Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards Recognition
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Michael Byrnes

Blairstown,NJ

Summary

Dynamic strategy leader that excels in omnichannel communications and systems thinking. Passionate about driving innovation for both agencies and clients. I’ve architected award-winning campaigns, creating revenue growth while integrating martech and AI solutions. A trusted advisor, I foster cross-functional collaboration and mentor teams to enhance strategic capabilities, ensuring impactful business outcomes.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Vice President, Connections Strategy

Edelman
09.2021 - Current
  • Lead award-winning omnichannel strategies (Cannes, WARC, Effies) across digital, social, influencer, and earned media
  • Architected agency-wide frameworks, training, and processes to scale connections strategy
  • Built custom GPT tools to enhance planning workflows; collaborate with AI and martech teams
  • Trusted advisor to senior clients and leadership, driving business outcomes with cultural insights

Director, Addressable Content Strategy

Initiative Worldwide
03.2020 - 09.2021
  • Launched and scaled Personalized Creative practice, driving $1.2M+ in new revenue
  • Developed strategy playbooks integrating audience segmentation and DCO
  • Led national content/media strategies, delivering $1M+ revenue growth for key campaigns

Manager, Strategy

Universal McCann
12.2017 - 02.2020
  • Directed national communications strategy for BMW ($180M+ media budget)
  • Built audience personas, integrated channel strategies, and content roadmaps
  • Mentored junior strategists; strengthened strategic capabilities across accounts

Digital Strategist

Havas Worldwide
05.2015 - 01.2017
  • Led UX, analytics, and digital content strategies for IBM, TDA/Citi, and sustainability clients
  • Co-authored industry playbook on ethical, tech-forward consumer engagement: The Good Life 2.0
  • Co-architected AI-powered data visualization platform used to drive agency growth

Education

Bachelor of Arts - American Studies

Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ

Skills

  • Omnichannel communications strategy
  • Audience engagement
  • Martech and AI integration
  • Cross-functional leadership
  • Systems development
  • Campaign optimization
  • Partner collaboration
  • Stakeholder management

Awards Recognition

  • Cannes Lions
  • Effies
  • WARC
  • Multiple Strategy & Innovation Awards

Affiliations

  • Mandolin player / songwriter for a Jersey-based bluegrass band
  • Home gardener / permaculture enthusiast
  • Sci-fi fantasy reader / dreamer
  • Hiker / lover of the great outdoors

Timeline

Senior Vice President, Connections Strategy

Edelman
09.2021 - Current

Director, Addressable Content Strategy

Initiative Worldwide
03.2020 - 09.2021

Manager, Strategy

Universal McCann
12.2017 - 02.2020

Digital Strategist

Havas Worldwide
05.2015 - 01.2017

Bachelor of Arts - American Studies

Rutgers University

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