Kay Verdon

Experience

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  EMO, European Music Office

  May 2006 - Apr 2009

  Projects - Policy Officer

  NGO promoting closer relations between the music industry and the European institutions to develop coherent policies that support creativity and diversity. Became a permanent member of staff after a 6-month internship. Responsible for supporting development of professional infrastructures in the New Member States. Advised music professionals and national governments in Poland and the Czech Republic on the benefits of creating a national music promotion organization.

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  World Music Expo

  May 2009 - Feb 2010

  Director of Conferences

  Curated more than 30 industry sessions over 3 days for 2500 delegates.

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  Consultant

  Mar 2010 - Aug 2013

  International Music Consultant

  PR Manager/Music Agent Mokoomba (Zimbabwe) Songlines Winner Best Newcomer Award 2013, appearance on Later with Jools Holland, critically acclaimed by BBC, CNN, Guardian, Evening Standard. Researcher: Music Education in Zimbabwe - Music Crossroads International (MCI) Compiled data into a report with recommendations to MCI on programme strategy which led to the funding of a music academy in Harare through the Norwegian Development Agency NORAD.Online Marketing Manager - Africa Unsigned Crowdfunding music portal for African Artists - managed B2C campaign, led to a 60% increase in members + 90% retention of existing and new fans. Show less

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  T10 / Google Campus

  Mar 2012 - Aug 2013

  Co Founder

  T10 improves English literacy by dynamically generating bite size language exercises to existing video content. In less than 8 months I raised £130K in government funding and developed a business plan to grow the company from 2 founding directors to 5 FTEs.Strong experience of shaping and pitching new projects and developing strategic relationships. At T10 I was responsible for generating external partnerships; used existing networks and developed new partnerships in media (Hat Trick), technology (K-Now) and pedagogy (International House), by selling T10 concept, strategy and proof of concept. Led to collaboration and in-kind funding from each of these partners. Show less

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  ScreenSkills

  Nov 2013 - now

  Careers and Programme Manager

  Careers manager for the £19 million BFI Future Film Skills programme, on target to deliver 10,000 new film recruits by 2020. Designed and implemented a series of careers events, Open Doors, endorsed by industry as an opportunity to connect with diverse talent. 1000s of people have benefitted from getting careers advice directly from employers; Programme manager for £1 million investment from the JP Morgan Chase Foundation, a training scheme for 500 unemployed East London residents across Creative Tech, Fashion Manufacturing and TV/Film Production. Achieved 85% conversion from training into employment.ScreenSkills is the national skills body for the screen industries and has a broad remit that includes working with the sector to ensure their future talents are met. Show less