Ben Blackmore

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage App, Social and SEO/News teams for 200+ territories including US, ROW and Canada (8 direct reports), working with department leads to set/exceed KPIs and optimise engagement via content merchandising and distribution.
• Oversee live and non-live content delivery and output for App, Social and SEO/News across key rights including Football/Soccer, Boxing, NFL, MMA, Basketball and Wrestling.
• Lead Content/Digital client relationship with NFL to migrate Game Pass product to DAZN app and manage editorial output/strategy.
• Weekly Senior Leadership meetings to establish marketing and editorial direction for major rights.
• Present strategy plans and report results to wider business, working closely with data team.
• Work with Sales teams to deliver campaigns for clients such as Hennessy and Uber Eats across App, News and Social.
• Extra-curricular role as Employee Rep, aiming to improve internal company culture.
• Re-org content department, including hiring/redundancies and installation of best practices.
• Collaborate with Product team on new functions and daily fixes.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Exceeded Year 1 subscription and viewership targets following migration of hundreds of thousands of NFL Game Pass users to DAZN.
• Exceeded 2023 year-on-year SEO targets for unique users and page views by 58%.
• Oversaw successful and lucrative introduction of PPV events to DAZN app, including mega fights involving Canelo, Ryan Garcia, Anthony Joshua, KSI and Jake Paul.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Audit on-platform and off-platform content merchandising and distribution.
• Present recommended ways of working to senior management and EVP of Content.
• Recommend org restructure to improve workflows.
• Consult with Product team on new app features, include live in-game stats and line-ups.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manager of B/R's global app team (7 direct reports).
• Coordinator for all sold client-related content in app, inc. successful execution of NBC/BBC/Nike/UEFA deals.
• Monitor of user behaviour via analytics.
• Collaborator with Product team on community engagement tools and live in-game data.
• Leader of daily news agenda, inc: Final calls on content selection, packaging and push notifications.
• Responsible for monthly rota, schedule and big-event planning primarily across: Football, Cricket, Rugby, F1 (coverage also extended to NBA, MMA, Boxing, Tennis, Olympics and more).
• Copy editor for all text across primary sports.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Lifted monthly Daily Active Users above pre-COVID levels following 40% drop-off during COVID period.
• Raised app community engagement (likes/comments/shares) by 50%.
• Increased y-o-y unique users by 20%.
• Successfully executed on paid NBC/BBC deals.
• Led app output of US Champions League rights.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Map out new strategy for EMEA Digital Team.
• Film and edit video content to work cross-platform.
• Manage official UFC website.
• Improve social media output.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deputy Editor for ESPN's online multi-sports coverage, inc: Football, Tennis, Cricket, Golf, Rugby Union, Horse Racing, F1 and MMA.
• Assist/cover Managing Editor.
• Responsible for managing news desk and ideating on new ways to cover major sports.
• Writer of regular editorials on topics of the week.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Single-handedly ran online UFC coverage, inc: Multiple daily articles, interviews and live-event blogging.
• Worked with designers to launch UFC Fantasy game.
• Set up successful ESPN UFC podcast.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reporter of online breaking news for: Football, Rugby Union, Cricket, Golf, Tennis, F1 and MMA.
• Live blogger for major events, inc: Football matches, Tennis and Golf grand slams, Olympics and more.
• Writer of match reports and regular features.
• Managed website and hit targeted page views.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Earned regular live TV slot on weekly UFC show.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Editor of Rugby Union section on Sky Sports website.
• Writer of all news articles, match reports and features.
• Interviewer of players and creator of new features.