Richard Blakeley

Richard Blakeley is a trailblazing web innovator and product manager with extensive experience in the fintech and digital media sectors. He excels in user-centric design, strategic roadmap development, and fostering collaborative work environments. Currently, he is enhancing SaaS applications within the fintech industry at prestigious companies like Kresus and LianLian Pay in New York, focusing on optimizing team dynamics and project execution.

Media Executive with a Vision

Richard's journey also spans a significant tenure as a media executive, where his strategic insight into audience development and video production has been highly valued. At ArtBinder, as the Head of Product, he reported directly to the CEO, managing the technology, product, and client success teams while meticulously crafting the company's strategic direction and roadmap.

As Senior Director of Product at SHE Media, Richard was pivotal in defining the product vision, focusing on CRM, user acquisition, and influencer marketing programs. He led a talented team of product managers, UX designers, and developers across the U.S. and Europe, fostering an innovative culture that propelled the company's strategic initiatives forward. His leadership also extended to developing and implementing KPIs that evaluated product effectiveness and facilitated transparent communication with stakeholders.

Transformative Role at Time Inc.

Richard Blakeley's impact was particularly notable at Time Inc., where he directed product development for People.com. His strategic initiatives led to a remarkable increase in site engagement, significantly improving user interaction and content recirculation. He managed product initiatives, including video enhancements, CMS migration, advertising solutions, and analytics, markedly improving newsletter engagement metrics.

His influence in media also included leadership positions at The Week as the Director of Digital Products and Strategy and at Thrillist as the head of Content & Strategy. His efforts at Thrillist were transformative, doubling the site's traffic through strategic branded editorial products tailored for integrated marketing campaigns. His foundational role at Gawker Media, where he managed the video department, gave him the skills to fuel his subsequent achievements.

Initiator of Iconic Tech Events

One of Richard's most celebrated initiatives is founding The Webutante Ball, an annual event that started in 2008. It quickly became a key event for the tech community and a successful fundraiser for City Harvest. This event has drawn the attention of prominent outlets like Forbes, which celebrates it as a tech and media landscape highlight.

Moreover, Richard launched Neighborhood, a hyperlocal blogging platform that revolutionized how New Yorkers accessed community news. In 2009, this platform provided tailored content for over 60 city neighborhoods, promoting greater community engagement. He also established American Autotroph, a comprehensive internet design firm, expanding his footprint in the digital domain.

Contributor to Digital Arts

As a member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) and an associate judge of The Webby Awards, Richard plays a significant role in driving the progress of digital innovations. His involvement highlights his commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in the digital world.

Richard Blakeley's Personal Life

Originally from San Francisco, Richard studied at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, making New York City his home. Married to Lindsay Kaplan in 2014, the couple lives with their two sons and a dog and enjoys the city's vibrant cultural life. His hobbies, like sailing and gardening, provide him with a fulfilling balance to his professional life, allowing him to engage with nature and enjoy its tranquility.

To know more, visit:

http://rickyblakeley.com/

http://richardblakeley.me/

http://richardblakeley.io/