Jared Ben

Experience

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  Fairfax Media

  Feb 2005 - Jul 2006

  Team Lead - Adservices

  Working at New Zealand’s most read print punisher. This role introduced me to the art of leadership, leading a team of 8 employees, and also to real world commercial pressures as Fairfax embarked on its first transition into a digital.

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  Hunting With Pixels

  Apr 2011 - Mar 2013

  Associate Producer, Shooter and Editor

  My first introduction to early-stage businesses where craft, client, and internal processes were being developed.I helped to build HWP’s first in-house studio, deliver its first milestone project for Education New South Wales, redesign the data management system for a growing team of editors and be the first to test Atomos products in our workflow.Often tasked with shooting, producing, interviewing, and commercial aspects this was an all-encompassing role and valuable experience for future roles. Show less

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  Network 10

  Mar 2013 - Jul 2016

  As a part of a team of top-tier integration specialists, I had the opportunity to work with some of the most innovative agencies worldwide to produce commercial content across broadcast and online. My responsibilities included autonomous planning for resource requirements using both internal and freelance talent, regular status reporting to senior management and clients, agile management of multiple projects, and managing stakeholder expectations while delivering useful and quality end products as per the outlined agreement. Show less

  • Integration and Digital Producer

    Jul 2014 - Jul 2016

  • Production Coordinator

    Mar 2013 - Jul 2014
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  FOX SPORTS Australia

  Jul 2016 - Dec 2017

  Senior Production Manager/Creative Producer

  As a member of a passionate team of sports enthusiasts, I was excited to apply my commercial knowledge to help drive collective success in this role.Together, we implemented a range of tailored procedural approaches to support our talented creative team. By mentoring younger producers, introducing new communication methods, and enhancing collaboration amongst executives, account managers, suppliers, agencies, and clients, my role helped to ensure all briefs were met and executed to the highest broadcast-worthy standards.One of our greatest collective achievements was the successful delivery of high-quality projects for high-profile clients such as Coca-Cola, Hyundai, NAB, and Diageo. Additionally, we had the honour of creating the first-ever internationally produced TVC for Emirates in conjunction with Havas, a true testament to the capabilities of our team. Show less

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  Initiative

  Dec 2017 - Sept 2022

  At Initiative Studio, I had the incredible opportunity to lead business development, a role where I significantly contributed to sourcing, delivering, and nurturing our relationship with Amazon Prime Video. This effort culminated in expanding our partnership into their largest client base across North and South America. Our team's dedication and strategy led to remarkable achievements with Amazon, including the establishment of a 3M+ production unit, which boosted our revenue by 46% in just two years.This role endowed me with invaluable experience in team management during high-growth phases, involving close collaboration with senior leadership to negotiate optimal staff-to-revenue ratios and adeptly manage fluctuating demands. A highlight of my tenure was fostering a model culture within the agency, a culture that thrived even amidst the complexities of remote working. My journey at Initiative Studio was not just about business growth; it was about building strategic partnerships and leading project management initiatives that drove tangible, impactful results. Show less In my foundational role at Initiative Studio, I was entrusted with the pivotal task of establishing the Studio's presence, both within the organization and in the broader market. My approach focused on proactive problem-solving for clients and cultivating a vibrant, high-energy work culture.I implemented best practices in project management and spearheaded the integration of new technological platforms. Leading a collaborative team in its formative stages, I took comprehensive ownership of the production process. This encompassed responding to briefs, accurately estimating costs, ensuring compliance with standards, and skillfully negotiating solutions to meet client needs.Our commitment to exceptional customer service and delivering high-quality products led Initiative Studio to surpass its financial targets, achieving an impressive 40% exceedance of KPIs in 2018 and 30% in 2019. These consecutive years of outstanding performance underscored the effectiveness of our strategies and the cohesive effort of our team. Show less

  • Integrated Production Director

    Nov 2019 - Sept 2022

  • Senior Integrated Producer

    Dec 2017 - Nov 2019
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  Canva

  Jun 2021 - now

  As the Head of Content Partnerships at Canva, I have led our high-impact, cross-functional team in creating one of the most recognized and innovative partnerships programs in the industry. By collaborating with senior leadership, product, legal, and marketing teams, we shaped a strategic vision that has generated over $50 million in annual revenue, positioning Canva as the preferred partner for content leaders worldwide.Among my proudest accomplishments is securing Canva’s most transformative partnerships, including one of the first large-scale AI content initiatives. This world-first partnership endevour established new standards in IP management, revenue-sharing, and content accessibility, redefining the digital landscape for creators, suppliers, and fans alike. Our program is also pioneering digital and print integrations that unlock hundreds of millions in revenue potential, setting Canva apart in the way fans interact with their favorite brands. Our partnerships have become industry benchmarks, elevating brand engagement, increasing global reach, and delivering unmatched value to both Canva and our collaborators. Show less As Partnerships Lead, I played a foundational role in building Canva’s partnerships function and establishing key relationships with some of the world’s foremost content creators and design leaders. I initiated and cultivated partnerships with influential organizations such as Monotype, the Noun Project, and The New York Times, significantly strengthening Canva’s design library and supporting our mission to democratize creativity.By curating diverse content categories—including illustrations, video, audio, fonts, and motion graphics—I helped make Canva a premier destination for design assets. Notably, our collaboration with Monotype drove over 100 million font usages per month, making them some of the most popular design assets globally. I also scaled the partnerships team, achieving a 300% increase in user engagement with partnership content and reaching 57 million active users, while driving a substantial increase in attributed revenue. Show less Leading operations for a talented team of 41, dedicated to addressing the needs of over 100 million monthly active users across 110 countries.My role as Design Operations Lead was not just about managing a team but about driving change, fostering innovation, and setting a global standard in design operations. It was a journey marked by significant team growth, operational enhancements, and the development of strategic initiatives that reinforced Canva's position as a leader in the design space. Show less

  • Head of Global Content Partnerships

    Sept 2022 - now

  • Partnerships Lead

    Sept 2022 - Oct 2023

  • Design Operations Lead

    Jun 2021 - Sept 2022