Entertainment
Music TV, Music Radio ,Music Merchandising, Music TV Networks, Music Production, Music Licensing and Music Publishing assets and monetization
BasedNew York, NY - USA
Executive Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing
Officer in Charge of SearchTony Filson reporting to the CEO and Investment Bankers
Client U.S. holding company acquiring multinational music and music entertainment assets.
SearchChief Revenue Officer (CRO) - Global Markets
Client Situation
Recognizing opportunities for music related content and merchandising this media holding company was formed to acquire under performing assets in and related to:
Music Production
Music Publishing
Music Artist Relations
Music Video Production
Music Entertainment Broadcasting
Music Dissemination: TV, Mobile, DOOH, Online, OD
The goal is to combine content and platforms across all music genres to provide alternative assimilation that coincides with the firm’s proprietary technology and intellectual property.
Executive Search Committee Member(s) Industry and Sector inclusion
Investment Banking
Cable & Broadcast TV
Broadcast & Digital Radio
Technology
Music Publishing
Mobile and Broadband
The CEO identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search to identify the new CRO.
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
The Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search, The client CEO and a Managing Director of the investment bank met in New York to discuss current media holdings and those being acquired.
Filcro Media Staffing was engaged to identify the new CRO and to staff all front and back office in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami. Once the domestic markets were staffed, the firm was instructed to identify XVP level personnel for the U.K. ; EU ; Asia ; South America and The MENA.
The Music Media Networks will launch at a cadence dictated by acquisitions and monetization of infrastructure facilitated by new technology that merges cross-platform assimilation and dissemination of music entertainment.
Challenges Facing The New CRO
Guidance during the acquisition of media assets.
The merging and transformation of the acquired companies and their technologies as revenue drivers.
Establishing channels and modalities that utilize the companies proprietary technology
Setting new standards for sales planning, digital networks, ad agency and affiliate relationships in a multinational sales organization.
Review and identify key personnel with the ability to work with totally new offerings that undercut all current forms of music assimilation across 10 media platforms.
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Based on Filcro Media Staffing’s exposure to TV, Music, Technology and Media Merchandising is was determined that the proper CRO’s to recruit to monetize the organization were limited to 5 domestic and 3 international organizations. With assurances from the CEO that the search could be conducted by market driven factors, (3) three of the (8) were deemed appropriate and ultimately the merger of another media company facilitated the ability to attract our ideal at the cadence required for a 2013 launch.
Successful CRO Recruited
This emerging and unique entity will formally launch in 2013 under the guidance of a highly skilled CRO responsible for generating many billions of dollars of music and entertainment revenue. Due to the competitive nature of this space we have limited this review. Thank you.
Mobile
Cable TV & MSO
Broadcast TV
Radio & Music
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Filcro Media Staffing Media executive search skill set and experience recruitment designations for review
Filcro Media Staffing Review, 1985 - 2012 All Rights Reserved
A Filcro Media Staffing Executive Search Case History Reviews
President Global Real Estate Holdings U.S. Media & Entertainment Conglomerate
Location New York, NY - USA Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing OIC Tony Filson Reporting to The Board of Directors Client Diversified Media & Entertainment Conglomerate Client Situation Succession Plan
Executive Search Committee Member Industry and Sector Inclusion
The executive search committee (ESC) with the President / CEO acting as point of contact, identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search to conduct a national search to identify the proper President of Global Real Estate.
The firm’s specialization in the media and communications industries was beneficial at every phase of the search process, recruitment and attraction
The diversity of the global real estate portfolio
Raw land, commercial, industrial, agriculture, entertainment.
All offices for broadcast operations, production, engineering, network operations centers, executive offices
Satellite earth stations
Entertainment venues included amusement parks and sports facilities.
These are a few examples of the complexity of the global real estate portfolio this executive would be managing.
Some challenges facing the new President
Change Management
Real Estate Portfolio Management
Divestiture of Idle Assets
Centralize Control of International Real Estate Assets
Land and Building Acquisitions
Lease Portfolio Optimization
Security
Hiring (2) two Vice Presidents and Implementing Best Practices
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to identify senior most real estate executives with current global management responsibilities of real estate portfolios equal to or greater in scope . A prerequisite was the governance of real estate portfolios through “internal resources” that met or exceeded the worth of the firm’s global holdings. The capacity to identify an executive who could maintain greater controls and optimize return by brining in-house what was currently out-sourced was essential. This President would have to report into one of the most dynamic media chairman in the world. The succession plan required an executive capable of managing a substantial portfolio with the complete approval of a demanding board of directors.
Successful President Recruited
Filcro Media Staffing first scrutinized real estate executives from the media and entertainment sectors in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Atlanta. Subsequently, Tony Filson as the Officer in Charge of the search was not satisfied with the initial universe and conferred with the current president of global real estate in order to identify a candidate who met all the prerequisites established by the board and recruit outside of the media and telecommunications industries. Gaining consensus of the executive search committee, Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to aggressively look at other sectors with substantial global real estate holdings.
Tony Filson as Officer in Charge of Search initiated greater scrutiny of multi conglomerates in the financial and industrial sectors and this proved to exceed the executive search committee's expectations.
A Managing Director of a diversified multinational financial institution based outside of a major geographic market was ultimately identified, hired and unanimously approved by the board.
The executive transitioned successfully and became acclimated in a brief period of time
The firm’s succession plan was successful and the executive has exceeded the board of director's expectations from a management and asset optimization perspective. He has proven to be a vital asset to a global media and entertainment conglomerate with substantial real estate holdings and leasing transactions.
Filcro Media Staffing, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing - National Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms - Selected Case Histories - Reviews of Searches Conducted by Tony Filson Filcro Media Staffing
A Filcro Media Staffing Executive Search Case History Reviews
President Global Real Estate Holdings U.S. Media & Entertainment Conglomerate
Location New York, NY - USA Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing OIC Tony Filson Reporting to The Board of Directors Client Diversified Media & Entertainment Conglomerate Client Situation Succession Plan
Executive Search Committee Member Industry and Sector Inclusion
The executive search committee (ESC) with the President / CEO acting as point of contact, identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search to conduct a national search to identify the proper President of Global Real Estate.
The firm’s specialization in the media and communications industries was beneficial at every phase of the search process, recruitment and attraction
The diversity of the global real estate portfolio
Raw land, commercial, industrial, agriculture, entertainment.
All offices for broadcast operations, production, engineering, network operations centers, executive offices
Satellite earth stations
Entertainment venues included amusement parks and sports facilities.
These are a few examples of the complexity of the global real estate portfolio this executive would be managing.
Some challenges facing the new President
Change Management
Real Estate Portfolio Management
Divestiture of Idle Assets
Centralize Control of International Real Estate Assets
Land and Building Acquisitions
Lease Portfolio Optimization
Security
Hiring (2) two Vice Presidents and Implementing Best Practices
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to identify senior most real estate executives with current global management responsibilities of real estate portfolios equal to or greater in scope . A prerequisite was the governance of real estate portfolios through “internal resources” that met or exceeded the worth of the firm’s global holdings. The capacity to identify an executive who could maintain greater controls and optimize return by brining in-house what was currently out-sourced was essential. This President would have to report into one of the most dynamic media chairman in the world. The succession plan required an executive capable of managing a substantial portfolio with the complete approval of a demanding board of directors.
Successful President Recruited
Filcro Media Staffing first scrutinized real estate executives from the media and entertainment sectors in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Atlanta. Subsequently, Tony Filson as the Officer in Charge of the search was not satisfied with the initial universe and conferred with the current president of global real estate in order to identify a candidate who met all the prerequisites established by the board and recruit outside of the media and telecommunications industries. Gaining consensus of the executive search committee, Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to aggressively look at other sectors with substantial global real estate holdings.
Tony Filson as Officer in Charge of Search initiated greater scrutiny of multi conglomerates in the financial and industrial sectors and this proved to exceed the executive search committee's expectations.
A Managing Director of a diversified multinational financial institution based outside of a major geographic market was ultimately identified, hired and unanimously approved by the board.
The executive transitioned successfully and became acclimated in a brief period of time
The firm’s succession plan was successful and the executive has exceeded the board of director's expectations from a management and asset optimization perspective. He has proven to be a vital asset to a global media and entertainment conglomerate with substantial real estate holdings and leasing transactions.
Filcro Media Staffing, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing - National Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms - Selected Case Histories - Reviews of Searches Conducted by Tony Filson Filcro Media Staffing
A Music, Entertainment, Social Networking & Communication Executive Search Review Chief Sales Officer (CSO)
Search Chief Sales Officer / Executive Vice President Client Global Media and Entertainment Conglomerate. Based New York, NY Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge Tony Filson Reporting to Chairman of the Board
Client SituationAn executive search committee was formed consisting of representation from each primary constituency to identify an executive search firm to conduct the national search to identify a new global CSO/EVP. Objectives: Global Monetization and Media Asset Acquisition
Executive Search Committee Member Industry and Sector inclusion
Television Broadcasting
Telecommunications
Motion Picture
Media Ratings Analysis
Music Publishing and Production
Social Networking
The executive search committee (ESC) unanimously voted to retain Filcro Media Staffing (FMS).
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
Filcro Media Staffing with Tony Filson as Officer in Charge of Search (OIC), met with the ESC and commenced with the search by first reestablishing a consensus of the committee based on Filcro Media Staffing’s experience with similar searches for senior level media sales executives. The diversity of the business, technical and creative constituencies on the executive search committee caused debate as to whom the ideal CSO would be. After Filcro Media Staffing presented compensation and media platform budgets from previous searches in NY, CA and IL, the ESC agreed on the key experience criterion to be utilized for universe compilation.
Filcro Media Staffing was provided a strategic overview of where the board would like to see the firm from a structural and revenue perspective within 1-3 & 5 year increments. TV, Online, OEM and Mobile platforms were compartmented to assure that the budgets desired were realistic.
Some of the challenges facing the new CSO / Executive Vice President
Establishing offices in New York. Los Angeles, Chicago, Mexico, South America and Europe
Hiring sales staff and leadership for all offices
Creating a domestic and international sales operations infrastructure
Initiating domestic and global revenue share agreements
Setup digital ad network relationships
Streamline costs associated with business, technical and creative assets
Vendor Partnerships - Content Relationships
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify the "best in industry" CSO’s; EVP’s and SVP’s from appropriate media environments with a proven record of success in building solid infrastructure of companies with similar revenue generation goals in global digital and broadcast media markets.
As the board had setup 1-3 & 5 year revenue goals it was essential that the CSO had exhibited efficacy in multiple phases of revenue growth in the ten’s to hundred’s of millions of dollars at a similar cadence with startups or acquired media assets rolling out with similar distribution across the same combined media platforms.
The board required expeditious recruitment results to meet revenue projections to assure that the acquisition of a competitor could take place the following year.
Successful CSO / EVP Recruited
A CSO / EVP was identified, recruited and hired with both startup and global media conglomerate experience across three media platforms. This executive had led and grown teams in the $20 Million to $600 Million USD ranges.
From a cultural perspective the executive was well suited to work with the president of each respective operating group in technology and creative areas.
The new CSO / EVP was quick to setup US and international operations and the agreements desired by the board in line with their business plans. The proposed acquisition of media assets was facilitated.
Filcro Media Staffing’s OIC Tony Filson was complemented by the board for identifying an executive who exceeded their expectations. Subsequently, Filcro Media Staffing was asked to staff all sales and sales support staffing in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami.
