GARY DAVIDSON
Simi Valley,CA
Summary
Dynamic Senior Sales Executive with a proven track record of generating revenue and driving business growth through innovative solutions. Over 25 years of experience in forging long-term strategic partnerships within the sports and entertainment sectors, showcasing exceptional critical thinking and leadership abilities. Results-oriented professional dedicated to leveraging expertise in business development to create impactful and meaningful partnerships.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Global Partnerships & Business Development
World Surf League
Los Angeles
10.2021 - 01.2026
- Responsible for calling on and creating relationships with key C-Suite Executives and decision makers
- Lead all elements of the sales cycle, including identifying, ideating, pitching, negotiating, closing and fulfilling
- Represent and responsible for selling the entire ecosystem of the WSL including: Sponsorship, Ad Sales, Branded Content, On-Site Activations, Jersey Patches, Athlete Ambassadorships, Social Media, etc.
- Responsible for securing revenue through renewing existing deals and onboarding NEW multi-year strategic partners
- Successfully onboarded and maintained the following key accounts: Lexus, Yeti, Chase Travel, Pacifico, 805, Hoag Hospital, Sun Cruiser, Hilton Hotel, Open Water, Best Western, White Claw, Nissin (Cup Noodles), Rad E-Bikes
- Additional key accounts that I oversaw and maintained included: Corona, Hurley, O'Neill, Body Glove, Dakine, Visit Huntington Beach, Outerknown
- Recently renewed 7x key multiyear accounts for a total of $35.6M which included: Lexus ($14.5M), Corona ($11.5M), Yeti ($4.6M), Pacifico ($2.4M) 805 ($1.5M), Chase Travel ($1M), Sun Cruiser ($250K)
- Consistently communicate with key brands stakeholders as well as our top athletes to become brand ambassadors
- Collaborate with our partners to creatively amplify their on-site presence and activation efforts to deliver maximum ROI
- Collaborate with all key internal stakeholders to maximize partners investment across the entire WSL ecosystem
- Managed and nurtured a robust pipeline of existing partners while consistently engaging in new league prospects
Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Consultant
Major League Fishing
Los Angeles
01.2020 - 08.2021
- Responsible for securing new non-endemic marketers as overall league partners
- Call on CEO's & CMO's to discuss their individual marketing strategy and objectives
- Responsible for maximizing sponsorship revenue through our IP, TV and Digital / OTT platforms
- Collaborate with our marketing team to create unique and custom marketing opportunities
Director, Performance Marketing & Advertising Sales
ESPN / The Walt Disney Company
Los Angeles
11.2018 - 11.2019
- Represent the full breadth and depth of The Walt Disney Advertising Sales Portfolio
- Responsible for maximizing advertising revenue across TV, Digital / Programmatic
- Strategically collaborate with advertisers and agencies on their individual KPI's to maximize ROI
- Understand and effectively communicate the value of our fan base to advertisers
- Collaborate with internal marketing teams to develop and execute custom multimedia sponsorships
- Recent success stories include yet not limited to: LVCVA (+280% YOY increased investment); Roman Health (+850% YOY), Rock Auto, Casper Sleep, Trip Advisor, Stock X, etc.
Director, Multimedia Direct Response Partnerships & Business Development
ESPN
Los Angeles
01.2013 - 11.2018
- Oversee the L.A. Direct Response office and responsible for billings over $100MM
- Responsible for Integrated Media Sales across all platforms
- Create, present, sell and ultimately deliver custom integrated advertising campaigns
- Expert knowledge in selling both Performance Marketing and General Market advertising platforms
- Expert in establishing C-Suite relationships and building long term partnerships
- Consistent history of exceeding revenue goals
- Examples of successful partnerships included: Draft Kings, Fan Duel, P&G, Sleep Number, Dollar Shave Club, Bonobos, Zillow, Lyft, Uber, Vista Print, Groupon, Zip Recruiter, Lifelock, Priceline, GoDaddy, etc.
Multimedia Account Executive
ESPN
12.2006 - 01.2013
- Build, develop, cultivate new and existing strategic corporate marketing partnerships
- Call on advertisers and agencies in order to drive daily business
- Executive of the Year 2007
- Consistent history of exceeding revenue goals through existing relationships and finding new business
- Past partnership examples include: TaylorMade, Callaway, Nissan (Heisman House program), Infiniti (College Basketball Sponsorship), Vizio (Rose Bowl Presenting Sponsorship), GoDaddy (INDY 500 Presenting Sponsorship), Adidas, Apple, Hyundai, Kia, Disney, Pacific Life, etc.
Multimedia Account Executive
ESPN OUTDOORS
01.2004 - 12.2006
- Represent B.A.S.S to maximize multimedia revenue across TV, Digital and Print
- Responsible for selling sponsorships in all outdoor programs across all ESPN platforms
- Understand clients marketing objectives and develop unique integrated advertising solutions
- Call on endemic outdoors companies as well as general market advertisers
- Secured a multi-year deal with Toyota to become The Official Truck of B.A.S.S.
Vice President, Corporate Partnerships
ASA EVENTS
01.2002 - 12.2003
- Build, develop and cultivate new strategic corporate marketing partnerships through action sports
- Responsible for selling sponsorships in over 250 action sports events per year
- Create and sell on-site / hospitality opportunities
- Interact daily with key national advertising decision makers
- Responsible for working with field marketing teams on-site to maximize and achieve client's goal
- Present sponsorship opportunities to top level executives
Skills
- Consistent Revenue Generator
- Business Development
- Effective Communication
- Consultative & Solution Oriented
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Pitching, Negotiating, Closing & Delivering
Timeline
Vice President, Global Partnerships & Business Development
World Surf League
10.2021 - 01.2026
Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Consultant
Major League Fishing
01.2020 - 08.2021
Director, Performance Marketing & Advertising Sales
ESPN / The Walt Disney Company
11.2018 - 11.2019
Director, Multimedia Direct Response Partnerships & Business Development
ESPN
01.2013 - 11.2018
Multimedia Account Executive
ESPN
12.2006 - 01.2013
Multimedia Account Executive
ESPN OUTDOORS
01.2004 - 12.2006
Vice President, Corporate Partnerships
ASA EVENTS
01.2002 - 12.2003