PAUL BENNUN
Content + technology
Los Angeles
Content and technology.
Synthesising great things from content and technology is a lifelong passion. I've devoted my professional life to creating businesses that turn talented people into world-class teams to do it.
I work at an executive leadership level, at agencies, producers and technology companies, to solve problems for, and with, some of the world's largest brands, broadcasters, publishers and developers. These have included Apple, Microsoft, the BBC, Grand Theft Auto, Rolls-Royce Motorcars, Spotify, and Doctor Who.
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
Selected recent or current projects
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER, SOMETHIN' ELSE
Co-founded the UK’s largest multiplatform content agency, becoming the EU’s largest independent producer of radio by hours and income, and (during my tenure) the BBC's largest supplier of multiplatform and interactive content across games, social media, television, and the Internet. A board position, l led and implemented fundamental platform strategy, tech strategy, and creative strategy. Led a team of 100+ personnel to become critically regarded as among the most creative in UK (confirmed by BAFTA in 2013 and 2015). Negotiated deals with mobile network operators, brands, publishers, and broadcasters in the UK and US. Notable partners included: Rolls-Royce, Apple, Microsoft, EE, Viacom, and British Telecom
USC ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY CENTER / CHARISMA ENTERTAINMENT
The USC's Entertainment Technology Center is working to the joint CTOs of the major studios to define workflow and voluntary standards in response to the creative, technical, ethical and commercial implications of generative AI, in which I have a core role. Charisma Entertainment is a British company creating tools for storytellers and narrative designers in games and interactive storytelling.
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, STORYBLASTER, INC.
Co-founded a VC-backed data-driven storytelling software startup. Led design process & product development ops from inception to launch. Devised data approach, gaining a pending ML patent in discerning how to identify user intent in use of social media and affect business KPIs. Architected technology platform; built the company to provide 25X return on ad spend ($500K+ advertising budget) within two years.
CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER, KCRW
Joined to provide strategy and implementation of a multi-platform / digital / data-centered approach to content and operations. During tenure KCRW returned to editorial form, audiences shifted to streams and OD (tripling in key areas), audience demography realigned to match LA, alliances were formed with partner services in CA, and diversity of platformed voices was transformed.
ASSESSOR, HM GOVERNMENT
Serving as an advisor to the UK government agency responsible for funding strategic technology likely to materially impact the UK economy. Thisprovides extraordinary visibility of crucial technologies and trends with short- & long-term impacts, prior to market launch
INTERNET ADVISORY BOARD, BBC
Served on the advisory board to the BBC's executive leadership team on fundamental approaches to the BBC’s digital existence. Consulted on strategies to increase engagement and ensure continued relevance, in regard to content, structure, technology and audience strategy across the world, from the perspective of the commercial sector.
DIRECTOR, METABRAINZ FOUNDATION
Providing fiduciary and strategic oversight to the world’s leading provider of music metadata, which powers crucial music data for services inc. BBC, SiriusXM, Google, Microsoft, Spotify, Universal, Amazon, Ticketmaster, Pandora, AEG and AcousticID. A foundation, with output built by a community and with Open Source principles, Metabrainz requires input to balance its ethical, operational and commercial imperatives—which, assisting and coaching the CEO, the board does.
PROFILE
Here's what I've learned.
CREATIVE / BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Starting at Somethin’ Else, I learned how to build and empower teams that win. Strong through their diversity, successful through collaboration and openness, they demonstrate a culture of excellence and shared vision.
INSIGHT AND KNOWLEDGE
Through the BBC and the UK Government, I gained specific, broad, highly technical, exemplary knowledge in the present and future of media technologies and content.
EXECUTION AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
As an entrepreneur, I learned how to define a business story, create the strategy to deliver it, and how to communicate it to the board and the wider team, as well as the legal, commercial and fiduciary considerations of raising money and running a business.
HOW TO MAKE GREAT THINGS
I’ve been lucky enough to be on teams with a history of developing some of the world's best, highest-regarded digital, marketing, and interactive media content. I have also been recognized as one of the world's most awarded and honored content creators with more than 7 BAFTA wins to date, including as CCO of the 2013 and 2015 BAFTA Children’s Production Company of the Year award.
HMU. I'm open to senior executive positions, artistic collaboration, or recipe swapping.