The CEO met with Filcro Media Staffing in New York to discuss the strategic business goals of the organization across multiple media platforms in domestic and international markets.
The CEO’s objective was to identify an executive who could function with autonomy to monetize the organization in new businesses and to a greater extent in the businesses they were currently engaged in.
As the dominant global leader in their space the CEO realized that their prevailing dominance had caused complacency and there was a need to identify an executive who could move the company forward from a revenue and participation perspective to eliminate any competitors from gaining significant market share.
The CEO granted Filcro Media Staffing autonomy to formulate a job description, compensation and where the executive would be based to assure that revenue and business objectives could be met.
Industry and Sector inclusion
Sports Marketing / Sports Product Monetization
Talent Agencies and Sports Talent Representation
Sports - TV Broadcast Networks and Cable TV Networks
Major MSO Operators
Motion Picture Studios
Sports Franchise Ownership
Sports Leagues
Sports Licensing and Sports Business Affairs Organizations
Filcro Media Staffing was Retained
The CEO was aware of Filcro Media Staffing’s reputation in the businesses that provided the organization’s core revenue streams. Cable Broadcast, On Demand, Telecommunications, MSO and Multinational Media Conglomerates were all apparent clients of the firm. The CEO was an exceptional executive who was about to change over twenty years of legacy media modality and he was doing it with bravado. There was a clear commitment by the executive personally and professionally to revolutionize the relationship between sports, the media industries, advertising agencies and the dominant global advertisers related to the demographic offered.
Some of the Challenges Facing the New Executive
Implementing business process not inherent to the sports industry
Establishing new revenue streams outside of traditional sports broadcast and franchise ownership
Renegotiating deals to include cross-platform entities as primary as opposed to secondary participants
Engage multinational media conglomerates to produce content specific to tent pole events, talent and their associated domestic and international markets
Branding, merchandising and licensing in nontraditional markets
Building infrastructure to emulate business practices in the United States, Europe, South America and Asia
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment
The new Executive Vice President is from one of the leading talent representation organizations in the world. The CEO and new EVP have established a quick and strong relationship based on mutual respect and trust. The success of this search will be based on revenue and the adoption of new business practices. As this search was completed in 2011 we look forward to supplementing this document in 2013. As of September of 2012 this new Executive Vice President has produced record revenues and has positioned the company as #1 in the world.
Mobile
Cable TV & MSO
Broadcast TV
Radio
Music
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Filcro Media Staffing Media executive search skill set and experience recruitment designations for review
Filcro Media Staffing, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing -International Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms - Selected Case Histories of TV Sports Programming, TV Sports Production and TV Sports Business Development executives identified through executive searches conducted by Filcro Media Staffing.
A Filcro Media Staffing technology sales executive search case history for reviews
Media & Entertainment Television Network, Radio, Music and Digital Watermarking Technology
EVP / Senior Vice President National Broadcasting and Media Technology Sales
Search
EVP / Senior Vice President of Domestic and International Broadcast Technology Sales. The CEO wanted to identify an executive who could play dual roles as an EVP of strategic development and SVP of Sales as the sales organizations were built-out globally.
Based New York, NY - USA Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge Tony Filson Reporting to Executive search committee in New York, NY and client company CEO and President in San Diego, CA
Client
A world leader in the development and implementation of technical work-flow and technology solutions for the media industries focusing on the copyright management, royalty distribution, E-Commerce, information, marketing and product distribution needs emerging from the confluence of the entertainment and media industries.
The firm holds a significant patent portfolio of proven watermarking technologies and applications which have emerged as the core media technology components for broadcast copyright protection architectures being developed for new digital media formats, CMS content management and broadcast distribution systems. Selected as the worldwide industry standard in copy protected Digital Audio and for the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI), which has developed an architecture and specifications for playing, storing and distributing digital music and other media content, the was poised dominate audio, video and data watermarking.
The company offers media technology verification solutions spanning all media platforms, from broadcast and cable media to the Internet and a broad spectrum of physical formats from analog to digital consumer media disposables. Motion Picture Studios, TV Broadcasters, Digital and Mobile Media Companies would all benefits from the firms technology, integrated seamlessly, through IT work-flow solutions.
Client Situation
An executive search committee was formed consisting of representation from each primary constituency to identify an executive search firm to conduct the national search to identify and recruit a new EVP / Senior Vice President of Technology Sales. The CEO based in San Diego, CA met with Filcro Media Staffing in New York prior to retaining the firm and asked that Tony Filson conduct the search as Officer in Charge (OIC) and meet with the executive search committee.
Executive Search Committee Member Industry and Sector Inclusion:
Television Broadcasting
Radio Broadcasting
Advertising
Music Production & Distribution
Network & Syndicated Programming
The Marsh & McLennan Company
JP Morgan Investment Banking
Major Consumer Electronics Manufacturers - OEM’s
The executive search committee and the investment banks with the CEO acting as point of contact, met with Tony Filson and retained Filcro Media Staffing. Tony Filson functioned as Officer in Charge to recruit the new EVP / SVP of Global Sales
Filcro Media Staffing Once Retained
Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search Tony Filson met with the CEO and commenced with the search by first reestablishing a consensus of the search committee based on Filcro Media Staffing’s experience with similar searches and desired skill sets. There were varied opinions with regard to tactical and strategic weighting and autonomy. It was important that these issues were addressed prior to commencement. It was the opinion of Filcro Media Staffing from the onset that a talented pool of appropriate executives could be drawn from New York City and that a corporate relocation could be avoided even though the primary technology sales centers for the industry were operating out of two California geographics.
Filcro Media Staffing was provided with organizational charts and overviews of operations and personnel in New York City, NY; San Diego, CA; Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL. The O&D Charting provided by human resources gave great insight into what strategic changes would be required to enhance the effectiveness of the current technology sales force. This new EVP/SVP would have to be a skilled change-agent with acumen and experience more aligned to the modality of a global Fortune 50 for the sales efficacy the board was seeking .
The executive search committee gave full autonomy to the CEO and Filcro Media Staffing during the initial phase of universe establishment and tiering. It was not until the final (4) four candidates were identified that the ESC as a whole, participated in the interviewing process. The established hierarchy of desired skill sets and industry experience only changed once, with the key factor being a balance of strategic and tactical acumen. The fact that Filcro Media Staffing’s OIC Tony Filson reported to a single CEO and not the entire ESC enabled the final group of 1st tier candidates to be established and identified very quickly. Even with the re-weighting, all four of the candidates provided were considered qualified to assume the role.
Filcro Media Staffing was fortunate to have such an active CEO participate during the search who was so articulate and enthusiastic about the opportunity. This new executive was to be identified as the CEO’s “ideal” also as part of the CEO’s succession plan.
Due to industry positioning / pending litigation / prior practices and “venture capital” financing issues the search required a very well rounded EVP/SVP who would play more of a strategic role then tactical as would be the norm in other similar sales environments. An executive had to be identified that could change the entire sales function from the ground up in a very brief period of time. With personnel changes, training and best practices all requiring immediate attention while increasing sales production. The board needed an executive with prior experience within marketing and sales development of core practices in related media environments that initiated systemic changes in targeted client relationships. This experience could come a compilation of industries provided the Motion Picture, Television, Broadband and Music industry sales channels could be monetized within the desired 1-3 & 5 year sales budgets proposed.
Challenges Facing the New EVP / SVP
Change Management
Best Practices
Sales Services & Sales Operations
Adaptation of Technology to Client Needs
Sales Training
Financial Management and Budget Controls
Internal Marketing - Sales Relationship
Board of Director Reporting in an Evolving and Changing Board
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify the "best in industry" EVP’s / SVP’s with a proven record of success in the creation of profitable revenue in the targeted media environments that this executive and his staff would be cultivating. Exposure to content providers, producers, media companies, advertising agencies and advertisers (GM, Coca Cola, P&G, McDonalds, Paramount), and other targeted customer groups that could utilize this media technology would be essential.
An executive capable of focusing on “broadcast data products” while also servicing and selling to broadcast advertising, broadcast networks, music and media content programming concerns was essential. As profit margins were higher for specific media platforms and delivery systems the new EVP / SVP should be someone to capitalize on these advantages.
The growth of licensing revenue from the company's rights management software was of particular concern to the OIC. This “shared” function could cause the new EVP / SVP if not completely capable of delegating with authority to lose autonomy in technology revenue generation. We needed an executive who had prior broad and diverse reporting responsibilities in the past with product development interaction, supply chain and global distribution.
With the management of the entire sales organization in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago consisting of VP’s, Directors, Managers, sales support and customer service all falling to this new executive we needed an executive who was very hands on who believed in an open door policy. Creating a new budget, sales quotas, sales objectives, sales incentive programs, development of transparent pricing and reporting on a weekly basis to the board of directors were essential and we wanted an executive who would have a brief learning curve consisting primarily of culture and current clients vs. tactical acumen.
The investment banking contingent from JP Morgan and Marsh & McLennan were insisting on an executive with strong financial controls experience. Not only would this executive be establishing incentives for the sales force, they would also be involved in attraction and retention which gave them control of stock options. Maintaining revenue projection estimates and translating that data into systemic programs for the sales teams again required a person who had built a sales organization from inception to sell to media companies like:
The firm’s department heads seemed at odds in the beginning to acquiesce control of their failing practices. The OIC also felt that an executive who was a strong external team builder who could gain consensus by empowering managers would be needed immediately.
From a strategic perspective this media executive would have to establish International joint ventures to expand globally into (3) three primary media markets. The OIC felt that prior experience in managing multiple domestic and international offices would be essential.
Successful New EVP - SVP Recruited
A Senior Vice President form one of the worlds largest advertising agencies was identifie, recruited and attracted by Filcro Media Staffing. He was a global brand builder with proven successes in integrated brand communications and in managing people and practices all over the world.
He built successful brands for major marketers in multinational markets for (Procter & Gamble, Dell, Danone, Glaxo SmithKline, Merck, Mattel and Novartis). Leading brand businesses both globally from New York and on the ground in Asia, Europe and Latin America he managed (hiring, training and motivating) people with diverse backgrounds.
His success with initiating integrated brand communications for both traditional media and media technology companies was an ideal fit for the client company based on what they demanded from the Marketing / Sales balance of experience.
The New EVP / SVP Filcro Media Staffing recruited led the integrated brand communications of P&G Pringles internationally and managed five regional teams (Europe, Latin America, Northeast Asia, Greater China and Asia Pacific). Provided consulting support to the Oracle Group (Technology) on management of its global business. Led the Orientation account (Technology) and its marketing strategies and contributed significantly to making Pringles, P&G’s most integrated brand, (sales grew +20% annually to over $2 billion, one of the top five P&G brands). He also initiated holistic strategy tools for Pringles and implemented an array of services under its wing while he developed revenue models and contributed to winning some the largest technology and consumer product clients in the industry.
He led the account and strategic planning groups, new business efforts and operations for 130+ person agency and led all services for P&G, Dell, Glaxo, SmithKline, Danone, Merck, Novartis and BAT, while increasing agency revenue +30% by winning new business from Glaxo SmithKline, Merck, BAT, Block Drug, Novartis and P&G. He also managed the development of Dell’s successful technology sales entry into Japan.
This executive is doing exceptionally well and has accomplished everything the board has required. The fact that he speaks four (4) languages fluently has contributed to his international strategic penetration. His proven record of success continues today.
This EVP / SVP scored exceptionally high on the firm’s Capacity Profile and the client company has obtained an unusually high potential executive who will serve the firm well as he takes on increased responsibilities and provides the CEO with his desired succession plan well into the future.
