Stephen Kennedy
Ramsey,NJ
Summary
Strategic, growth-driven revenue leader with a proven track record of scaling businesses, optimizing revenue operations and sustaining growth and profitability. Expertise in sales, digital marketing, customer relations and business development. Adept at building high-performance teams, forging strategic partnerships and executing innovative go-to-market strategies to maximize revenue growth.
Revenue-focused professional with proven track record in generating substantial business growth and maximizing profitability. Adept at leading high-performing teams and adapting to dynamic market conditions. Known for strategic planning, effective communication, and collaborative approach that ensures consistent results.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Revenue Officer
Universal Music Group/Verve Label Group
06.2017 - Current
- Lead revenue growth from $30M to over $100M through digital marketing and streaming strategies.
- Established a $4M direct-to-consumer business from scratch, enhancing revenue streams.
- Directed a 12-member team in managing streaming, analytics, and partner relations.
- Transitioned company to a streaming-focused model, driving significant market adaptation.
- Lead revenue strategy and digital transformation across global music portfolio, driving market expansion and establishing innovative monetisation channels
- Spearhead cross-functional teams to optimise revenue streams, implement data-driven decision making, and strengthen strategic partnerships
SVP; Digital Commerce
Sony Music Entertainment
03.2015 - 06.2017
- Led digital commerce transformation at Sony Music, spearheading innovative revenue streams and establishing strategic partnerships with global streaming platforms
- Orchestrated data-driven digital sales strategies, optimising revenue channels and implementing robust analytics frameworks for market performance tracking
SVP Commercial Revenue
Columbia Records
02.2011 - 03.2015
- Revolutionised digital distribution models, driving substantial revenue growth through strategic platform partnerships and enhanced user engagement
- Oversaw a 15-member Commercial Revenue team responsible for $400MM in annual revenue.
- Worked closely with high-profile artists including Beyonce, Adele, John Mayer, Harry Styles, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, Aerosmith, etc and their management teams to strategize best to-market initiatives to maximize both consumption, chart and revenue goals.
- Worked closely with all the major streaming and physical partners including Apple, Amazon, Spotify, Target, Wal-Mart, etc. to customize release plans and maximize individual partner goals.
VP Sales
Epic Records
01.2009 - 02.2011
- Led strategic sales initiatives at Epic Records, driving market expansion and revenue growth through key account management and innovative sales strategies
- Developed and executed comprehensive sales roadmaps, fostering strong industry partnerships while optimising team performance across multiple territories
- Analysed market trends and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities, implementing data-driven sales strategies for sustainable revenue streams
- Built and mentored high-performing sales teams, establishing cross-functional partnerships to enhance market penetration and client satisfaction
- Pioneered digital sales solutions and modernised traditional sales approaches, creating adaptable frameworks for changing market dynamics
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing/Business Management
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, PASkills
- Digital marketing strategy
- Project execution
- Revenue increase strategies
- Digital sales strategy
- Effective negotiation strategies
- Audience engagement
Timeline
Chief Revenue Officer
Universal Music Group/Verve Label Group
06.2017 - Current
SVP; Digital Commerce
Sony Music Entertainment
03.2015 - 06.2017
SVP Commercial Revenue
Columbia Records
02.2011 - 03.2015
VP Sales
Epic Records
01.2009 - 02.2011
Bachelor of Science - Marketing/Business Management
Susquehanna University
Hobbies
Drummer/Singer in a local rock band that performs locally in the Northern NJ area., Currently a 12 handicap golfer., Current volunteer at Oasis in Paterson, NJ, which helps under-priviledged woman attain their GED.