Valerie Elster
Redondo Beach,CA
Summary
Strategic Business Development and Marketing Leader with 15+ years of experience driving growth, partnerships, and digital innovation across entertainment, media, and consumer brands. Proven track record of securing high-value partnerships with organizations such as Google, NBC, and Getty Images, leading cross-functional teams, and scaling early-stage ventures through acquisition and revenue growth. Combines entrepreneurial vision with corporate leadership to identify and execute high-impact opportunities.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Marketing & Communications Consultant
Self Employed Services
01.2008 - Current
- Advised clients on marketing initiatives and business growth strategies tailored to the unique needs of entertainment, healthcare, and consumer sectors.
- Develop and execute digital marketing strategies including SEO, content, and social media campaigns
- Clients include Fandango, Warner Bros., Don Francisco Coffee, and Habitat for Humanity
- Led online marketing campaigns and partnership activations for music, film, and lifestyle brands
Director of Business Development
LightGuard Systems, Inc.
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Lead sales and growth strategy for pedestrian safety technology solutions
- Identify and develop new business opportunities, partnerships, and market expansion initiatives
- Direct and coach sales teams to improve pipeline development and conversion rates
- Drive proposal development and client presentations to support revenue growth
Director of Business Development
Fandango
01.2006 - 2007
- Led strategic partnerships with major media and technology companies including Google, NBC, and Getty Images
- Negotiated high-value content distribution and marketing agreements to expand reach and revenue
- Identified and executed growth initiatives across content, partnerships, and digital platforms
- Collaborated cross-functionally with product, marketing, and external stakeholders
Project Manager
Warner Bros. Entertainment
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Managed cross-functional teams to migrate and redesign TheWB.com platform
- Oversaw project execution across engineering, production, and design teams
- Executed digital campaigns and online sweepstakes to drive engagement
Director, Content Licensing
Salon Media Group
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Drove content licensing strategy and partnerships with Microsoft, NBC, and Intel
- Generated $100K+ in new business pipeline within first 90 days
- Negotiated and managed contracts with major publishing and technology partners
Co-Founder
MP3Lit.com
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Co-founded digital media startup focused on spoken word and licensed audio content
- Led business planning, partnerships, and revenue strategy
- Instrumental in closing multi-million dollar acquisition by Salon.com within 7 months
- Secured early sponsorships and venture funding commitments
Marketing Director
MediaX
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Led marketing and partnership strategy for digital media network
- Secured exclusive distribution deals with major media platforms
- Managed high-profile entertainment clients including Rod Stewart and Paul McCartney
Education
BA - Communications (Public Relations/Advertising)
California State University, Dominguez Hills
AA - Fashion Merchandising & Marketing
FIDM
Skills
- Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
- Digital Marketing & Growth Strategy
- Revenue Generation & Negotiation
- Go-to-Market Strategy
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Social Media & Brand Development
Timeline
Director of Business Development
LightGuard Systems, Inc.
01.2024 - 01.2026
Marketing & Communications Consultant
Self Employed Services
01.2008 - Current
Director of Business Development
Fandango
01.2006 - 2007
Project Manager
Warner Bros. Entertainment
01.2004 - 01.2006
Director, Content Licensing
Salon Media Group
01.2001 - 01.2004
Co-Founder
MP3Lit.com
01.1999 - 01.2001
Marketing Director
MediaX
01.1998 - 01.1999
AA - Fashion Merchandising & Marketing
FIDM
BA - Communications (Public Relations/Advertising)
California State University, Dominguez Hills