Mobile
Cable TV & MSO
Broadcast TV
Radio & Music
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Filcro Media Staffing Executive search skill set and experience recruitment designations for review
Filcro Media Staffing reviews of a SVP Sales Operations and Technology Executive Search
Senior Vice President Multimedia Network Sales Operations & Technology New York, Los Angeles, Chicago - USA
Online, Mobile, OD and On Air Platforms Sales IT & Operations
Reporting
Filcro Media Staffing with Tony Filson as OIC reporting to the President of TV Network Sales
Client
A diversified U.S. based multinational media and entertainment conglomerate.
Search
A Senior Vice President to lead all national sales operational infrastructure across all media platforms for multiplex, multicast monetization optimization of the TV Network.
Client Situation
Client through a multi-billion dollar acquisition of on line and on air media properties needed to upgrade infrastructure to optimize revenue.
The objective was to have the Agencies, Clients, Network Traffic, Network Inventory, Network Sales Staff and Network Planning across multiple platforms: On line, On Air, On Demand & Mobile all functioning seamlessly.
The multiple media groups wanted to be able to offer integrated revenue management optimization while reducing internal redundancies when serving clients who were buying across multiple media platforms.
Industry and Sector inclusion for Universe Compilation
Broadcast Television
Cable Television
Satellite Networks
MSO Operators
Radio Broadcasting
Online Interactive
On Demand & Multiplex Broadcasters
Advertising Agencies
Technology & Media Management Consulting
Mobile Technologies & Providers
Subsequent to Filcro Media Staffing being retained
The Filcro Media Staffing OIC Tony Filson participated in a number of meetings with line personnel and senior management to map out the media technology (IT) and human resource (HR) objectives going forward. The OIC created a merged HR & IT org chart for clarity on redundancy.
The redundancy to be eliminated and future hiring needs were agreed upon to support the tactical and strategic autonomy that the new Senior Vice President would be granted.
Filcro Media Staffing’s merged organizational charts and current technology overviews of traffic, inventory, sales planning and the current metrics utilized for Analytics were key in proper universe compilation for identification, recruitment and attraction.
New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Detroit were analyzed individually to provide each key client and agency's preferred modality and IT functionality during technology upgrades and operational improvements for Traffic, Inventory, Sales, Sales Planning, Research and Client Services.
Some of the challenges facing the new Senior Vice President were
Change Management
Best Practices
Technology Integration Across Multiple Platforms
Directing IT with Off-theShelf Modifications and New Program Development
Training of Staff on New Systems and Software
Agency and Client Awareness of the Benefits and Advantages
Redundant Systems Operating Through Integration
Hiring of Additional Staff to Facilitate New Programs and IT Programming
CMS OD Content Sales System Integration w/MSO, Satellite and Mobile
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify organizations with specific "best in class" reputations on individual platforms. As this was a new initiative to the industry, no single executive to date had successfully implemented an environment with such efficacy across these multiple media platforms: Broadcast, Cable, Satellite, Interactive, Mobile, OD, Out of Home
Recruiting from the identified universe proved to be fruitful. The greatest challenge was having to determine “capacity Vs. “experience” as we were recruiting for a compilation of objectives that had never been fully realized in the industry before.
Successful Senior Vice President Recruited
A Vice President of Sales Technology from another multinational media and entertainment conglomerate.
This Vice President was responsible for global (IT) technology initiatives across TV, Radio, Interactive, Motion Picture, Mobile and legacy platforms.
With 8 direct reports and a staff of 62 on a dotted line this VP had built and developed with internal and external resources one the most respected technology environments in the media and broadcasting industries.
With broad experience in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago this executive welcomed the challenges in each location across the United States to integrate systems and human resources to facilitate the client’s business goals and the optimization of revenue.
The timing of the search coincided with many of the executive's personal and professional desires to build a “new technology” infrastructure that would allow for recognition throughout the industry. His current environment could not afford him this opportunity based on the logjam of senior management he reported into, preventing him from from functioning with the strategic autonomy he desired and deserved.
Summary
The Senior Vice President was successfully attracted and relocated. Filcro Media Staffing with Tony Filson as Officer in Charge of Search participated in the employment contract phase and the Senior Vice President has proven to be a vital resource for current and future initiatives.
Mobile
Cable TV & MSO
Broadcast TV
Radio
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Filcro Media Staffing Media executive search skill set and experience recruitment designations for review
Filcro Media Staffing, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing - National Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms - Selected Reviews of Case Histories
Filcro Media Staffing TV Technology Executive Search Reviews
First Tier U.S. Multinational Cable Television Network
Mobile
Cable TV & MSO
Broadcast TV
Radio
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Senior Vice President Network Multicast Multiplatform Sales Technology & Operations
Based New York, NY - USA Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing OIC Tony Filson as Office in Charge of Search Reporting to Network COO and Network President, New York, NY - USA Search Senior Vice President – Network Sales Services Operations and Technology
Client
A global media and entertainment conglomerate seeking to upgrade their sales operational and sales IT information technology infrastructure to optimize process and advertising dollars across all their media platforms.
This network with over 130,000,000 subs is advertising driven and is still growing based on branding and new programming initiatives across a multiplex of offerings.
New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and Washington, DC offices are AOR’s relevant to this search.
Client Situation
The Network President and Chief Operating Officer felt it was essential to upgrade the capacity of the Networks’ sales operational function across TV, On Line, Mobile, Radio, Out of Home, OEM and On Demand.
Traffic, Inventory and planning functions needed to be centralized to optimize efficacy and lower sales operational costs through retooling of hardware, software, process and human resources to facilitate multicast dissemination and monetization.
Current IT systems and software required upgrading to integrate a (6) six platform plan that was seamless internal and external to the Network.
Continuity and stability from an HR perspective were also needed as turnover was exceeding the industry mean. We wanted an individual who could bring hard and soft assets together while assuring that IT and Sales were provided with proper guidance to accomplish the Network's business goals. This new Senior Vice President would be tasked with improving the culture and work environment to bring about stability and internal growth opportunities for employees
Industry and Sector inclusion
Broadcasting - Cable Television
Broadcasting - Network Television
IT Broadcast - Systems Providers
IT Broadcast - Software Providers - CONUS and OCONUS
The COO identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search after conducting their own internal and national identification efforts.
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
The FMS Officer in Charge of Search Tony Filson and the COO verbally initiated and completed the search document after one in person meeting and guidance from Human Resources. Based on Filcro Media Staffing’s intimate knowledge of the space, along with extensive executive search experience in Broadcast Sales Operations the firm was able to proceed with the search the following business day. Tony Filson was asked to review the entire IT infrastructure related.
The Filcro Media Staffing OIC and client COO looked at ideals from a revenue, performance and IT perspective and AOR’s that required immediate optimization servicing the Network Advertising Sales organization front and back offices as well as client and advertising agency relationships. Reviews of O&D charting also took place.
Some vendor (IT) relationships, succession planning issues and office relocation time lines were set at a realistic cadence so day-to-day planning, traffic and inventory would not become secondary.
Filcro Media Staffing reviewed all (IT) hardware and software relevant to sales and sales operations along with client supplied O&D charting to establish what hard and soft resources could be utilized as part of the consolidation while upgrading traffic, inventory and planning across all the new multicast media platforms.
Understanding what changes and training had to be made from a Human Resource and IT perspective, directly or on a dotted-line were important to determine at what stage(s) vendors would setup redundant systems, close down legacy resources and initiate through IT and the NOC a seamless transition to sales multicast dissemination and monetization.
Challenges facing the new Senior Vice President
Network Advertising Sales Information Technology Adaptation - Hardware and Software
Change Management
Training & Development of TV Network Sales Front & Back Office
Consolidation of National Sales IT, Inventory, Traffic and Planning Resources to Network Sales in New York City While Continuing Service East Coast, West Coast and Midwest Regions.
New Financial Reporting Guidelines
Adaptation of New and Old Technology to Client and Agency Needs
Continuity - Lowering Employee Turnover
New Agency Partnerships - Relationships Across Four Media Platforms
Adapting to a Newly Defined Multiplex
Technology to Address ADU Issues
Filcro Media Staffing Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify the "best in class" executives from TV networks who presently exceeded or matched the SUB #’s of the client company.
A real technologist with exceptional soft skills was required with below, on and above line efficacy in a national broadcaster that disseminated across multiple platforms.
Our firm’s ideal was an executive who had built a new Network and or also guided a large Network through the upgrade and consolidation process from an IT and Sales Operational perspective.
An executive capable of maintaining day-to-day operations while transitioning the Network was essential.
Team development was essential with multiple offices located throughout the United States this executive would have to guide IT, Traffic, Inventory, Sales, Sales Services and Human Resources
One part of our solution was to identify an executive who had also gone from a decentralized to centralized function in the past. This would solve many issues from the onset and let us concentrate on other skill sets. The difficulty was that few networks had integrated TV, Inventory, Wireless and OD to the extent planned for the Networks’ model. We needed a TV Executive with exceptional IT and advertising sales operational management experience.
Successful Senior Vice President Recruited
A Senior Vice President of Network Broadcast Operations based in New York City with everything required to meet the client's business objectives and move them forward to compete with other Networks that had already monetized each platform separately.
This executive was responsible for all functions in one the worlds largest media and entertainment conglomerates across multiple networks and fit in well with the new company's multiplex ambitions.
The entity was a direct competitor of the client company down to the specific genres offered across their multiplex or multiple Networks.
The new SVP facilitated similar technology, consolidation and optimization across four media platforms successfully where others in the industry had failed. He was an exceptional technologist with strong management and soft skills.
As a mentor and builder of strong teams his identification caused highly skilled people to come forward with newly needed skill sets to join him at the Network. This lowered hiring costs and allowed for an immediate adaptation to direct IT and vendors to implement advanced broadcast sales technology for our client.
The SVP has made a smooth transition, is functioning with exceptional efficacy and exceeding the client's operational and technology expectations mandated at the onset of the search.
General Manager (GM) - TV Stations Group - California, USA based English and Spanish Language Broadcasting
CBS and Azteca Affiliate Stations
Filcro Media Staffing Tony Filson (FMS-TF) reporting to client Executive Search Committee (ESC) comprised of Chief Financial Officer, President and Chairman of the Board
Client
Diversified multinational conglomerate with broadcasting, real estate, banking, food services, industrial and transportation holdings. Primary holdings in The Americas.
The company is known for acquiring companies in diverse business sectors and making them “best in class” by installing new management and best practices to optimize financial return.
Search
GM for two acquired (OTA) broadcast TV stations with must-carry, located in Southern California
Officer in Charge of Search -
Tony Filson of Filcro Media Staffing in New York, NY
Client Situation
The owners recently acquired multiple English and Spanish TV broadcast assets located in Southern California. The assignment was to recruit and attract a new TV station group GM to manage the broadcasting properties and strategically lead the organization across multiple media platforms and affiliate relationships.
After acquiring the broadcast properties the owners infused approximately $20,000,000.00 U.S. to upgrade the facilities, production, post, programming, engineering and operational resources.
The new station owners wanted to capitalize on a growing yet under-served Hispanic market in their DMA and also optimize business, creative and technical opportunities for the multiple TV stations in a “high income” demographics in Southern California.
An executive search committee was formed consisting of the CFO, President & Chairman of the diversified holding companies. Tony Filson (TF) was assigned as the Officer in Charge of Search (OIC) and conducted the national search from Filcro Media’s New York City offices for complete U.S. OTA station coverage.
