Daniel Blackman
Montclair,NJ
Summary
Executive leader with 25+ years building products, platforms, and strategic partnerships at the intersection of technology, content, and media. At Google & YouTube (2005-2007), I developed foundational partner frameworks during the platform's formative years, earning Google's Luminary Award for sourcing and negotiating complex deals with premier content brands. Track record of P&L management, cross-functional leadership, and driving growth in evolving environments—from early-stage startups (Howcast: 9.8M subscribers, 4.8B streams) to executive roles at major media companies (Newsweek/Daily Beast, About.com, Barnes & Noble.com). As Founder/CEO of Smashcut since 2016, I've built a technology platform and content studio powering programs for NYU, Columbia, CAA, Epic Games, and major urban school systems. Proven background in founding and leading successful complex initiatives. Demonstrated ability to innovate and drive business growth through strategic planning and effective execution. Leveraged entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills to build cohesive teams and navigate dynamic market challenges.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder/CEO
Smashcut
Montclair, NJ
07.2016 - Current
- Founded technology company and built specialized Learning Experience Platform combining next-generation software infrastructure with video content production studio
- Manage strategic partnerships with flagship institutions and major brands, including 7-year partnership with NYU Tisch School of the Arts (since 2018)
- Negotiate and structure complex commercial agreements with universities (NYU, Columbia), entertainment companies (Creative Artists Agency, Epic Games), and large urban systems
- Drive product adoption and market expansion through ecosystem partnerships, including INDSTRY initiative (founded by George Clooney and CAA)
- Work cross-functionally with C-level executives across institutions, agencies, and technology companies to design custom solutions and product integrations
- Oversee product development, technology roadmap, and content production operations
- Backed by Learn Capital and Pearson Education
VP, General Manager
About.com
New York, NY
10.2013 - 07.2016
- Responsible for content strategy, product development, and business operations across major verticals
- Drove product strategy, user experience design, new business development, and partnership initiatives
- Managed cross-functional teams spanning content, product, and technology
- General management of multiple content verticals across 200+ properties
Chief Digital Officer
Newsweek and The Daily Beast
New York, NY
04.2011 - 06.2012
- General management of digital strategy, products, and operations
- Oversaw technology, product development, creative direction, audience development and ad operations
- Led cross-functional teams across engineering, product, and business development
- Reported to CEO with full P&L responsibility for digital operations
Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer
Howcast Media
New York, NY
05.2007 - 04.2011
- Built instructional video platform to 9.8M YouTube subscribers and 4.8B+ video streams
- Scaled content production operations to 22,000+ videos in owned library
- Managed partnerships, operations, and business development for high-growth startup
- Co-founded venture-backed video platform with former Google colleagues
Strategic Partner Development
Google & YouTube
New York, NY
04.2005 - 05.2007
- Sourced, negotiated and closed complex partner deals with premier content and media brands including CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Smithsonian Museum, National Archives, Sundance Channel, and Martha Stewart
- Core team member in development of partner business terms and product features, helping establish frameworks that enabled YouTube's explosive growth
- Managed relationships with C-level executives across media, entertainment, and cultural institutions to drive content partnerships and platform adoption
- Recipient of Google's Luminary Award for partnership development excellence.
VP, General Manager, Executive Officer
Barnes & Noble.com
New York, NY
07.1998 - 04.2005
- Strategic planning and management of merchandising, editorial, and operational teams
- Drove product enhancements across search, browse, and order path customer experience
- Managed inventory planning, product purchasing, and supply chain operations
- Reported to CEO with general management of e-commerce business
Director, Internet Development
HarperCollins Publishers
New York, NY
06.1996 - 07.1998
- Built first Internet department for major publisher
Director, Content Production
News Corporation
New York, NY
01.1995 - 06.1996
- Managed team of 20 for News Corp's Internet portal
Producer
J. Walter Thompson Worldwide
New York, NY
05.1985 - 04.1987
- Produced TV/radio commercials for Kodak, Miller Beer, Burger King
Education
Bachelor of Arts - BFA in Film Production
New York University, Tisch School of The Arts
Timeline
Founder/CEO
Smashcut
07.2016 - Current
VP, General Manager
About.com
10.2013 - 07.2016
Chief Digital Officer
Newsweek and The Daily Beast
04.2011 - 06.2012
Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer
Howcast Media
05.2007 - 04.2011
Strategic Partner Development
Google & YouTube
04.2005 - 05.2007
VP, General Manager, Executive Officer
Barnes & Noble.com
07.1998 - 04.2005
Director, Internet Development
HarperCollins Publishers
06.1996 - 07.1998
Director, Content Production
News Corporation
01.1995 - 06.1996
Producer
J. Walter Thompson Worldwide
05.1985 - 04.1987
Bachelor of Arts - BFA in Film Production
New York University, Tisch School of The Arts