Steve Albany
Atlanta
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at WPP, excelling in new business development and organic growth strategies. Expert in revenue optimization and creative direction, I secured significant partnerships and drove initiatives that earned accolades, including TCCC Creative Brand of the Year. Adept at building industry relationships and managing high-stakes pitches.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
GLOBAL CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS LEAD
WPP
Atlanta
01.2023 - Current
- Drove strategic partnership initiatives for WPP Open X and The Coca-Cola Company, enhancing collaboration beyond media buying.
- Established innovative partnerships with Amazon, Uber, YouTube, Spotify, Meta, and others, generating new revenue streams, and earning TCCC Creative Brand of the Year at the 2024 Cannes Lions.
- Led integration of WPP creative and media agencies to optimize partnership strategies across diverse channels.
- Evaluated charter plans to pinpoint engagement opportunities for key events including Olympics and FIFA World Cup.
- Organized events for TCCC and WPP leadership, overseeing pre-reads, reports, agendas, experiences, and speakers.
- Directed Cannes Lions initiatives from 2022 to 2025 for over twenty clients, leading partner meetings, and networking opportunities.
- Facilitated over twenty global experiences connecting industry leaders with TCCC to inspire creativity and cultivate partnerships.
FOUNDER
Tallbany Group
Los Angeles
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Led strategic consulting for executive placements, partnerships, and business development across diverse sectors.
- Created and managed the company's financial budgeting, forecasting, and reporting systems.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers for optimal pricing structure.
- Directed marketing initiatives for WPP, contributing to successful global pitch for The Coca-Cola Company ($5B review).
- Secured 14 retained searches in 2020 across all major holding companies and companies like A Million Ads and Imagine Entertainment, generating ~$800K revenue.
- Cultivated agency and brand direct relationships at Doing Things Media, resulting in ~$4M new business over two years.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROWTH AND STRATEGY
North Kingdom
Los Angeles
09.2018 - 12.2019
- Drove U.S. business development and strategy at North Kingdom, enhancing net new and organic growth.
- Managed comprehensive processes for new business and internal client growth, including pitch strategy and budget creation.
- Secured projects with Supercell, AT&T, Nike, and others, exceeding 2019 new business goals by September.
- Prospected new business partnerships through industry events and professional relationships, leveraging a deep network of decision-makers.
- Created pitch materials and actively managed client relationships, achieving over 75% win-rate in competitive RFPs.
- Negotiated and executed contracts while collaborating with CFO and CEO to align with financial goals.
- Hired and managed three key directors to support strategic growth decisions and agency transition.
VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
The Marketing Arm
Los Angeles
01.2014 - 09.2018
- Achieved new revenue goals for four consecutive years by developing client and Omnicom network relationships.
- Secured over 20% of agency revenue and 30% of organic growth from 2014 to 2018.
- Led successful pitches for Alaska Airlines, Away Luggage, Goodyear, Lyft, and other major clients.
- Doubled number of pitches and RFPs annually, driving organic growth between 50% and 900%.
- Built and managed pitch teams for major business opportunities, overseeing strategy and budgets.
- Created processes to eliminate competitive pitches through tailored briefs and RFPs.
- Facilitated collaborative solutions across partner agencies, enhancing stakeholder relationships.
- Sourced third-party data partners to support decision-making and demonstrate ROI.
DIRECTOR, CONTENT STRATEGY
Omnicom Media Group
Los Angeles
05.2012 - 12.2013
- Led content strategy and branded entertainment programs for Mountain Dew at The Content Collective.
- Served as primary contact for Mountain Dew projects across Viacom, ESPN, Discovery Communications, and others.
- Executed planning and management of Mountain Dew’s custom content studio with dedicated budget for creators.
- Directed 'Every 2 Minutes' gaming partnership with Microsoft and Doritos, collaborating with cross-functional teams to win five Reggie Awards.
- Contributed to award-winning initiatives such as Pepsi + The X Factor partnership, recognized with Cannes Bronze Lion.
- Developed brand briefs, outlining strategic and creative objectives for media partner collaborations.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Adam Saget Event Productions
Los Angeles
01.2010 - 01.2012
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Equinox
Los Angeles
01.2005 - 01.2010
ASSISTANT TO ALEX YAROSH
The Gersh Agency
Beverly Hills
01.2004 - 01.2005
Education
Digital Accelerator -
Hyper Island
Stockholm, Sweden01.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Eckerd College
St. Petersburg, FL01.2004
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing
SUNY Albany
Albany, NYSkills
- New business development
- Organic growth strategies
- Revenue and profit optimization
- Business strategy formulation
- Creative oversight and direction
- Pitch leadership and execution
- Budget management expertise
- Industry networking and relationships
Timeline
GLOBAL CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS LEAD
WPP
01.2023 - Current
FOUNDER
Tallbany Group
01.2020 - 01.2023
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROWTH AND STRATEGY
North Kingdom
09.2018 - 12.2019
VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
The Marketing Arm
01.2014 - 09.2018
DIRECTOR, CONTENT STRATEGY
Omnicom Media Group
05.2012 - 12.2013
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Adam Saget Event Productions
01.2010 - 01.2012
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Equinox
01.2005 - 01.2010
ASSISTANT TO ALEX YAROSH
The Gersh Agency
01.2004 - 01.2005
Digital Accelerator -
Hyper Island
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Eckerd College
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing
SUNY Albany
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