Executive Search Committee Member Industry and Sector inclusion
Television Broadcasting
Radio Broadcasting
Online Interactive
Banking
Industrial Transportation
QSR - Quick Service Restaurant
The ESC designated the CFO as the initial point of contact.
Subsequent to Filcro Media Staffing being retained
Filcro Media Staffing OIC Tony Filson participated in a number of phone conferences with the CFO, President & Chairman.
Filcro Media Staffing was provided with organizational charts, financial statements and personnel records relevant to the search. Tony Filson reviewed the affiliate agreements, BO&E infrastructure, ratings by day-part, sales projections and programming costs to established a profile that met with the consensus of the executive search committee based on the firm’s experience with similar searches and the board's desired short and long term business goals.
Filcro Media Staffing was fortunate to have a CFO functioning as liaison who was always accessible and able to provide information on a timely basis.
Some of the challenges facing the new TV GM / General Manager
Change Management
TV Programming / National / Regional / Local - Costs of Production, Co-Production, Syndicated Programming, Affiliate Relationships.
Best Practices
GSM Identification - Optimizing Sales Across all Platforms
Hispanic and English Market Adaptation and Associated TV Programming
The Morale of the Company
Attracting and Retaining Business, Technical & Creative Executives
Growth of Programming in New Markets Across Multiple Media Platforms in Multiple Languages
To Monetize Digital Assets
Bring Continuity of Management to the Local Community Served, The Broadcasting Community, Station Employees, Ad Agencies, Clients, Programming Partners and The Networks (CBS & Azteca) as Affiliates.
Make the multiple stations profitable vs. prior modality
Solution
Filcro Media Staffing with Tony Filson as Office in Charge of Search proceeded to Identify the "best in industry" Presidents, CEO’s, GM’s and TV Station Group Presidents from appropriate DMA’s with “distinct similarities” and proven efficacy with growth objectives relevant to the ecology of the client’s newly acquired media holdings.
Opportunities in growing markets and high net-worth demos were not capitalized on in the past in. Local, Regional or National markets. The organization need a change agent who could create a culture of success by infusing broad acumen that would be respected by each business, technical and creative department head that was going to be part of the growing station group's future.
Monetization of cross-platform resources was also essential to optimize localization revenue as well as regional and national opportunities for sponsorships and advertising sales.
Successful GM Recruited
A President & CEO of one of Americas leading broadcasting companies who’s experience and professional interests were directly in line with those of the client company.
In his role prior to being recruited by the firm he oversaw the day to day operations for 42 TV stations in 25 markets with 8 Regional Vice Presidents reporting into him. His experience managing, hiring, training and motivating people with diverse backgrounds was well noted in the broadcasting industry.
He brought to the new owners 25 years of television station management on a national level. His business, technology, creative and financial acumen placed him as one of the top TV broadcasting executives in his space, in America. His programming and scheduling expertise allowed him to dominate the top National DMA’s under his management.
This TV executive also had experience enhancing and developing media technology in a practical manner as the properties he managed enhanced National, Regional and Local monetization across multiple media platforms. This TV executive was not a technology for technology's sake type of broadcasting executive. His mature approach to budgets, development and utilization of technology were well above the mean for a “TV Stations Group” President.
This TV executive also served as both Chairman and President of the Board of Directors of two State Associations of Broadcasters and the Station Group needed a foothold into these markets to become a more important player in regional and national markets.
Summary
The executive and his family were successfully attracted and relocated by an enthusiastic board and Chairman. Filcro Media Staffing with Tony Filson as OIC participated in the employment contract phase with the Candidate, Chairman, President and CFO. The ownership was exceptionally pleased with the firm’s modality, efficacy and cadence in attracting new leadership to secure this substantial media property investment.
Filcro Media Staffing, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing Reviews - National Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms - Selected Case Histories for GM’s and Presidents of TV Station Groups.
Reviews of Filcro Media Staffing with Tony Filson as Officer in Charge
Global Media and Telecommunications Conglomerate Cable TV, Broadcast Television, Newspaper Publishing, MSO, Telco and ISP media holdings
President General Manager (GM)
Based St. Thomas - The U.S.V.I. Officer in ChargeTony Filson - New York, NY Executive Search FirmFilcro Media Staffing New York, NY Reporting to Human Resources, the incumbent GM and CFO in St. Thomas, USVI
The Client
The company's operations are in Belize, British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, Sint Maarten, U.S. Virgin Islands and France and include local, long distance and cellular telephone companies, Internet access providers, cable television companies, business systems, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper. Management offices are in West Palm Beach, Florida and headquarters are in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The company employees more than 1,400 people and is one of the largest private employers in Belize and the second largest private employer in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company was previously owned by Jeffrey Prosser, ICC's chairman, president & CEO.
Executive Search President and General Manager – GM
Client Situation
A search committee was formed consisting of the senior most Human Resources executive, the current GM and the CFO of the parent company to identify a change agent who could bring about the synergy required to enhance the organizations media holdings on multiple platforms and implement sound financial reporting. At the time of Filcro Media Staffing being engaged, there were no cross-platform synergies between any of the firm’s media holdings. One of the the objectives of the search was to identify a President /GM who could monetize the portfolio of media properties with proper modality.
Executive Search Committee (ESC) Member Industry and Sector inclusion:
Broadcast Television
Cable Television
Telecommunications - Telephone and ISP
MSO
Newspaper Publishing
TV Production Services & Operations
Integrated Business Services
The (ESC) identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search. Human Resources conducted the identification effort to identify the proper search firm.
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search, Tony Filson worked initially with HR and the current GM to establish a consensus of the desired goals on business, technical and creative levels.
Tony Filson was provided with technical, strategic, operational, organizational, financial, cultural and creative overviews requested to evaluate all hard and soft assets as they relate(d) to the skills and experience required of the new GM. This information was invaluable in garnering an understanding of their unique and positive culture.
The current GM and HR Director had very clear “ideals” and goals for the TV Network Filcro Media Staffing utilized documents from other similar GM, Telco, MSO and CEO leval searches so the HR Director could gain internal consensus to move forward with universe compilation based on the collaborative document drawn by the OIC.
Establishing a hierarchy of desired skill sets and industry experience to proceed with universe compilation and tiering placed cultural issues at an unusually high-standing. The success of this search would ultimately be determined by a multitude of mentoring and soft skills that were equally as important as the type of change management required in Network sales to integrate the newspaper holdings which were well below market based on a lack of cross-platform resources.
Filcro Media Staffing was very fortunate to have verbose and articulate input from HR and the current GM. The search was to be conducted as if we were looking for a “parent” who could gently and intelligently lead a broadcasting network to the next level of growth on multiple platforms.
Due to geographic issues the search offered many challenges. An executive had to be identified that could function with limited current network sales infrastructure until he or she could establish the entire front and back-office Network sales function in an environment where it never existed before with the exception of current print advertising resources that were being utilized to sell TV advertising. MSO, Online, Mobile, OTA, Print and Teco all had to be monetized, this was a substantial undertaking.
Some of the biggest challenges facing the new General Manager (GM) / President
Change Management
Mentoring
Ad Sales Planning and Budgeting Across 6 Media Platforms
MSO and OTA Network Synergy
Local and National Legislative Awareness
Financial Management and Budget Controls
External Revenue Partnerships - Synergies
Programming and Production Standards and Co-Pro Agreements
Community and Affiliate Relations
Establishing Nontraditional Revenue Streams
Solution FMS proceeded to Identify "GM’s" with a proven record of success in building and enhancing hard and soft assets in similar markets with comparable creative assets. The ecology of the Network was unique as the parent company spared no expense on infrastructure. Production and Post assets were considerably above the mean for similar networks. Therefor, a person capable of capitalizing on this strength to develop and enhance other areas of concern would be ideal.
An executive capable of focusing on sales management team development and sales infrastructure was essential. The client base and advertising agencies had to witness a difference in the way programming offered advertising opportunities that had not been available before. Building a credible and effective broadcast sales infrastructure that enhanced the platforms was critical.
This new GM had to plan, direct and coordinate the activities of the operation and implement policies governing the functions of the various departments to include: Sales, Operations, Production, Finance, Affiliate and Community Relations. Our firm needed to identify a GM from a similar market who was accustomed to being very “hands-on”.
Establishing budgets and generating analysis of budget Vs actuals to justify variances and create growth projections for the businesses would require strong financial acumen. In some instances we looked to smaller station groups where working with “sister companies” to maximize advertising, viewership and ancillary revenue was the norm.
The GM we would identify also had to determine added value advertising opportunities through varied programming initiatives. The Network and its geographic could offer many advantages to the proper GM. A GM who could review, negotiate and improve programming acquisition was essential. Our universe of smaller “station groups” who had allowed greater GM autonomy with regard to co-pro and programming acquisition were targeted early in the search process.
Successful candidate identified
A General Manager who had functioned to date as a News Director, Sales Manager, Promotions Manager, On Air Host and EVP Operations Executive in both radio and TV.
This “hands-on” GM could lead by example and had a proven record of success in every area relevant to the proper function of a Network, Station Group or Single Station operation.
His ability to generate and improve revenue and increase sales in similar markets was ideal to function as the change agent required.
Based on the diverse markets his political and broadcast acumen would be utilized to their fullest and his exposure to Governor, Lt. Governor, Local Politicians and State Legislators and the development of programming that partnered the Station(s) was a good fit based the Network’s intimate yet multiple international markets. Working with both the federal government and foreign government(s) on remote transmitter site construction and licensing, this experience could also come into play based on the USVI proximity to potential future international markets.
The Network having some of the most sophisticated production and post facilities could also benefit from the new GM’s experience owning an advertising, marketing and video production company. His exposure to upscale advertising and production services to a diverse client base would fare well with the advertising agencies and local ad sales (LAS) issues he would be addressing.
The New GM proved his ability to manage development projects for new television stations in major markets and had implemented entire projects from initial budget to final build out. His licensing and technical planning acumen for cross border microwave systems, fiber optic networks and master control, including satellite uplink and downlink systems could be vital when the Network opts to enhance their own BO&E facilities.
The New GM also managed two network affiliate stations in extremely competitive markets. He worked to develop business opportunities to diversify the company profit stream(s) as was required in the “ideal” of the client company. Through relationships he developed in the industry when purchasing programming he could greatly enhance the bottom line through increased savings on programming.
His implementation of sales strategies to include budgets and mentoring of Sales Managers and Sales Support Staff would be another “ideal” as the Network needed to establish front and back office sales infrastructure that would be distinct from their other media holdings. Traffic, Inventory, Sales Planning and Ideation all needed his acumen.
One of the most important factors in this search was the unique cultural, business, technical and creative fit of this candidate to the organization. This executive, along with his family made a happy transition from the West Coast to the USVI that was positive for everyone involved.
Filcro Media Staffing, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing National Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms - http://www.ExecutiveSearch.TV
Mobile
Cable TV & MSO
Broadcast TV
Radio
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Filcro Media Staffing Media Executive Search skill set and experience designations for review
A municipally owned utility system providing electric, water, wastewater and fiber-optic telecommunication and information services executive search for review
Location Bristol Virginia and Mooresville, North Carolina Search General Manager – GM / GSM / LSM - Local & Regional Sales Reporting to President & CEO; Executive Vice President & CFO Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge Tony Filson
Client
The first municipal entity in the United States to build a fiber-to-the-premise network offering the “triple-play” of telephone, cable and Internet services.
