Darian James

Full-service digital marketing agency specializing in performance marketing, creative strategy, and eCommerce growth for DTC brands in the health & wellness space.

• Built and scaled Dash Activate Online from the ground up, growing to $70K/month in revenue while managing a portfolio of 10-15 eCommerce brands at any given time.
• Developed and executed multi-channel growth strategies across Meta, TikTok, Google, and email/SMS marketing, consistently delivering 3x-10x ROAS improvements for clients.
• Specialized in creative testing & ad optimization, leveraging AI-powered tools and systematic testing frameworks to enhance ad performance and reduce customer acquisition costs.
• Led CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization) initiatives, refining landing pages, offer positioning, and funnel strategies to maximize revenue per visitor.
• Managed end-to-end client strategy, overseeing everything from ad creative development and paid media execution to offer testing and retention marketing.
• Built and led a fully remote team of media buyers, designers, editors, and strategists, streamlining operations through automation tools like Zapier and ChatGPT.
• Successfully scaled numerous brands, helping clients 3x, 5x, or even 10x their paid media performancethrough rigorous testing and data-driven decision-making.
• Optimized internal workflows by integrating AI, automation, and advanced analytics, increasing efficiency and maximizing ad spend effectiveness for clients.

Millennial-focused digital media company specializing in entertainment, music, film, and lifestyle content, partnering with brands like Disney, Universal, Ford, Holden, and Sony.

• Led the Melbourne market expansion, securing new business and managing a portfolio of media agency and direct brand clients.
• Developed and pitched custom advertising and content solutions, including branded video series, influencer collaborations, and event sponsorships, driving $800K–$1.2M in annual sales revenue.
• Oversaw the transition from traditional display ad sales to branded content and experiential marketing, helping MusicFEEDS evolve into a full-scale publisher.
• Managed high-profile campaigns for Fortune 500 brands, including Disney (movie premieres & activations), Universal, Ford, Holden, and Sony, ensuring seamless execution across digital, social, and live event channels.
• Collaborated with internal teams and external partners, including content creators, media planners, and developers, to execute large-scale campaigns.
• Led sales presentations and negotiations, responding to RFPs and securing long-term partnerships with media agencies and brands.
• Coordinated international sales efforts, working closely with teams in the US and APAC to optimize content distribution and audience engagement.

An eCommerce brand specializing in sneaker and travel accessories, focused on direct-to-consumer sales and influencer marketing.

• Developed and launched the SneakerSack, an innovative footwear travel solution, utilizing digital marketing and social media advertising to drive customer acquisition.
• Scaled Instagram following to 10K+ organically, leveraging content marketing, influencer partnerships, and engagement strategies to build brand awareness.
• Led product research & development, overseeing industrial design, prototyping, and overseas manufacturing logistics to bring products to market.
• Built and managed the brand’s eCommerce website and Shopify storefront, optimizing for conversions and user experience.
• Executed influencer-driven marketing strategies, collaborating with niche communities and brand ambassadors to generate sales and engagement.
• Managed cross-functional teams, including designers, virtual assistants, and global suppliers, ensuring seamless production and operations.

Digital media and publishing company specializing in branded content, influencer marketing, and digital advertising solutions across entertainment, lifestyle, and consumer verticals.

• Managed a portfolio of high-value agency and brand accounts, driving $1.2M in annual sales revenue through custom advertising and branded content solutions.
• Built and nurtured long-term client relationships, serving as the key liaison between sales, creative, and customer service teams to ensure seamless campaign execution.
• Led sales forecasting, goal setting, and performance reporting for all client accounts, identifying opportunities for upsells and strategic growth.
• Consulted with clients post-sale to optimize campaign performance, troubleshoot issues, and provide ongoing support, increasing customer retention and renewal rates.
• Trained internal teams and new hires on proprietary advertising and publishing technologies, improving efficiency and adoption across departments.

Digital media and publishing company specializing in branded content, influencer marketing, and digital advertising solutions across entertainment, lifestyle, and consumer verticals.

• Managed and expanded key agency accounts, educating media buyers and brand stakeholders on the value of enthusiast-driven publishing environments.
• Developed and pitched advertising proposals, responding to client briefs with tailored digital ad placements, branded content solutions, and audience targeting strategies.
• Closed high-value contracts and secured renewals, strengthening relationships with both agency partners and direct brand advertisers.
• Supported new product launches and content commercialization, helping introduce innovative advertising formats and partnership opportunities to the market.
• Worked cross-functionally with global teams, collaborating with sales, creative, and operations teams across Australia and the U.S. to activate live campaigns under tight deadlines.

Digital advertising network specializing in entertainment, lifestyle, and enthusiast publishing verticals.

• Supported the Victorian Sales Team in managing client campaigns, responding to agency briefs, and developing customized digital advertising solutions.
• Assisted in inventory forecasting and campaign management, ensuring seamless execution and delivery on client KPIs and performance goals.
• Worked cross-functionally with international teams, strategizing with the U.S.-based International Integration Team to develop high-impact digital advertising proposals.
• Created sales materials and client presentations, translating complex marketing objectives into compelling advertising solutions.
• Served as a key liaison between internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and on-time campaign execution.

One of Australia’s largest and most awarded media agencies, recognized as B&T’s Agency of the Year (2009) and AdNews Media Agency of the Year (2008, 2009).

• Developed, budgeted, and implemented strategic media channel plans for major clients, including Drummond Golf, AXA Investment Managers, Irwin Tools, and Ambra Hosiery.
• Managed end-to-end media and marketing campaigns, ensuring alignment with client objectives, budget constraints, and audience targeting strategies.
• Negotiated and liaised with media sales reps across TV, radio, print, and digital channels, securing competitive rates and premium ad placements.
• Worked under tight deadlines to craft targeted, data-driven media plans, including a $500,000 multi-channel campaign for AXA Investment Managers integrating TV, digital, and direct email marketing.
• Gained deep exposure to strategic media frameworks, including OMD’s Checkmate System, to enhance campaign planning and performance optimization.
• Strengthened client relationships by providing insights on media performance, strategic adjustments, and data-backed recommendations to maximize ROI.

Six-month unpaid internship at OMD Adelaide, gaining hands-on experience in media planning, data analysis, and client reporting while completing university studies.

• Supported media planning teams by compiling and analyzing media data, transforming insights into client-ready reports and presentations.
• Developed foundational expertise in media research tools, audience insights, and competitive analysis, forming the basis of a career in strategic media buying.
• Gained hands-on experience with media performance tracking, assisting in budget allocations and campaign optimization strategies.
• Worked cross-functionally with account managers to ensure accuracy in media planning, reporting, and client communications.
• Selected for the MFA Discovery Program, a competitive training initiative that deepened industry knowledge and technical proficiency in media planning software.