Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

RYAN SAWRIE

Indianapolis,IN

Summary

Accomplished digital marketing leader with 14+ years of experience driving fan engagement, revenue growth, and cultural impact through innovative digital strategies. Proven track record of breaking campaigns for major brands and properties, with deep expertise in social media strategy, short-form content creation, influencer marketing, and audience development. Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver platform-native campaigns that amplify brand awareness and drive meaningful fan connections across entertainment and sports verticals.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Strategist, Digital

Marks
11.2022 - Current
  • Lead comprehensive digital strategy development for major consumer brands including LEGO, Nestle USA, and Diageo, driving online engagement and revenue growth
  • Developed multi-channel campaign strategies that enhanced brand performance across social media, streaming platforms, and third-party retail websites
  • Created data-driven audience targeting frameworks and messaging strategies that improved conversion rates and fan acquisition
  • Led client-facing strategic presentations and workshops to drive consensus and inspire creative development across diverse brand portfolios
  • Remote

Owner and Chief Strategist

Digital Zeal
01.2021 - Current
  • Worked with independent musicians to grow social following including scaling local band to 15k+ monthly Spotify listeners
  • Founded and scaled digital marketing agency specializing in sports, entertainment, startup, and nonprofit verticals
  • Developed comprehensive social media strategies and playbooks for diverse client roster, driving improved CAC, CPC, and ROAS metrics
  • Created and executed innovative digital campaigns for sports properties, optimizing marketing funnels and analyzing campaign performance

Director of Digital Strategy

Section 127
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • Led digital and social media strategy for all agency clients including the NCAA and major collegiate conferences
  • Created the viral #DoYourDance campaign for 2021 Men's March Madness tournament, reaching 3 million users organically with 400+ social posts from partners and generating 3,000+ pieces of user-generated content
  • Designed and executed test-and-learn frameworks for sports properties including Pro Football Hall of Fame, achieving best-ever CPCs and ROAS through creative iteration and performance optimization
  • Served as go-to expert for marketing innovations, leading adoption of emerging platform features and trends

Senior Director, Integrated Marketing

CSM Sport & Entertainment
01.2015 - 01.2020
  • Directed multi-disciplinary teams of marketers, videographers, and designers across Indianapolis and NYC to develop integrated marketing campaigns for diverse entertainment and sports properties
  • Led digital and social media marketing strategies for major brands including Verizon, Ally, Farmers Insurance, and Eli Lilly, managing annual paid social budgets exceeding $100,000
  • Created NASCAR-first YouTube series for major motorsports sponsorship program, pioneering video content strategy for the league
  • Contributed to agency pitch development and internal brand voice refinement, crafting thought leadership content and strategic case studies
  • Managed end-to-end campaign development including budget management, content creation, media relations, and event coordination

Chief Social Media Strategist

Songbird Agency
01.2012 - 01.2015
  • Developed comprehensive digital and social media strategies for diverse client portfolio to increase marketing reach and drive sales growth
  • Led content creation across multiple channels including email, website, social media, and paid digital campaigns
  • Provided strategic consultation on SEO, SEM, and performance marketing best practices

Digital & Promotions Coordinator

Promotus Advertising
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • Managed and optimized all client online activity including social media management, email campaigns, and website maintenance
  • Coordinated promotional events including concerts, fairs, and expos, gaining valuable experience in entertainment marketing activation

Education

Bachelor of Science - Management, Marketing

Purdue University
05-2007

Skills

  • Digital Strategy & Campaign Development
  • Data Analytics
  • Social Media Marketing & Management
  • Short-Form Content Creation
  • Influencer & Creator Marketing
  • Audience Development & CRM Strategy
  • Performance Analytics & Optimization
  • Cross-Platform Campaign Execution
  • Team Leadership & Creative Direction
  • Budget Management & ROI Optimization
  • Platform Trend Analysis & Innovation

Accomplishments

  • Digital Leader of the Year 2019 Finalist - PR News
  • Published Author - "Build Your Digital Strategy" (2021)
  • Viral Campaign Success - NCAA #DoYourDance campaign reached 3M+ users with 64 out of 68 tournament teams participating
  • Platform Innovation - Created first-of-its-kind NASCAR YouTube series with 2M social engagements, pioneering video content for motorsports

Timeline

Lead Strategist, Digital

Marks
11.2022 - Current

Owner and Chief Strategist

Digital Zeal
01.2021 - Current

Director of Digital Strategy

Section 127
01.2020 - 01.2021

Senior Director, Integrated Marketing

CSM Sport & Entertainment
01.2015 - 01.2020

Chief Social Media Strategist

Songbird Agency
01.2012 - 01.2015

Digital & Promotions Coordinator

Promotus Advertising
01.2008 - 01.2010

Bachelor of Science - Management, Marketing

Purdue University