Client Situation
An executive search committee was formed consisting of members of the board of directors the President and CEO, CFO and CMO. The client facing increased competition from MSO, Satellite, Telco and Telecommunications providers overlapping in their geographic wanted to identify a more sales centric GM GSM with operational and customer service modality proven to increase subscribers and retention.
Sector Inclusion
Broadcast Television
Cable Television
Telecommunications - Telephone and ISP
MSO
The (ESC) identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search.
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
The Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search worked initially with the CEO and CFO to establish a consensus of the desired goals for increasing subscribers and enhancing retention of subscribers in an increasingly competitive market.
Filcro Media Staffing was provided with technical, strategic, operational, organizational, financial and cultural overviews requested to evaluate all hard and soft assets as they relate(d) to the skills and experience required of the new GM GSM / LSM. This information was invaluable in garnering an understanding of their unique culture and the company as a whole that so positively part of the local communities it serves.
The CFO and CEO had very clear “ideals” as to what their business and residential subscriber goals were in the communities serviced.
The priorities of the search were clear. The new GM would have to have a proven track record of success with both business and residential subscriber growth and providing service that enhanced retention and the up-selling of tiered telecom and CATV services.
Challenges Facing the New General Manager (GM)
Change management
MSO and telecom competition in the same geographics
Local, State and National legislative awareness
Financial management and budget controls
Customer service
Increasing sales through brand awareness to business Customers
Community relations
Establishing products and services that meet the needs of a growing customer base
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify sales centric "GM’s" (GSM’s& LSM’s) with a proven record of success in building and enhancing hard and soft assets in similar markets with comparable business and consumer subscriber bases.
Working outwards from the geographic in an attempt to identify local candidates not requiring relocation proved to be highly successful.
A GM capable of focusing on local and regional sales and enhancing the relationship with marketing would be essential if brand awareness was to be increased with new and current business and residential clients.
Customer service needed to enhance sales by identifying opportunities that could increase business and residential participation. This new GM would need tactical and strategic experience in this critical area to assure that every contact with a customer was assuring that they were aware of the many services offered that could enhance their business, telecommunications needs or provide entertainment value for the family.
In such competitive cross markets where services are bundled this new GM would also need experience pricing and creating tiers of service that met unique needs based on Telco, MSO and Telecommunications competition. Defining clear options for the consumer and businesses had to be part of this new GM’s successful past experiences.
Successful New GM Recruited
A 25-year cable industry executive with progressive levels of leadership working as a marketing executive and General Manager at Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications and Adelphia
This executive had a clear record of success in optimizing process and returns in competitive markets similar to the client engaging the firm. His ability to develop employees and resources to increase subscribers, lower costs and increase margins was exactly what was needed going forward.
The board and the representatives of the various constituencies were unanimous in their decision to hire this honed cable executive.
The executive did not require relocation and became acclimated quickly. His performance has exceeded expectations and we trust that he will continue to grow the organization and service the communities well that depend on these vital services.
A Filcro Media Staffing International TV GM Executive Search Reviews
General Manager - Global TV (GM)
International TV and Interactive Group (ITIG)
Executive Search
Global TV General Manager – TV GM
Based
Washington, DC - USA
Search Firm
Filcro Media Staffing, New York, NY
Officer in Charge
Tony Filson, New York, NY
Reporting to
President & CEO
Client
U.S. Based International Broadcaster
Client Situation
The CEO sought multiple media market growth and required new leadership to monetize broadcast and interactive holdings by increasing the quantity and quality of programming in multiple languages serving U.S , Middle East and North African markets.
Requiring build-out of interactive properties and associated content to reach commercial markets with Inventory, Traffic, Sales, Sales Services, Programming, Broadcast and Production Operations all needing to be retooled, created or brought in-house.
Sector Inclusion
Broadcast Television
Cable Television
Satellite Television
English, Arabic and Farsi Media Markets
The (ESC) identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search.
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search worked directly with the CEO to establish the experience required and the job description to attract the proper GM.
Filcro Media Staffing was provided with technical, strategic, operational, organizational, financial and cultural overviews requested to evaluate all hard and soft assets as they related to the skills and experience required of the new GM in the U.S. and MENA.
Some of the biggest challenges facing the new General Manager (GM)
Change management
Renegotiating current production contracts
Identifying new production facilities and build-out
Formalizing production, co-production, development and programming acquisitions
Financial management and budget controls
Human resource policy and procedure formalization
Sales infrastructure - front and back office
Broadcast operations and engineering
Interactive site build-out monetization
Branding of TV and interactive properties in domestic and international markets
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify TV GM’s with combined domestic and international experience in the MENA and the U.S. directing multinational broadcast entities within the client’s genre.
Working outwards from the Washington, DC geographic, the Filcro Media Staffing was aggressive in identifying local candidates not requiring relocation. This proved to be highly successful in universe compilation, identification, recruitment and attraction of the newly hired GM recruited by Tony Filson as OIC.
The TV Network required a solid history of positively turning around or building new broadcast entities that were profitable in a brief period of time. The CAPEX for this endeavor was substantial and monetizing quickly was essential. The GM’s experience also had to be accompanied by tactical and strategic leadership in international markets directly related to the client’s MENA and U.S. interests.
The new TV GM would be inheriting an organization that lacked proper monetization, formalized policies and procedures and a number of operational contracts for production, broadcast operations and facilities that were not negotiated appropriately.
Financial controls were also needed immediately to rectify spending not in line with the firm’s gross revenue. Programming and production costing was extreme for the entity based on the number of hours of original programming and current co-production deals.
Traffic, Inventory, Sales, Sales Planning and Client Services all needed to be addressed by this new GM to allow ad agency and direct client advertising participation. This new GM would require media acumen that will allow the integration of the broadcast TV Network with the interactive properties in a seamless manner so sales plans could be offered across both platforms.
Filcro Media Staffing’s goal, as a solution to our client, was to also identify and attract a GM who had a current intimate understanding of the MENA and the related U.S. MENA geopolitical landscape.
The ecology of the entity required a GM who could bring about continuity while setting new standards in business, creative and technical areas. A great deal of maturity and self assurance would be required to build confidence in a staff that clearly lacked honed broadcast industry leadership in the past.
Successful TV GM Recruited
A veteran international TV media executive with multi-departmental management skills including general management, strategic planning, news, programming, ad sales, promotion, marketing, branding & new media.
Recently relocated to the West Coast this GM was currently a Senior Adviser for a leading international management-consulting firm developing a new Pan-Arabic satellite-delivered news and information channel in the Middle East. Part of his responsibilities were in the DC/VA/MD geographic and this made the transition easier for him and his family.
Prior to this, the new GM had successfully built-out a new national, commercial station, creating new state-of-the-art HD-ready broadcast facilities in 3-months, supervising a staff of 200 and increased revenue by 40% in 3-month’s time as he increased audience by 75% in their key demos.
This TV executive was selected by a non-partisan U.S. Federal agency, appointed by the President of the United States to develop, plan and guide 3 satellite-delivered news and information based channels in 22 countries throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. He supervised and directed the construction and build-out, the hiring of management and staff for all operating departments including news, production, programming, finance, human resources, branding, marketing, new media and technical operations in Washington, DC and International Markets.
As the Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) of another international broadcasting concern he successfully directed the management of the TV Network's (6 channels), programming, ad sales, news, marketing and branding strategies as deregulation was introduced into the markets. After 2 years he retained a 78% share of the TV advertising market, and a 75% share of the audience. He realized a $0 to a net-profit of $78.5 million in that 24 month period. His challenges of the SARS virus, regional terrorism and recession were overcome by his exceptional leadership skills in AORs consider hostile by others.
This TV executive has been successful in every international broadcast entity he has ever been appointed to lead.
The executive was relocated to DC/MD/VA area and has made a smooth transition to the new organization. He has exceeded all expectations and is making the client’s business goals a reality in U.S. and MENA markets.
Vice President TV Programming and Production Operations
Search Vice President TV Programming, Production, Creative Development and Operations Based Boston, MA Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing - FollowingSportsExecutive Search Officer in Charge Tony Filson, Reporting toTV NetworkPresident & GM
Client A noted regional sports network with cross ownership of a Major League Baseball MLB team and a National Hockey League NHL team located in Boston, MA - USA.
The interests and corporate ownership of the Regional Sports Network RSN range from noted private entertainment executives to a major international print and media conglomerate.
The firm enjoys regional market dominance with sports team(s), sports venue, sports broadcasting and newspaper holdings. Through MSO, Satellite and Broadband distribution the client company was seeking to enhance and expand their National presence through the development and production of additional sports and sports oriented television programming.
Client Situation The President / GM as well as the CFO of the Network proceeded to identify an executive search firm to conduct a national search to identify a new Vice President of Programming. The President / GM based in Boston, MA met with the Filcro Media Staffing Office in Charge, Tony Filson in New York prior to retaining the firm and subsequently invited Filcro Media Staffing to Boston, MA to meet with the CFO and review the Network's facilities and relevant staff that would be under the direction of the new Vice President of Programming.
Executive Search Industry and Sector Inclusion
Network & Cable Television Broadcasting
Regional Sports Network
Sports Venues & Sports Teams
Network & Syndicated Television Programming Producers
Domestic and International Newspaper Holdings
The President / GM and the CFO, with the President / GM acting as the point of contact, identified Filcro Media Staffing and Tony Filson functioning as Officer in Charge of Search to conduct a national search to identify the proper Vice President of Programming.
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search Tony Filson met with the CFO and GM and commenced with the search by first establishing a consensus of the CFO and GM as to the weighting of the operational, tactical, creative and strategic skills required. Based on Filcro Media Staffing’s experience with similar programming and development searches it was the opinion of Filcro Media Staffing that a proper pool of appropriate executives could be drawn from a multitude of National competitors based on the experience required and the compensation being offered.
Filcro Media Staffing’s Tony Filson was provided with organizational charts and overviews of operations, production, facilities, programming, budgets, marketing, sales and associated personnel in Boston, MA. The O&D Charting, budgets, equipment lists and marketing materials provided by the CFO provided great insight into what synergistic changes would need to be initiated by the new Vice President of Programming to meet projected programming goals.
The CFO and GM afforded Filcro Media Staffing autonomy during the initial phase of universe compilation and tiering The established hierarchy of desired skill sets and industry experience during universe compilation and tiering only changed once, with the key factors being a balance of development, operational, production, strategic and programming acumen that could be “attracted” based on compensation. The fact that Filcro Media Staffing reported to a single GM and not the entire ownership facilitated a clear line and the executive ultimately identified was presented during the first month of the search assignment.
Filcro Media Staffing was fortunate to have such an active GM and CFO participate during the search. The GM had over 17 years of experience with the Network. The cultural awareness of every department was extremely helpful in determining how effective this Vice President of Programming would be in an environment that was not heavily layered.
This senior most programming executive was being hired as one of the top 3 executives at this Regional Sports Network (RSN) to function strategically across all lines of business.
Due to current programming and co-production issues the search required a very well rounded Vice President who would play more of a strategic role then tactical with regard to creative development, production and branding of the Network as they worked with Network Sales and “The Teams” to leverage the MLB and NHL properties owned. On the tactical side this person also had to function in Production, Operations, Post, Engineering and Traffic. A person with very diverse skill sets and great scope would be required to handle all these responsibilities.
