Donna Gibbs
San Francisco, CA
Work Experience
Chief Marketing Officer
May 2011 to May 2012
Layers is a European technology start-up based in Barcelona focused on launching a next generation web platform that allows people to consume personalized content curated by their friends and the people they admire on any platform including browser, iOS, Android and TV.
• Responsibilities included establishing a U.S. market presence, defining and implementing a monetization strategy for both B2B and B2C markets and leading U.S. fundraising efforts.
• Additional responsibilities included cultivating relationships and negotiating sophisticated commercial agreements with key publishing platforms, web property owners, web browser companies and driving app store sales strategy, as well as devising and implementing global social media and event marketing activities.
Chief Marketing Officer
September 2008 to March 2011
Responsible for assembling and managing a world-class marketing and product management team, and defining and managing the product roadmaps for the companys entire product portfolio for Internet, mobile and TV.
• Monetized traffic and existing customers through retention and loyalty programs and new products and services. Researched, developed and launched new vertical market products and services, including incremental revenue opportunities with mobile content communities and mobile video on a global basis.
• Contributed to record growth in fiscal 2009 in the companys core Internet business with total revenue of US $47.29 million, up 48% from US $31.95 million for the comparable 12-month period in 2008. CCMN generated US $6.13 million in gross profits, and gross margin of 39.49%.
• Developed marketing programs that supported the sales function including on-site campaigns, affiliate management, banner ads and traffic purchase campaigns for both static and live media and produced KPI reports that measured the effectiveness of each of these promotional efforts and tools. Also managed and mentored the creative studio responsible for online and offline design, art direction and copywriting.
Executive Vice President
January 2007 to September 2008
Rejoined the founders of The Weber Group and Weber Shandwick Worldwide to establish the west coast operations of a global public relations firm with special expertise in digital and social media campaigns. Led the office to an annualized revenue run rate of $3.1 million in 2007, from start-up revenue of $300,000. Grew professional staff from seven to 21 employees during tenure.
• Managed successful client engagements and strategic communications campaigns for innovative social media, mobile and blogging platform companies including Digg, BlogHer and Allvoices, as well as established Internet brands including LookSmart and eHarmony.
Senior Vice President, Consumer Marketing & Commerce
July 2004 to July 2006
As a senior officer responsible for managing the global subscription services and ecommerce P&L, responsibilities included planning and directing all marketing and product development activities to enhance premium subscriber acquisition and retention.
• Provided leadership that led to a successful IPO in October, 2004.
• Established professional corporate communications and investor relations functions and was subsequently promoted to lead all consumer marketing efforts for the companys community sites.
• Managed on-site marketing promotions, search engine marketing and optimization and brand advertising efforts to increase free member to paid subscriber conversion. Managed a staff of 10 with responsibility for product management, marketing and creative services, customer care and corporate communications.
• Contributed to strong subscriber growth, including a 23 percent increase in paid subscribers for full year 2005 compared to 2004, and a 25 percent increase in subscription services revenue in 2005 compared to the year-ago period. Also contributed to a record low subscriber churn rate of 7.9 percent in 2005, from 10.1 percent in 2004.
Independent Consultant
January 2002 to July 2004
Conducted marketing communications, brand strategy and management consulting services for Fortune 1000 businesses in the technology, consumer services, food & beverage and destination & hospitality categories, including Vtech Telecommunications, Inc., PlanetOut, Inc., ODS Health Companies, Aspen Investment Group and Grill Concepts, Inc. Managed approximately $250,000 in annual fee-based revenue as a sole proprietor.
Executive Vice President, Western Region
August 1998 to August 2001
Managed six western U.S. offices in Palo Alto, San Francisco, Austin, Denver, Seattle and Portland comprising nearly 100 professional staff and $21 million in annual revenue. Established offices in Seattle and Portland.
• Expanded revenues by more than 75 percent during tenure by securing key enterprise accounts including Adobe Systems, Enron Broadband Services and Gateway Computer.
• Served on an integrated team tasked with managing the merger of The Weber Group and Shandwick Public Relations to create the worlds largest communications consulting firm.
Vice President and Managing Partner
January 1997 to August 1998
Served as managing partner of this $14 million regional high tech marketing communications firm, managing several divisions of the Microsoft account.
• Helped orchestrate acquisition of the firm by Microsofts lead communications agency, Waggener-Edstrom.
Vice President and Director, Corporate Communications
November 1994 to January 1997
As a member of the senior management team for the worlds leading sports and fitness brand, responsibilities included serving as chief communications strategist and spokesperson on a wide range of issues, including regulatory concerns, production sourcing and labor practices, mergers & acquisitions and financial performance.
• Acted as communications counsel and spokesperson for NIKE Founder and Chairman Philip Knight.
• Created and executed a more transparent and accountable approach to subcontracted factory oversight in developing countries that led to improvements throughout the apparel and footwear industry. Conducted progress update presentations with the board of directors, and undertook negotiations with the U.S. Department of Labor to join the Clinton Administration Apparel Industry Task Force.
• Led a global team of nearly 40 communications professionals at the companys worldwide headquarters, regional headquarters and in key country offices.
Director, Public Relations
June 1990 to November 1994
Directed the efforts of a marketing communications staff and external agencies devoted to proactive communications programs for core brands, including Barbie, Fisher-Price and Disney licensed products, of the worlds largest toy company.
• Led company communications on licensing agreements, acquisitions, new product introductions and financial performance. Also provided counsel and served as chief spokesperson on sensitive issues including environmental impact and production sourcing.
• Served as a member of an integrated brand marketing team devoted to reaching the billion-dollar milestone for Barbie worldwide sales, achieved in 1993-94.
Manager, Public Relations
June 1989 to June 1990
Vice President and Account Supervisor
February 1985 to June 1989
Account Executive
June 1982 to February 1985
Education
Bachelor of Communication Arts in Communication Arts & Sciences
1982
Additional Information
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Highly experienced marketing communications professional with proven, comprehensive strategic planning and implementation skills, together with experience in generating and closing sales leads, negotiating commercial contracts and structuring business model and monetization plans. Background includes launching products, devising digital and social media campaigns and handling crisis communications issues for some of the worlds best-known brands including Apple, Mattel, Nike and Microsoft, and repeatedly achieving revenue and profitability goals for fast-moving emerging companies. Proven leadership and problem resolution skill, with a demonstrated ability to quickly understand and translate complex technical information into lay language.
• Twenty years experience designing online and offline communications programs that address corporate, product marketing, consumer marketing, media relations, investor relations and public policy goals.
