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George Ryan
SVP, Global Brand Projects at COPA90
Professional Background
George Ryan is an accomplished professional with over 12 years of extensive experience in project management and brand communications, specializing in sport, fashion, automotive, and lifestyle sectors. His journey in the industry commenced after he completed his education with a notable MA in History from the prestigious University of Edinburgh. George has established a remarkable reputation as a strategic thinker and a creative force, collaborating with some of the most recognized brands in the world. His career has been characterized by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and passionate teamwork.
Currently, George serves as the Senior Vice President of Global Brand Projects at COPA90, where he leads a talented team dedicated to creating impactful brand projects. Since April 2017, he has worked with a diverse array of established and challenger brands such as Nike, EA, Pepsi, and Budweiser. His role requires not only strategic oversight and project management but also hands-on involvement from initial ideation to final delivery. George's experience in startup environments has enriched his capabilities, allowing him to operate seamlessly across various project phases.
Among his many accomplishments, George played a pivotal role in COPA90's recognition by Fast Company Magazine as one of the top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Sports in February 2019. His ability to foster collaboration, transparency, and effective communication has been instrumental in driving successful outcomes for various projects.
Education and Achievements
George's educational background laid the foundation for his impressive career. He studied GCSEs and A-Levels at the Elliott School in London, ultimately pursuing higher education at the University of Edinburgh. His academic achievements culminated in securing a 2:1 in History, demonstrating his analytical skills and commitment to understanding complex narratives.
Throughout his career, George has garnered remarkable accolades. For instance, while working on the Barclays Premier League's #YouAreFootball campaign from August 2013 to May 2014, he significantly increased the brand's reach on Facebook, doubling its community with the addition of 1.3 million fans. This campaign was celebrated for achieving 100,000 mentions on Twitter and generating £2 million in earned media. Additionally, the content produced attracted a remarkable 6.4 million views across various social media platforms, showcasing George's ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
The #YouAreFootball campaign was shortlisted for the APG International Creative Strategy Awards in 2015, illustrating the quality and impact of his work. Campaign magazine further acknowledged the significance of the initiative by including it in the Top 10 Digital Innovations of the year.
Earlier in his career, George served as the Managing Editor at RUBBISH magazine from 2008 to 2013. Under his leadership, the magazine was nominated In-Book by D&AD for Newspaper and Magazine Design in 2011, reflecting his strong editorial skills and creative vision.
Notable Roles and Contributions
George has held various significant positions throughout his career, each contributing to his growth as a leader in the industry. He has a wealth of experience at Dare, where he initially started as the Production Manager and advanced to roles such as Executive Producer, Senior Creative Producer, and Project Director. His tenure at Dare was marked by a series of successful projects that challenged the status quo and pushed creative boundaries.
Additionally, George has made substantial contributions in the fashion industry as the Advertising and Distribution Manager for London Fashion Week's daily publication, where he honed his skills in high-pressure environments that demand both creativity and strategic acumen. His early role as Production Assistant for ShopVogue.tv at Conde Nast further equipped him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of media production and brand storytelling.
Apart from his direct contributions to brands and campaigns, George has also taken on the responsibility of shaping the future of the industry by serving as a judge for both the Webby Awards and the Lovie Awards. This role highlights his expertise and respected position within the creative community.
Achievements
George Ryan's extensive career has been filled with notable achievements that reflect his skill set and influence in the industry. His leadership at COPA90 has been transformative, fostering a culture of collaboration while steering critical brand projects. His involvement with premier brands has not only solidified his status as a trusted partner but has also advanced the field of project management within creative industries.
His innovative approaches and strategic mindset have allowed him to make a significant impact on brand communications, particularly in digital and experiential activations. Alongside the successful campaigns he has led, the recognition from esteemed organizations such as Fast Company Magazine and Campaign demonstrates his ability to set benchmarks of excellence in sports marketing and beyond.
Conclusion
In conclusion, George Ryan exemplifies the qualities of a seasoned leader within the fields of project management and brand communication. His remarkable journey, characterized by tenacity and creativity, highlights the vast potential of innovative thinking in driving success. With a strong foundation in both academic and practical experiences, George continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in his endeavors. His dedication to collaboration, transparency, and pioneering work positions him as an influential figure in the dynamic landscape of brand strategies today.