Some of the biggest challenges facing the new Senior Vice President were
Change Management
Best Practices
Mentoring
Production, Post & Operations Facilities Build-Out
Creative Development
Financial Management and Budget Controls of Programming and Production Costs
Internal and External Marketing and Sales Relationships with Programming & Production
Brand Development through On-Air Production Values
MLB and NHL Ownership
Optimize Sports Marketing Across Media Platforms
The Filcro Media Staffing Recruitment Solution
Tony Filson ofFilcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify the "best in industry" Vice Presidents of Programming, Production, Operations and Senior Executive Producers with a proven record of success within and without of the Sports genre. Based on the client’s need for an executive who could function in a very hands-on environment it was essential that any myopic or “too specialized candidates” be eliminated from the onset.
NOTE: One of the executives presented for this search are, as of 2013, considered the most profitable and prolific heads of TV programming in the World.
An executive capable of focusing on “operational” issues while “creatively” developing different types of quality sports and non-sports programming to strategically differentiate the Network from its competitors was essential.
The Regional Sports Network (RSN) was now looking to expand their affiliate relationships through enhanced programming and needed an executive who was accustomed to viability and ROI factors being as important as creative considerations for green-lighting programming, within a mature national broadcast company.
With such unusual access to two professional sports teams (MLB) & (NHL) along with full production, operations and development autonomy, it was important that this new VP be able to mentor staff through every phase of the process to institute “Best Practices” that would enhance the operational, production and creative staff to the point that they could quickly become part of the “enhanced” product sought by management (Baseball and Hockey Team Ownership). In order to convince the associated teams, owners, sales and marketing heads that cooperation on every level would intimately benefit everyone concerned, it would take a mature broadcasting executive who could function tactically and strategically in every function as they developed new synergies across varied business lines
With the Network about to initiate a new build-out of production and broadcast operation facilities, this executive also had to have strong engineering and operations capabilities with regard to distribution, production and post-production facilities. The recent addition of full HD capabilities and solid relationships with satellite and MSO distribution for same, required that this executive be able to capitalize on this great expenditure going forward creatively and technically
Almost every Major TV Network, Cable Network and developer of sports programming was profiled for this search. This search became the single most extensive recruitment effort the firm had conducted since 1985. Recruiting, screening and profiling over 200 programming and production executives from every major media market in the United States was critical in allowing this client to choose from a broad spectrum of competitors that already enjoyed the type of distribution and programming initiatives they were looking to implement
The GM was setting exceptionally high standards for this person and wanted an executive who felt at ease with such a broad scope of responsibility. The GM being an extremely talented marketing executive prior to becoming President & GM always kept clear Sales and Marketing goals in mind through the entire identification process. The GM never wavered or compromised in insisting that this new executive be as strong strategically as he was tactically and many talented sports and non-sports programming and production executives and executive producers were passed over until his “ideal” was identified.
Successful VP Programming Recruited
A Senior Vice President of Programming, Production and Operations form one of the worlds largest sports television networks.
A 24-year veteran in the television broadcast and cable industry, this executive joined the new Network following a five-year stint at Fox Sports Net in Los Angeles, California. While at Fox Sports Net, he served as Senior Vice President, Production. He was responsible for the production and operational management of all live event programming for both the network and its 10 owned and operated regional networks.
During this executive's tenure at Fox Sports Net, he oversaw the development and production of many of the network's events, original program series and specials. Included were College Football Saturday, ACC Sunday Night Hoops, Sunday Night Fights, Formula One's return to the U.S., Hardcore Football, Totally NASCAR, and the Toughman World Championship series (for sister network FX).
Prior to Fox Sports Net, this executive spent 15 years with Tribune Broadcasting. At WGN he served as Director of Production and Executive Producer for sports and specials. His work covering the six-time champion Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, original series, documentaries and specials earned him 17 regional sports Emmys. He began his television career at KTLA-TV (Los Angeles) in 1982 as production manager and later also became producer/director for the station.
As well as being an exceptionally talented broadcast professional this individual is a fine gentleman. On every level people spoke of his personal attributes along with his honed skill sets. This clearly is an executive who removed his ego from situations and was capable of functioning with exceptional integrity as noted by those who worked with him over the past 24 years. His active participation within the community was a true testament to his mentoring capabilities on a professional level also.
Filcro Media Staffing, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Reviews of Filcro Media Staffing National Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms for TV programming and production operations executives
Filcro Media Staffing - Executive Search Case History - Global Corporate Communications
Vice President Global Marketing and Corporate Communications Communication Technologies, Internal Broadcasting & Advertising Production U.S. based multinational diversified financial conglomerate
Based Newark, NJ - USA Reporting to SVP Corporate Communications and SVP Human Resources - USA Assigned toFilcro Media Staffing - Officer in Charge of Search Tony Filson
Client A diversified U.S. based global financial conglomerate with an internal global television network, internal advertising agency and corporate communication facilities to include: Production, Post-Production, Terrestrial Distribution, Advertising, Corporate Communications, Public Relations and Remote Sales Training & Employee Development.
Search Vice President – Global Marketing and Corporate Communications
Client Situation The Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Communications identified Filcro Media Staffing through their contacts at a Major TV Network as well as having knowledge of a completed search for a senior most Executive Producer at a competing global financial services company. The firm was seeking a honed change agent who could tactically and strategically transform the firm’s corporate communications environment into a world class producer of media to serve a broad international constituency of internal and external clients.
Industry and Sector inclusion for universe compilation
Television Broadcasting
Advertising
On-Air Promotion - Agency, Network & Production Houses
Production and Post Production - All Industries
Terrestrial Distribution - Corporate & TV Network
Public Relations - Specific to Industry
Corporate Communications - Internal & External
Advertising, Marketing, HR and Training within the Financial Industries
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search Tony Filson was asked to commence a national search and establish a search document to identify a VP with the capacity to lead and develop the global communication interests of one of the world's largest financial organizations on a creative and technical level. The implementation of change management, best practices, advanced distribution and creative issues across all business lines was to be improved through identification by Filcro Media Staffing.
Filcro Media Staffing was provided with O&D charting and succession plans for all global Comm. divisions of the parent company. Clear definitions were established with HR and sensitive internal areas of concern with regard to succession planning were addressed from the onset. Filcro Media Staffing had a cultural understanding of the firm through prior identification in the industry and understood the sensitivities of inserting a new VP external to the financial industries accustomed to functioning with broad autonomy on a business, technical and creative level.
The diversity of the operating divisions of the company posed little difficulty based on a “common” need creatively globally. Filcro Media Staffing established a hierarchy of desired skill sets and industry experience to proceed with universe compilation and tiering. The fact that Filcro Media Staffing reported directly to the hiring manager and was given unusual assistance through HR to obtain detailed skill assessments of the immediate reporting line helped enormously.
Due to the autonomy that each operating group of the company enjoyed and the unique creative needs of each group it would be a challenge to identify an executive who could retool infrastructure while creatively producing copious amounts of daily produced live shows, taped shows, training materials, advertising and corporate communication materials for off and on-air use all while maintaining global distribution of a 24/7 internal global TV Network.
Challenges facing the new Vice President of Corporate Communications
Change Management
Creative Development
Systems & Employee Development
Enhancement and Ease of Global Network Usage
Enhanced Production & Post Standards Across Varied Lines of Business
Budget Controls
Studio Resource - Best Practices
Internal Advertising Agency Optimization - Creative & Production
Synergy with External Advertising Agency Resources
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify the "best in industry" corporate communications, broadcast operations, on-air-promo and executive producer level employees from (3) three different industries. Our ideal was to draw from environments that where decentralized and less myopic then most. This person had to have had control of global resources on the creative and technical side as well as hands-on experience with formulation and implementing creative concepts to produce high-end finished products.
An executive capable of focusing live, live to tape and industrial on and off-air product was essential. More effective policies needed to be put in place to “clean” the creative process. With many different requests coming in from such a diverse client base, prior creative product was no longer fresh and a new look on and off-air was needed to stimulate business, marketing, sales and public relations interests.
We needed to recruit an executive who understood the development and programming issues of a network who would be content to remain and grow in a corporate environment with a culture vastly different from Network TV or an advertising agency. This challenge had more to do with perceived vs. actual creative autonomy and Filcro Media Staffing established consensus about the autonomy level from the onset to assure that this person would remain with the firm for many years to come.
The reeducation of staff on technical and creative levels was also essential and we needed an executive who understood the “complete” production, development and operations process. Our initial overview of the O&D chart led us to believe that the firm could save substantial money through adopting a complete workflow process as soon as possible. 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation equipment spread in many different studios was causing continuity issues that were unnecessary for production and post production. A proper CMS also needed to be established along with normalization of the content itself.
The SVP of HR was receptive to our approach and gave Filcro Media Staffing full autonomy during the executive search process to determine the proper skill sets and experience required.
Vice President Identified
A Vice President, Advertising, On-Air Promotion & Production from Florida - USA who was responsible for the on-air look, design and team management of a major cable TV network, with penetration into over 100 million households worldwide. This Network Vice President supervised three of the six production divisions of the Cable TV Network: On-Air Advertising and Promotion, Broadcast Design (Graphic and Animation), and Studio Production / Post Production and managed a highly respected staff of Network creative directors, writers, executive producers, directors, scenic designers, composers, promo schedulers, art directors, computer and animation artists, lighting directors, camera operators et al. Yes! Florida?!
The Process
Results
At one of the world’s largest advertising agencies his departments were accountable for the creation and production of more than 3000 commercials, On-Air & Cross Channel Promos, and TV productions annually. They also produced work aired on or for : USA Network, SyFy, October Films, Gramercy Pictures, Ticketmaster, firstauction.com, and cityauction.com, all major players in the entertainment and electronic commerce industries, and many headed by Barry Diller.
Prior to the above, the executive was VP of Creative Services & Production and managed the day-to-day business and creative direction of an advertising / creative services agency. He was responsible for the development and production of the daily On-Air Promos for The Ricki Lake Show, theme and weekly music for ABC-TV’s situation comedy, Spin City starring Michael J. Fox (produced by Dreamworks), theme music for ABC-TV’s Regis & Kathie Lee, branding partners in the launch and ongoing image of the MSNBC Network, branding of Madison Square Garden; created and managed the national advertising campaign of Service Merchandise, among others.
This executive also receive recognition from the industry itself receiving such awards as: ITA Platinum Award as an Executive Producer • People Magazine and Video Review magazine Top Ten Video Picks • Clio Award for Advertising Excellence (Writer - Producer - Director) • Peabody Awards Archives (Co-Writer - Director) • Smithsonian Institution Archives (Writer - Director - Producer) • International Film and Television Festival Award (Executive Producer) 2 Grand, 2 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze • International Alliance of Business Communicators Award (Executive Producer) 1 Grand, 1 Gold • International Television Association (various) • Chicago Film Festival (Writer - Producer) • Ann Arbor Film Festival (Writer) • Telly Awards (various) • Editorial Advisory Board for Video Manager magazine • Listed in the Who's Who In America and the Who’s Who In The East • Published in: The Hollywood Reporter, Journal of Broadcasting, Backstage, Variety, Advertising Age, Videography • Guest speaker and panelist at various industry conferences, colleges and universities.
This executive and his family were relocated from Florida to New Jersey and made a very smooth transition. This executive has raised the bar for this global financial conglomerate and is recognized as a respected leader in his field.
Filcro Media Staffing, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing - National Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms - Selected Case Histories for corporate communications and corporate video
Cable TV Networks as a division of a multinational media and entertainment conglomerate. A Advertising Sales Finance and Reporting Executive Search Reviews
Vice President Network Advertising Sales Finance and Reporting
Search Vice President Advertising Sales Finance & Reporting Location New York, NY Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge Tony Filson Reporting to President of TV Network Sales
Client
Cable TV Network multiplex with 100 million + subs - Entertainment, News, Reality and Music programming.
