Jenni Lees
Summary
Accomplished strategic media sales leader with 18+ years of experience with a proven track record. Successfully transforms revenue performance and cultivates high-value partnerships across digital audio and multi-platform channels. Expertise in developing senior relationships both internally and externally, as well as creating innovative commercial solutions that consistently surpass revenue targets. Strong background in leading teams to deliver revenue growth, combining commercial acumen and a genuine passion for developing talent to drive growth.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Commercial Partnership Director
Global Media & Entertainment
09.2021 - 10.2024
- Leading the Commercial Partnership & Podcast Partnership teams; 45 people that pitch, sell and deliver over 300+ partnerships annually that span the Global portfolio across audio, digital audio, podcasts, social, talent, brand experience, events and outdoor
- Revenue Leadership: Exceeding revenue targets and delivering growth during tenure in role, from £46m in 21/22 to £54m in 23/24 (+16%), responsible for budgeting, forecasting and P&L management to ensure profitability
- Strategic Partnership Development: Collaborated across the business to secure and manage significant partnerships, including with Team GB for the Paris 2024 Olympics, this initiative generated over £3.5m in partnership revenue
- Key Client Management; Leading on the GTM Strategy for Global's Tier One multiplatform properties, negotiating & delivering a record multi-year partnership deal in excess of £7.5m for Boots & Heart Breakfast Show
- Transformation and Change Management; Building and delivering a new structure to move Global Partnerships forward, impacting over 100 people across 5 teams to deliver sustainable revenue growth for the next decade
Director of Brand Partnerships
Global Media & Entertainment
01.2019 - 08.2021
- Leading the Brand Partnership Team, to oversee the development and execution of the commercial partnership strategy for Global's audio brands, ensuring we deliver on brand targets across the global portfolio
- Working hand in hand with editorial (audio & digital), branded content, marketing, events, and outdoor teams to create and implement successful strategies benefiting both our brands and clients
- Leading on sponsorship of key properties, including network Breakfast & Drive Shows, resulting in 90% long term sponsorship coverage across the Global portfolio
- Developed strategies to support partnership revenue across platforms, including the 'Leading Ladies' proposition, achieving 22% YoY growth for Smooth Radio
- Presenting to senior clients and agency influencers with strategic and innovative opportunities across Global, including smart speaker integration and social video in OOH
- Provided guidance and leadership to the Brand Partnerships Team, enhancing support and output for clients and agencies across Global's platforms
Head of Brand Partnerships
Global Media & Entertainment
04.2016 - 11.2018
- Senior Management role responsible for winning and delivering high value partnership opportunities with a focus on longer term sponsorships
- Managing the team of Brand Development Managers across all Global audio brands, ensuring brand business plans were executed to deliver revenue growth
- Working with editorial teams to understand commercial partnership goals and market dynamics to build out successful strategies to drive revenue
- Developing innovative solutions that enhance our existing offerings across audio, digital, and outdoor platforms
- Integrating Global's Digital Audio platform (DAX) into partnership solutions to contribute to this new revenue stream, making up 8% of the overall DAX target
Group Head Group M Partnerships
Global Media & Entertainment
01.2012 - 03.2016
- Leading the Group M Partnership Team to ensure they deliver high value & long term commercial opportunities
- Delivering creative and innovative solutions for our clients and agencies that help contribute to the overall Commercial Partnerships target
Head of Sponsorship and Promotions
Southern Cross Austereo
07.2009 - 06.2011
- Responsible for strategic leadership and development of the Sponsorship & Promotions Team, maximizing ratings and revenue through innovative client solutions
- Fostering an innovative culture, and maximizing revenue opportunities while ensuring exceptional client promotion implementation
Account Manager
Southern Cross Austereo
01.2007 - 01.2009
Business Manager
MCM Entertainment
01.2006 - 01.2007
Account Manager
NOVA Entertainment (previously dmg Media)
01.2003 - 01.2006
Education
Future Leaders Program -
Global
London, UK01.2024
Design Thinking -
Moller Institute, Cambridge University
01.2023
RADA Business - Leadership Program -
RADA Business
01.2022
Skills
- Commercial Leadership
- Team Leadership & Management
- Collaboration
- Cross-Functional Management
- Team Growth
- Client Strategy
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Client Service Excellence
- Negotiating
- Influencing
- Operational Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Transformation
- Change Management
- Building Relationships
Timeline
Commercial Partnership Director
Global Media & Entertainment
09.2021 - 10.2024
Director of Brand Partnerships
Global Media & Entertainment
01.2019 - 08.2021
Head of Brand Partnerships
Global Media & Entertainment
04.2016 - 11.2018
Group Head Group M Partnerships
Global Media & Entertainment
01.2012 - 03.2016
Head of Sponsorship and Promotions
Southern Cross Austereo
07.2009 - 06.2011
Account Manager
Southern Cross Austereo
01.2007 - 01.2009
Business Manager
MCM Entertainment
01.2006 - 01.2007
Account Manager
NOVA Entertainment (previously dmg Media)
01.2003 - 01.2006
Design Thinking -
Moller Institute, Cambridge University
RADA Business - Leadership Program -
RADA Business
Future Leaders Program -
Global
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