Ashley Thues: in Powder Springs, GA

Managed territory list comprised of 70+ accounts with the responsibility of meeting and exceeding advertising revenue goals across a designated territory (NC, SC, MI, OH, and GA) for ESPN’s syndicated programming and ESPN-owned events, bowl games, and basketball classics. Collaborated with advertising clients and event execution team to activate elements of marketing campaigns and event sponsorship. Developed territory account strategy for existing clients, compiled and analyzed market research, and conducted presentations to clients/agencies which position the power of the ESPN brand association. Identified and cultivated new business prospects via marketplace relationships utilizing sales leads websites and constant monitoring of the sports and advertising marketplace in an effort to meet departmental revenue goals. Planned, developed and implemented business strategies and action plans to ensure maximization of assigned region. Effectively managed T&E budget to maximize sales opportunities.

Lead project manager working closely with account executive, sales manager, external and internal constituents to drive client-specific marketing and media plans across television, print, digital, and social platforms while overseeing execution of aforementioned plans. Wrote and distributed marketing briefs, while providing a project roadmap to sales team, internal marketing constituents, and clients. Served as primary liaison between internal execution teams and client/advertising agencies, providing campaign maintenance, evaluations, and post-merchandising reports upon deal completion. Collaborated with Customer Marketing and Sales (CMS) and sponsorship teams on the development of client-specific brand campaigns, promotions, and assets aligned with departmental sales and marketing strategies. Filtered and disseminated consumer research to sales team for prospecting. Designed client-specific sales decks which were used to outline potential opportunities.

Responsible for the creation and implementation of affiliate marketing and sales strategies designed to support distribution of priority networks and advance company goals. Maintained and broadened direct relationships with affiliates and served as day-to-day contact on distribution growth opportunities. Filtered and disseminated local client business objectives to internal task force to help develop and advance the corporate strategy. Negotiated affiliate distribution agreements with cable operators in specified territory.

Collaborated with ABC, Disney, and ESPN media network brands teams, national accounts, and field sales to ensure account/brand specific marketing activities were aligned with both corporate and regional sales strategies. Developed post-merchandising model used in reporting and evaluation of internal returns. Worked with affiliate’s external marketing teams to create marketing pieces that maximized the relationship with Disney and ESPN media networks. Coordinated with external event and multi-ethnic marketing agencies on strategies and tactics around the launch of new products and services.