Client Situation
The President of Network Sales identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF ) to conduct the search for a Vice President of Finance based on Filcro Media Staffing completing similar media centric financial searches at this TV Network and the parent company. The president wanted to optimize financial operations and financial reporting on a national basis. This new executive was to be a strategic change agent who could analyze process as the Network reached closer to the $1 Billion USD mark in the near future.
Industry and Sector Inclusion
Broadcast Television Networks
Cable TV Networks
MSO’s
Satellite Networks
Advertising Agencies
Media Sales and Buying Environments
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search Tony Filson was asked to commence a search in the markets surrounding New York, NY and Chicago, IL to avoid a West Coast corporate relocation if possible. Tony Filson concurred that a suitable universe of candidates with the appropriate Financial reporting experience within the Network's compensation range could be identified in the targeted geographics. New York and Chicago offered an ample “Media Financial Reporting” population to establish a suitable search universe in a brief period of time.
Filcro Media Staffing initially identified Major Broadcast Network, MSO and Cable Network financial executives to establish a diverse and large search universe from both geographics.
Establishing national continuity and the efficacy of reporting structures to enhance Network Sales Revenue Generation from a tactical and strategic perspective were one of the President's primary goals here. It was important that each executive brought forward could emulate their current modality in the new TV Network.
As this search was being conducted to establish a new line of financial reporting and the President was intimately involved in establishing the skills and experience required prior to Filcro Media recruiting and establishing three tiers for candidate universe compilation; the President would have ample latitude in identifying an ideal Vice President.
The clear definitions provided by the President were his “ideal” and no changes were made during the search process. The President was clear as to what he was seeking in skills and experience. Based on Network strategic initiatives this new financial executive would require an unusual capacity for growth in a relatively brief period. It was essential that this Vice President of sales financial be capable of and have a proven track record of functioning with autonomy strategically as a change agent charged with transforming process and accountability to optimize revenue.
The Financial Reporting and Management skills required offered some challenges at the onset based on the tactical and strategic role this person would play in developing the Network's national financial infrastructure in Washington, DC; New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Detroit. After the first week of recruitment it became apparent that New York as opposed to Chicago was going to be our primary focus during the search process.
A person who could quickly examine sales and financial process on a granular level and look at a “deal” to determine if it’s the “right deal” for the Network was essential. This person could then emulate their skills in others in the five national sales offices. We sought confirmation below, on and above line that these mentoring skills were a solid part of the new Vice President’s experience and capacity. We also sought assurances that if the new Vice President was transferred to the client company that they would remain effective, given the clients unique culture and reporting structures.
Challenges Facing the New Vice President of Advertising Sales Finance
Generate analysis of actual vs. plan vs. forecast and explain variances, highlight trends, and identify risks and opportunities.
Track and maintain Registered and Closed Budgets for the Broadcast Upfront.
Create competitor analysis illustrating growth projections against competitors and the industry's overall projected growth.
Develop customized excel financial modeling of deal information and pricing details.
Develop the rate card in support of the company's overall sales strategy including calculating total and average impressions, cpm’s, average unit rates, and revenue built based on programming
Create program revenue analysis and forecasts providing variances to the budget and pacing vs. prior year.
Prepare and distribute the audience deficiency liability report to determine the $ amount of make goods that need to be aired and it's impact on the division's P&L.
Work in conjunction with credit manager to review and act on collection concerns
Review commission reports
Liaison with Network and Corporate CFO and staff
Hire and Train Directors and Financial Analysts in the Network’s other sales offices.
Filcro Media Staffing Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify the "best in industry" financial executives with the proper sales experience to facilitate the financial reporting and strategic goals desired by the Network's President.
The mix of analysis and strategic involvement on a “deal” level were key factors in the tiering of candidates. The Network required a person who could function with autonomy across all lines within sales and also financially report to corporate independently or as a team member in a multibillion dollar U.S. based media and entertainment conglomerate.
A hard-line audit or sales analysis executive would not work at this Network so we looked for those most apt to relate to broadcasting and non-broadcasting executives with the same effectiveness. We wanted an executive who could relate to those outside of the broadcasting industry by providing detailed sales financial models utilizing traditional reporting methodologies that every CFO or EVP of Finance could relate to and more importantly justify. The soft skill sets and capacity to articulate concisely to a board or executive committee and justify findings were essential as reporting into Divisional and Corporate finance on the CFO, Treasury and Compliance levels were real scenarios.
Successful Vice President of Finance Recruited
A Senior Director of Finance who currently was also responsible for Network Sales Analysis with extensive Network financial advertising sales experience with one of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies in their cable TV multiplex, MSO and corporate environments.
Within both TV Network and MSO environments this financial executive had proven himself in every area of concern relevant to the goals established for this executive search.
This executive autonomously managed revenue analysis, yield management and budget development for a Major Cable Network's advertising sales planning group for their multiple Networks (multiplex). His responsibilities included preparing advertising revenue analysis, maintaining revenue forecasting models, budget tracking, assisting in the annual budget development process, managing commercial inventory utilization, conducting monthly reconciliation’s with financial teams and developing new reporting tools for management. His technology acumen with specific software utilized in the broadcasting industry were also “ideas” as they were being implemented in the client company and this new Vice President could lead this finance technology effort.
Prior to the above position this executive was a Senior Strategic Planning Analyst in New Business Development and facilitated the financial analysis and marketing analysis for multiple networks (multiplex) owned by another major media and entertainment conglomerate. His capacity to identify strategic partnership opportunities for programming and interactive services, development of business models, revenue reporting, content licensing, budget development and management of the cable/interactive media plans for strategic partners in conjunction with Network production and operations teams, honed his ability to work across all lines business. His experience reporting directly to the Network President and Vice President of New Business Development as well as functioning as lead with Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young, prepared him well for the duties he would take on at the new Network and the reporting structures he would implement when interacting with the CFO (corporate).
This Duke under grad, London School of Economics and Columbia Business School, MBA with extensive broadcasting experience proved to be an exceptional fit from a strategic and tactical perspective for the Network. This executive is an active member of the community and a gentleman is every sense of the word. He is a vital, proactive asset to the company and has received recognition for his devotion, work ethic and quality of work product.
Since completing this search the executive has been promoted in a brief period of time and has successfully instituted financial policy, functioned as a change agent and hired financial directors and analysts to institute the strategic goals set by the President when Filcro Media Staffing was retained.
Additional firm case histories availableupon request
Reviews of Filcro Media Staffing, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing - National Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms - Tony Filson Selected Case Histories of media financial executives identified as the retained search firm of record
Broadcasting Cable Television Network - Filcro Media Staffing Case History
Vice President Network Traffic TV, OD, Interactive, Mobile
Based Washington, DC - USA Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge Tony Filson Reporting to Executive Vice President, New York, NY - USA Executive Search Vice President – Network Traffic - All Platforms
Client
A U.S. Multinational Media and Entertainment Conglomerate seeking to upgrade their TV Network traffic infrastructure from a management and technology perspective. This Cable TV Network with over 100,000,000 subs is advertising driven and will enjoy substantial growth based on programming initiatives from the parent company.
Their facilities in Washington, DC will service all agencies as well as Network sales offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Detroit.
Client Situation
The Executive Vice President of TV Network Sales felt it was essential to upgrade the traffic function internal and external to the organization. There was a clear need to enhance synergy of the multiplex properties to allow the network to have systems that they could grow into, as opposed to out of. The Network needed to upgrade personnel, hardware and software along with management and workflow procedures. This systemic reorganization would require change management, formalized training and succession planning initiatives that did not exist before.
Executive Search Committee Member(s) Industry and Sector Inclusion:
Broadcasting Operations - Cable Television
Advertising - Agency Side - Media
Traffic, Inventory and Sales Planning Technology - Vendors
The EVP of Network Sales identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search after conducting their own national identification efforts to identify the ideal traffic executive. The EVP wanted a new and fresh perspective on the national media markets outside of their traditional recruitment resources.
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
The Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search Tony Filson and the Filcro Director of Research with the EVP of TV Network Sales initiated and completed the search document after two phone calls, the same day.
Based on Filcro Media Staffing’s intimate knowledge of the client company and parent, along with extensive executive search experience recruiting TV Broadcasting Network Traffic, Inventory, Planning and Operations executives, Filcro Media Staffing was able to proceed with the search the following business day.
The Filcro Media Staffing OIC and the EVP of Network Sales felt that setting a new standard for Network Traffic meant that “current internal means” were of no relevance to establishing “new” performance criterion. Revised technology, management programs, workflow modalities did not currently exist that would be acceptable in the “NEW” traffic environment.
Tony Filson reviewed all hardware and software along with client supplied O&D charting to establish what resources could be utilized as part of the new Inventory and Traffic infrastructure. Understanding what changes had to be made from a Human Resource perspective, directly or on a dotted-line were very important as we needed to identify from the onset of the search current strengths and weaknesses from a skill set and experience perspective prior to discussing “change management”.
The intent was to train and upgrade as many current employees as possible prior to implementing any other changes with the exception of a few employees who clearly did not have the skills or capacity to be part of the “new” Network traffic infrastructure.
The Executive Vice President of Network Sales admired different characteristics of modality,workflow and efficacy from other networks. Tony Filson established a search document that drew from multiple environments to set ideals that would be used during universe compilation.
Some of the challenges facing the new Vice President of Traffic
Change Management
Training & Development
Budget Controls
Adaptation of New and Old Technology to Client Needs
Team Building - Sales - Sales Planning, Sales Services - IT - Traffic - Inventory
Agency Partnerships - Enhancing Relationships
Succession Planning
Workflow Adaptations
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify the "best in class" traffic executives from TV Networks and multiplex broadcasters who presently exceeded the SUB’s of the client company. A proven record of success in dealing with technical ecology in a growing Network was of primary interest. Based on the client’s current contractual hardware and software obligations, Tony Filson started with a universe of TV Networks and media companies that were based on similar traffic, inventory, sales planning and research infrastructures .
A broadcasting executive capable of focusing, while maintaining an “open door”, policy on a holistic level would have to be identified. Employees, Clients and Vendors would all need immediate access to Network leadership to properly implement the systemic positive changes required just prior to an upfront.
Team development was essential and with multiple offices located throughout the United States this executive would have to pull the respective Directors, Managers and line personnel of Inventory, Traffic, Sales, Sales Services, Broadcast Operations and IT together seamlessly regardless of geography.
One part of Tony Filson’s solution was to identify an executive who had gone from a decentralized to centralized NOC, BO&E or Traffic function in the past. This would solve many issues from the onset and let us concentrate on other experience and skill sets while recruiting the new VP. This “D to C” skill as we call it, usually requires a great deal of evangelism leading and anyone who would be successful here, would have to be able to motivate many varied types of constituents.
As the EVP of Network Sales was so intent on setting new standards, it was easy to identify who was appropriate based on proven experience and success that coincided with his desired goals.
Successful Vice President Recruited
A Vice President of TV Network Traffic based in Atlanta, GA.
This VP of Network Traffic had Sales Services, Creative Services, Inventory, Programming, IT and broadcast engineering and operations all falling under his umbrella for Network Sales Operations in-line with the growth required at the client company.
This executive was responsible for all external and internal traffic functions for one of the most respected multiplex cable television networks in the world. The Network as part of another major media and entertainment conglomerate was larger then the client company and everyone viewed this as a positive to facilitate accelerated career growth for the identified executive as he grew the Network's traffic and inventory functions.
