Kristen McNamee
Briarcliff Manor,NY
Summary
Media investment leader with 15+ years of experience connecting brand ambition, consumer behavior, and channel strategy to drive growth. Lead $100MM+ in annual cross-channel investment across video ecosystem, aligning allocation with ROI, efficiency, and cultural resonance. Shaped by a full-service agency environment, bringing an integrated, solutions-oriented approach that embeds media early in creative development and thrives in fast-moving, high-pressure settings. Known for proactive problem solving, strong cross-functional collaboration, and disciplined stewardship of significant media investment to deliver business outcomes.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Director, Video Investment
Wieden + Kennedy
01.2019 - Current
- Lead $100MM+ annual cross-channel video investment strategy across linear, streaming, sports, and premium content, aligning allocation with brand KPIs including ROI projections, reach/frequency targeting, and cultural impact.
- Translate brand growth objectives into integrated video investment strategies, balancing reach, efficiency, and cultural effectiveness.
- Architect national media approaches for major launches and tentpole moments including Super Bowl, Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Olympics, NCAA Tournaments, NFL, MLB, WNBA, MLS, NWSL, and major entertainment events.
- Drive real-time reactive media strategy for Nike and Jordan, capitalizing on major cultural moments to maximize earned and paid amplification (e.g. direct alignment to LeBron James beating the NBA All Time Scoring Record, the Dodgers winning the World Series, and the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl).
- Partner with Brand and Sports Marketing teams to manage commitments across major league partnerships including NBA, MLB, MLS, NWSL and USSF.
- Partner with planning and analytics teams to incorporate advanced measurement inputs (MMM, attribution, performance data) into investment decisioning and optimization.
- Work in concert with in-house teams and partner agencies to ensure cohesive strategy and execution across all facets of the video plan.
- Present annual Upfront and Scatter marketplace strategies, investment recommendations, and post-campaign insights to senior client stakeholders.
- Deliver multimillion-dollar efficiencies through strategic negotiation and allocation shifts, reporting savings and performance outcomes to procurement teams.
- Lead and mentor team overseeing campaign execution, pacing, MMM data inputs, financial reconciliation, and partner performance management.
- Current: Nike, Jordan, YETI, Travel Oregon | Past: KFC, Intuit TurboTax, P&G Old Spice
Associate Director, Video Investment
Wieden + Kennedy
01.2017 - 2019
- Managed $140MM+ combined annual investment across Broadcast, Cable, Hispanic, and streaming marketplaces.
- Aided in negotiation of Intuit’s first NFL partnership contract.
- Led Hispanic marketplace strategy and cross-cultural integrations in collaboration with specialized partners.
- Developed custom premium integrations and content partnerships to extend brand storytelling within high-impact programming.
- Delivered post-campaign performance analyses and attribution data to inform future allocation decisions.
- Intuit TurboTax, P&G Secret
Supervisor, Senior Buyer and Buyer
Wieden + Kennedy
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Progressively promoted through four roles reflecting increased investment responsibility and leadership.
- Negotiated and executed up to $75MM annually in Upfront and Scatter marketplaces.
- Supported launch of new client accounts and implementation of buying strategy and process.
- Led custom integrations and managed junior team members across planning, execution, and reporting.
- Intuit TurboTax, P&G Old Spice, Electronic Arts, One Kings Lane
Junior Network Buyer
MediaCom
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Hasbro and 3M
Education
B.S. - Business Administration (Marketing)
University of Delaware
Newark, DEundefined
Digital Marketing Certificate - undefined
Cornell University
Skills
- Cross-Channel Media Strategy (Linear, Streaming, Sports, Premium Video)
- Large-Scale Investment Stewardship ($100MM)
- Upfront and Scatter Marketplace Strategy
- Custom Content and League Partnerships
- Advanced Measurement Collaboration (MMM, Attribution Inputs)
- Procurement and Financial Stewardship
Timeline
Group Director, Video Investment
Wieden + Kennedy
01.2019 - Current
Associate Director, Video Investment
Wieden + Kennedy
01.2017 - 2019
Supervisor, Senior Buyer and Buyer
Wieden + Kennedy
01.2010 - 01.2017
Junior Network Buyer
MediaCom
01.2009 - 01.2010
undefined
Digital Marketing Certificate - undefined
Cornell University
B.S. - Business Administration (Marketing)
University of Delaware