PAUL BENNUN
Content + technology
Los Angeles
WELL AS YOU ASKED ...
I published my first game, Dilph the Caterpillar, aged 11. Cracking.
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, 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
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, STORYBLASTER, INC.
Co-founded a data-driven storytelling software startup of 15+ personnel; raised $2.5M in VC funding during seed round (2019). Led human-centred design process & product development ops from inception to launch; maintained oversight to ensure continuous product improvements. Devised data approach, gaining a pending patent in the use of social media in relation to certain business KPIs. Architected technology platform; built the company to provide 25X return on ad spend ($500K+ advertising budget) within two years.
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.
ASSESSOR, HM GOVERNMENT
Serving as an advisor to the UK government agency responsible for funding strategic technology likely to materially impact the UK economy. This
provides 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.
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.
"Chaos and order on the same plate."