The new VP had also facilitated similar technology and management changes in his previous environment. From “above, on, and below line” everyone we spoke with viewed this executive as a catalyst who made things happen. A great number of his staff in his previous environment(s) were promoted and he allowed those people to grow in and out of his department which said a lot about his devotion to his employees, the company and his effective mentoring skills. This VP also managed a larger staff in the past and his ability to manage people and technology was proven on every level of concern to the Executive Vice President. The hiring of new staff and setting of new standards was something he enjoyed and was successful with many times in the past.
This VP had a very skillful way of managing resources and work flow. His methodologies were sophisticated and he understood development issues better than most Traffic executives. He was able to assimilate and disseminate information in such a way that everyone felt included in the success of a project or simple everyday work flow. When he was given multiple network (multiplex) responsibilities in his previous environment he was able to make technological, training, budget and efficacy changes that increased performance allowing sales to sell more effectively. His ability to manage budgets and increase revenue at the same time was an outstanding skill. As the new Network was also becoming a consolidated multiplex this was an ideal fit.
The cultural fit was proper on every level and the transition from Atlanta, GA to Washington, DC was very easy for him and his family.
Note: This VP has been promoted to Senior Vice President and continues to be a valuable resource to the continued success of this multiplex now in 120,000,000 homes in the U.S. and additional subs OCUNUS.
Mobile
Cable & MSO
Broadcast TV
Radio
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Filcro Media Staffing Media Executive Search skill set and recruitment experience designations for review
Based New York, NY - USA Executive Search FirmFilcro Media Staffing with Tony Filson as OIC Reporting to Client COO in Washington, DC - USA
Client
The Interactive Division of a multiplex cable television network with over 100,000,000 subs. The Network is a division of a major media and entertainment conglomerate. The client enjoys niche dominance and branding on many platforms as a multiplatform, multiplex, multicaster serving a wide group of diverse demographics.
Search
Vice President National Online Advertising Sales
Client Situation
The COO of the Interactive Group wanted to expand the advertising sales force by identifying a key sales executive to manage and build a national sales force in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago and the required back-office sales operational and client services infrastructure.
The COO was introduced to Filcro Media Staffing by the President of TV Network advertising sales who had conducted other senior level national advertising sales searches utilizing Filcro Media Staffing in the past.
Industry and Sector Inclusion
Television Broadcasting
Motion Picture
Music Entertainment
Book and Magazine Publishing
Interactive Media and Search Engines
The COO identified Filcro Media Staffing (FMS) and Tony Filson (TF) functioning as Officer in Charge of Search.
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search (Tony Filson) had conducted many searches for the client company in the past and the COO was able to covey tactical and strategic goals without having to convey cultural nuance. Filcro Media Staffing’s successful experience with similar searches to monetize digital content across multiple media platforms and achieve business goals permitted a detailed understanding of what the COO was seeking in the new Vice President of Sales.
The COO of the Interactive Group was an exceptionally articulate and gifted media executive who able to covey his strategic goals clearly. His primary focus was to establish a national digital advertising sales organization that would be led by an executive who could lead and mentor others to gain internal and external consensus for convergent programs across multiple media platforms. At the same time, this new Vice President of Online Advertising Sales would be expected to function tactically across multiple verticals with clients and agencies and enjoy the duel player coach roles.
The COO wanted to remove himself from the advertising sales function to concentrate on the strategic business goals of the firm. The new sales executive we identified would be required to capitalize on convergent programs with the TV and Motion Picture Studio Divisions while building the Online Interactive Advertising Group (OIAG) to be a strong standalone entity unto itself. An online advertising sales executive who functioned with autonomy in the past while building national sales infrastructure in New York, Chicago, Detroit and Los Angeles would be required. Identifying the right cultural fit for the organization would be a challenge.
The character, morality and work ethic of this new Vice President were as important as their business acumen. Anyone speaking with the COO would immediately recognize he is a fine gentleman who wanted the new Vice President to be a reflection of what he had built over the years.
Some of the challenges facing the new Vice President
Change Management
Building A National Sales Infrastructure
Mentoring Current Sales Staff
Adaptation of Creative Product to the Client
Formulation of Product for Future Platforms
Financial Management and Budget Controls
Client, Agency and Digital Network Relationship Building
Human Resource Concerns
Building Internal Consensus for Convergent Programs
Building Client and Creative Services, Inventory and Traffic
Building a Planning Process That Benefited TV and Interactive to Optimize Dollars
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to identify over 100 executives in our initial universe of senior directors and vice presidents. Those with related convergent experience in broadcasting environments were top tiered and ultimately eight executives were recruited to participate in the search out of 23 “ideals” from broadcast and cable TV national online advertising sales environments.
It took three and a half weeks in total to identify, recruit, attract and qualify five top candidates from the eight candidates 1st tiered. The COO moved quickly to take advantage of Filcro Media Staffing’s cadence. The candidates with proven records of success were verified on (4) four levels and the pool was complete with three exceptionally qualified candidates from TV Network and Interactive Media & Entertainment environments.
The three final executives were all capable of building nationally and focusing on sales team development that could be responsive to clients and agencies tactically and strategically. Sales budgets were also similar and in line with the type of growth the COO expected over the next few years. The COO ultimately spent considerable time making his final decision as he truly felt that two of the executives reflected “exactly” what he wanted in his new Vice President.
Successful Vice President of Advertising Sales Recruited
The new Vice President ultimately hired had built a world-class national on line advertising sales organization as well as a self-sufficient New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Detroit offices that facilitated sales, sales engineering, customer / client services and media operations. He had increased operational efficiency and customer retention by restructuring the advertising sales organization into three groups: sales, customer service and sales engineering. He was ideal to implement the type of “Change Management” that the COO wanted to differentiate Interactive Sales from the TV and Motion Picture Groups.
The new Vice President's prior experience renegotiating contracts with existing clients would also enable him to set new pricing points once he instituted the changes desired to creative content to meet the needs of new clients in desired verticals. He had lead account management teams in successfully implementing, tracking, reporting and optimizing interactive marketing campaigns to exceed specific ROI, CPA, CPL and CPS metrics. He was projected to increase sales by over 250% in his prior environment.
A prior track record of being transparent and accessible to management and board members was another key factor. The COO felt comfortable knowing that this new Vice President of National Advertising Sales was capable of detailed financial and sales reporting and being transparently accountable for his directives.
Working with and enhancing key relationships with clients and representing his prior employer(s) at industry trade shows, conferences and network events, including iMedia, IAB, Shop.Org, i-adworld, MediaPost and Ad:Tech also made him a very visible person in the interactive community and noted were speaking engagements included BtoB’s Meet the Experts and IAB’s Search Road Show .
With clear strengths in new business development, team building, financial management and a creative capacity with interactive product development this executive was a true match on every level. His education being focused on finance, the COO knew that the new Vice President would express fiscal responsibility in all the areas that reported into him.
On a cultural level the new Vice President was very much like the COO and a good fit for the organization. The new Vice President is known as a caring, honest, smart and diligent executive by those who know him personally and professionally. Our firm was very fortunate to bring forward such a talented executive to be hired who could facilitate every aspect of the COO’s immediate and long-term business objectives.
This executive has accomplished everything the COO mandated and Filcro Media Staffing was instrumental in identifying subsequent sales executives as the executive search firm of record that built the national infrastructure desired around the Vice President in New York, Los Angeles, Detroit and Chicago.
Mobile
Cable TV & MSO
Broadcast TV
Digital Radio
Online
Multicast & OEM
DOOH
Filcro Media Staffing Media executive search skill set and experience recruitment designations for review
Filcro Media Staffing Reviews, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing International Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms Selected Reviews of Digital Convergent Media Executive Search Firms
Reviews of Filcro Media Staffing TV Network On-Air-Promotion Executive Searches
Media & Entertainment Conglomerate Television Networks - Digital Media Holdings and TV Merchandising
Vice President TV Network On-Air Promotion
Executive Search Vice President On-Air Promotion Reporting to the TV Network President and CEO Search Firm Filcro Media Staffing and Tony Filson as Officer in Charge Client Major U.S. Global - 1st Tier Cable, Satellite, OTA and Digital Platform - TV Network
Client Situation
This noted global merchandiser needed to bring about enhanced international brand awareness by upgrading their production values across multiple media platforms. This executive would work in conjunction with retail, on-air, interactive and print divisions to meet new standards to integrate merchandising with prime time TV programming.
The Network President sought to create a On-Air-Promo environment that could substantially raise production values for On-Air-Promo and regular programming by bringing continuity to branding across all platforms. The Network affiliates to date were running promos but the efficacy was not evident and after reviewing the Network's current OAP inventory it was apparent to everyone that so much more could be done with On-Air and Online promos to enhance the Network's On-Air image
Of great interest were also a number of print publication that the Network needed revamping. The print production and creative teams would also be looking to this new Vice President for integrated branding on the publication's associated web sites and withing the magazines themselves.
The Network required a Vice President of On-Air-Promo who was not myopic and could lead a “New Branding” imitative across all the firms holdings.
Executive Search Committee Member Industry and Sector inclusion:
Television Broadcast Networks
Cable TV Networks
Advertising Agencies
Network & Syndicated Programming
On-Air Merchandising
Retail Merchandising
The client President & CEO acted as point of contact. It was requested that Tony Filson (TF) function as Officer in Charge (OIC) of Search to conduct a national search to identify the proper Vice President.
Filcro Media Staffing is Retained
The Filcro Media Staffing Officer in Charge of Search Tony Filson met with the Network CEO and commenced. The Network CEO voiced praise for a number of PROMAX award winners and Networks whom he felt had effective, creative and compelling OAP. Setting the bar exceptionally high he wanted a person who could express longevity and take on a change management role that would allow his contemporaries in other departments to follow his or her creative lead.
Current outside vendors were prohibitive financially and the intimate relationship he wanted with On Air Promo, Affiliate Relations, Sales, Marketing, Programming, Creative Services, Production and Post was not being developed with those outside the company as vendors vs. employees.
Some of the biggest challenges facing the new Senior Vice President
Change Management
Best Practices
Adaptation of Cross Platform Technology to Client’s Needs
Upgrading Creative Product, Production and Post
Bringing New Network Production Standards to TV Merchandising
Continuity of On-Air, Mobile and Online Dissemination
Bringing the Retail Experience On-Air
Filcro Media Staffing’s Recruitment Solution
Filcro Media Staffing proceeded to Identify the "best in industry" PROMAX award winners with a proven record of success in creating content for retail and on-air merchandisers. The search universe was tailored to a female 35-49 demographic. We drew from environments that expressed consistent 20% plus growth based on genre and merchandising similarities with heavy penetration in the top 50 DMA’s. All verticals were explored with the exception of automotive and adult beverage.
The executive was identified, recruited and attracted ahead of schedule. As there was an incumbent at the time Filcro Media Staffing was retained, the firm had to function covertly in a very intimate market. The executive and his family were relocated became well acclimated and the search was a great success.
Filcro Media Staffing Reviews, All rights reserved, 1985 - 2012 Filcro Media Staffing - National Media and Broadcasting Executive Search Firms selected case histories for on-air promotion on air promo
Review of Filcro Media Staffing International media and broadcasting executive search firms across multiple media platforms. Tony Filson Officer in Charge of Search Filcro Media Staffing International - Copyright 1985 - 2012 All Rights Reserved for Reviews. http://www.ExecutiveSearch.TV Filcro Media Staffing, Inc.