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Kim O'Connor
Director of Media at Pernod Ricard
Professional Background
Kim O'Connor is an insights-driven media professional with over 15 years of comprehensive experience in both agency and client-side brand and performance media strategy, investment, and measurement. Her diverse portfolio spans numerous industries, ranging from Finance and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) to Wine & Spirits, Consumer Electronics, Fashion, and Beauty, showcasing her versatility and adaptability in a fast-paced media landscape.
Throughout her career, Kim has demonstrated an exceptional leadership ability, guiding internal media teams and external agency partners in the development of data-driven brand and performance media strategies that manage budgets exceeding $200 million. Her extensive expertise covers all media channels, including digital platforms (like programmatic display, social media, video, audio, mobile, search, influencers, and custom content), premium video (including linear TV, addressable TV, over-the-top (OTT), connected TV (CTV), direct response television (DRTV), and programmatic TV), print, out-of-home advertising, and radio.
Kim's career is marked by her extensive experience leading high-profile multi-media sponsorships, showcasing her ability to manage and maximize high-impact media opportunities. These sponsorships include some of the most recognized events globally, such as the Olympics, The Citi Today Show Concert Series, NCAA March Madness, and NASCAR, making her a well-respected figure in the media industry.
Education and Achievements
Kim O'Connor’s educational background is bolstered by her impressive credentials. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Marketing from Fordham University – Graduate School of Business Administration, where she maintained a remarkable GPA of 3.9. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Boston University, graduating with a GPA of 3.7. Her academic achievements not only signify rigorous study but also reflect her strong analytical abilities, which she applies to her work in media strategy and planning.
In addition to her academic credentials, Kim has received numerous accolades acknowledging her contributions and achievements in the media landscape. Notably, she was honored with a Silver Effie Award for her work on the Coke Zero campaign in 2009, alongside various accolades for her exemplary efforts on Samsung Mobile, which included a Silver Effie and Bronze Effie in 2012, as well as a Bronze Effie for the Citi Double Cash campaign in 2017. These awards emphasize her effectiveness in driving successful marketing campaigns that resonate with consumers and achieve desired business outcomes.
Moreover, in 2018, Kim was recognized by Brand Innovator as one of the Top 100 Women in Brand Marketing, examining her influence and success in an industry that continues to evolve and adapt to new trends and technologies.
Organizations
Kim's impressive career trajectory includes key roles in various respected organizations. Currently, she serves as the Director of Media at Pernod Ricard, where she continues to influence media strategy and execution at a high level. Before this, she was the Senior Vice President of Media at Citi, where she played a significant role in shaping the bank’s media approach.
Prior to her tenure at Citi, Kim held the position of Vice President and Associate Media Director at Starcom MediaVest Group, where she focused on strategy planning and digital buying. Her journey with the company began as a Connections Manager, further showcasing her career growth and expertise within an esteemed media agency. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Communications Planner and Communications Supervisor at Mediacom, laying the foundation for her extensive knowledge in media strategy and planning.
Conclusion
As an innovative leader in the media landscape, Kim O'Connor's extensive experience, proven track record of success, and influential role within the industry have shaped her into a highly regarded professional in brand and performance media strategy. With her academic accolades, industry recognitions, and rich career history, Kim stands as a beacon for aspiring media professionals and a strategic partner for organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of modern media marketing. Her ability to merge data-driven insights with creative execution continues to drive results across various sectors, making her an invaluable asset to any team she joins.