Ian Ambrose
San Diego,CA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Director of Sales with over 25 years of experience driving revenue growth and building strategic partnerships across the media, sports, and entertainment industries. Proven leader of high-performing teams, with a consistent track record of developing innovative sponsorship and marketing strategies that enhance brand visibility and deepen engagement. Expert in leveraging both digital and traditional media to craft impactful corporate partnerships that deliver measurable ROI. Recognized for fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence to consistently exceed ambitious sales targets. Passionate about contributing to the success of professional sports organizations through strategic vision, relationship-building, and deep industry expertise.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales
Cox Media
San Diego, CA
02.2020 - Current
- Recognized as a top-performing leader, earning a spot in the 2024 Cox Media Winners Circle and ranking as the #1 or #2 Director of Sales in four of the past five years.
- Managed marketing strategy and execution for $25M+ in annual revenue across local, national, digital, and political advertising channels.
- Led a cross-functional team of 5 sales leaders, 15 consultants, and a digital strategy unit, consistently surpassing aggressive sales targets.
- Generated $5M+ annually through strategic activation of premium sports media inventory, including MLB, NFL, NBA, NCAA March Madness, Bowl Games, the Olympics, World Cup, and MLS.
- Developed and maintained partnerships with over 500 clients, delivering customized media and sponsorship solutions that drove measurable business outcomes.
- Collaborated with local professional and collegiate teams—including the San Diego Padres, SD Wave FC, SD Loyal, SD Legion, SDFC, SDSU Aztecs, and SD Clippers—to create integrated campaigns that boosted fan engagement and brand exposure.
- Pioneered new revenue streams, working closely with finance and marketing to ensure scalable, sustainable growth.
- Cultivated a high-performance sales culture through coaching, mentorship, and accountability, resulting in a motivated, results-driven team.
Local Sales Manager
Cox Media
San Diego, CA
08.2016 - 02.2020
- Appointed Sports Ambassador for the market, leading the pricing, packaging, and execution strategy for all sports media properties in collaboration with inventory and marketing teams—driving record-breaking sports revenue through innovative go-to-market approaches.
- Selected to lead a national, cross-company initiative aimed at accelerating sports revenue growth; successfully generated over $2.5M and exceeded target by 146%, helping the company surpass its overall revenue goals.
- Recognized with Cox Media Sales Leadership Awards in both 2018 and 2017 for outstanding performance and leadership.
- Achieved 2019 Winners Circle recognition for top-tier sales results.
- Selected as the only Local Sales Manager to present at a national corporate retreat, delivering a presentation on acquiring and retaining top talent to Sales Leaders and Vice Presidents across the organization.
- Served on multiple corporate committees, including Sales Compensation, CRM, Inventory System 605, Client Relationship Assessment, and the Sales Council—contributing to enterprise-wide strategy and operational improvements.
- Led a high-performing team of 5–6 Media Consultants, driving account retention and revenue growth through innovative, multi-platform marketing strategies; multiple team members earned Winners Circle recognition under your leadership.
- Developed and executed integrated campaigns across TV, digital, content marketing, and sports sponsorship's, enhancing client outcomes and revenue performance.
- Fostered strategic partnerships that maximized client success and long-term value.
- Analyzed performance metrics to refine sales strategies and improve team effectiveness.
- Mentored team members to build leadership capabilities and promote a culture of excellence.
Local Sales Manager
KHON2 & Hawaii's CW (Media General)
Honolulu, Hawaii
05.2015 - 08.2016
- Managed a team of 11 Account Executives, driving account retention, new business development, and revenue growth through innovative, client-focused marketing strategies.
- Secured exclusive broadcast partnerships with NFL teams including the Los Angeles Rams, Oakland Raiders, and Tennessee Titans, delivering standout results such as 300% to goal during NFL preseason, generating $300K+ in revenue.
- Generated over $1.2M in new business through strategic brand-building initiatives and launched high-impact campaigns like Living 808, which delivered $600K in its first year.
- Expanded market share and increased revenue in a down market by leveraging cross-market relationships (e.g., Sleep Train) and executing targeted business development strategies.
- Led operational excellence, including inventory and rate management, CRM implementation (Matrix), and national business support.
- Instituted performance programs such as “AE of the Month” and conducted quarterly audits presented to corporate leadership.
- Oversaw team training, performance metrics, and accountability standards to ensure consistent execution and growth
Business Development Manager
KTVU Fox2 & KICU TV36 (Cox Media Group & Fox O&O)
Oakland, CA
07.2014 - 05.2015
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to develop strategic TV and digital campaigns that drove new business and incremental revenue.
- Closed a $250K healthcare client within 45 days and delivered record revenue during the 2014 MLB World Series through innovative sponsorship packaging.
- Secured high-value sports sponsorships, including a $100K Mercedes partnership for a San Francisco 49ers weekend show.
- Leveraged cross-market relationships to expand brand partnerships and drive business growth.
- Developed tools and processes to support sponsorship tracking, forecasting, and business development training.
- Led business development efforts across local, national, and digital platforms, maintaining performance through organizational change.
Local Sales Manager
KQCA My58 (Hearst)
Sacramento, CA
07.2010 - 06.2014
- Led and developed a team of 8 Account Executives, significantly reducing turnover and increasing client retention through strong leadership and strategic coaching.
- Redesigned and relaunched “Project Healthy Kids”, securing NBA team Sacramento Kings and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson as campaign partners for a high-impact, community-focused initiative.
- Drove $2M+ in revenue from Oakland Raiders preseason campaigns (2010–2014) and generated $4M through ESA partnerships over the same period.
- Created and launched the “My 58 Street Team”, generating $250K in new revenue through branded community engagement.
- Produced $150K in new business through the Education Expo, securing 26 sponsorship partners.
Sales Director
MTV Networks Australia (Viacom)
Sydney, Australia
03.2004 - 12.2009
- Built and led a top-tier sales team; 4 team members progressed to leadership roles.
- Spearheaded integrated sponsorships for flagship events including MTV Australia Video Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, MTV Summer, Snow Jam, and MTV Sports
- Supported local programming success with TRL Australia Live and other branded content initiatives.
Education
Sports Journalism & Broadcasting - Australian Film Television & Radio School
Macquarie University- AFTRS
Sydney, Australia01-1996
Skills
- Strategic Sales Leadership
- Sponsorship & Brand Partnership
- Media & Entertainment Industry Expertise
- Event Activation & Experiential Marketing
- Client Relationship Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Innovation & Creativity
- Negotiation skills
- Revenue generation
- Sales leadership and training
- Sales analytics
- New business development
Timeline
Director of Sales
Cox Media
02.2020 - Current
Local Sales Manager
Cox Media
08.2016 - 02.2020
Local Sales Manager
KHON2 & Hawaii's CW (Media General)
05.2015 - 08.2016
Business Development Manager
KTVU Fox2 & KICU TV36 (Cox Media Group & Fox O&O)
07.2014 - 05.2015
Local Sales Manager
KQCA My58 (Hearst)
07.2010 - 06.2014
Sales Director
MTV Networks Australia (Viacom)
03.2004 - 12.2009
Sports Journalism & Broadcasting - Australian Film Television & Radio School
Macquarie University- AFTRS
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