Kimberly Thompson Panay Email & Phone Number

Currently leading the development of a company-wide gaming strategy to unlock new revenue streams for Hachette Book Group IP projects and author titles. Driving initiatives to enhance HBG’s digital presence by leveraging immersive in-game experiences that expand brand reach and engagement. Partnering with cross-imprint and cross-functional teams to align platform capabilities with market trends and audience insights, optimizing content for commercial growth. Overseeing an outsourced team to develop and execute the product roadmap, ensuring timely and cost-effective releases.

Developed and implemented a cross-platform content strategy to drive engagement and growth. Managed content for Storey.com, achieving over 1.5 million annual direct-to-consumer page views through strategic content development and search engine optimization. Expanded the newsletter subscriber base from 12,000 to approximately 100,000. Directed social media strategy, content creation, and engagement across platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Collaborated with the public relations team to design and launch an ambassador program. Managed the imprint podcast schedule and contract production team. Leveraged data-driven insights to refine campaigns and optimize performance across all channels.Won the inaugural Hachette company-wide innovation challenge, leading to the creation and launch of the Backpack Explorer experience on Roblox, inspired by the bestselling children’s book series. The game has attracted over 1.6 million players, significantly expanding Storey’s reach in virtual spaces. Developed the project roadmap and oversaw a contract team to ensure on-time, on-budget product releases. Contributed to Hachette’s AI pilot program by providing strategic feedback on leveraging emerging technologies to enhance marketing initiatives. Supported the sales team by designing and executing B2B campaigns to drive wholesale orders and strengthen relationships with key accounts.

Oversaw Marketing and Communications related efforts of world-renowned museum with a department operating budget of ~2 million. Managed a nine-person in-house team; as well as external contractors and vendors including a public relations firm, digital agency, branding agency, photographers, and videographers. Highlights include rebuilding the team by recruiting and hiring five new employees; developing first-ever marketing and PR plans for three major annual exhibitions; overseeing five-year strategic plan rollout aimed at reaching strategic growth audiences (younger, local, and more diverse), including creating and testing a full suite of brand assets and marketing collateral; deploying a new digital strategy process and priority/decision-making matrix to increase productivity and provide museum-wide visibility into digital projects while reducing overall costs; launching a new CRM-based email strategy in support of ladder of engagement; and developing “Indicators for Success” dashboard setting the stage for data-driven decision-making moving forward.Efforts resulted in an 8% increase in Museum attendance over the prior year, hitting a record high of 343,000 visitors; the gardenrmuseum.org website saw 815,500 unique visitors, an increase of 17% over FY19; and membership revenue exceeded goal by 12% closing the fiscal year out at $685,000 with 6,500 active members.

Developed and managed curated visual arts experience of 110,000+ patrons and guests visiting the Center annually. Overhauled strategy including upgrading call for art process from paper to online platform resulting in increased participation, professionalized artist communication and streamlined jurying process; incorporated guest juror element to raise cache and drive call for art entry volume and associated revenue; introduced interactive programming to exhibits and opening receptions to drive foot traffic and engagement, creating surprise and delight experiences for artists and visitors, and engaging press; launched exhibiting artist blog to further engage artists and patrons; formed partnerships with regional art associations to build awareness and reputation of visual arts program in artist community and beyond. Responsible for development related efforts of the Center encompassing cultivation and engagement of ~400 paid members; corporate, government and foundation grant writing and relationship building; and annual appeal; as well as shared responsibility for special events.

Watertown, Ma

Key member of board that set strategy and oversaw annual operating budget of ~1.2 million dollars (current 1.4). Served on marketing committee (chair), strategic planning committee and participated in visual arts program planning. Oversaw strategy and implementation for moving offline class registration online and transitioning CRM to Salesforce. Participated in executive director hiring and review.

Greater Boston Area

Sonicbids is the industry-leading platform that enables bands and artists to book gigs and market themselves online. The company’s online service connects bands with music promoters and licensors from over 100 countries worldwide. Joined Sonicbids as the third full-time employee. Helped bootstrap the company to $5,000,000 in annual revenue prior to taking Series A funding from Edison Ventures. Grew registered membership from 1,500 to 400,000 and expanded international revenue from zero to 30%. In partnership with the CEO, developed the strategy and presentation used to secure a successful sale of company in 2013 to Backstage, LLC with funding provided by Guggenheim Partners.Over the years responsibilities have encompassed: Marketing Communications & Product Marketing where I grew registered artist membership to 400,000 (70% North American and 30% International) with a paid membership subscription base of ~40,000 monthly; Product Management where I oversaw design and development of online and mobile products including requirements, wireframes, design and development (both project-based and agile development); and Partnership Management where I developed and executed six and seven figure strategic partnerships with festivals and associations including South By Southwest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival, and branded entertainment programs with companies including Diesel, Red Bull, and more.

Oversaw marketing and communications for ZoomInfo, a vertical search engine focused on people, companies, and the relationships among them, with funding provided by Venrock. Deployed a mix of thought leadership (speaking opportunities & webinars), digital marketing (landing pages, marketing site), email marketing, event presence and PR to support sales growth.

Managed all aspects of marketing and online strategy for an award-winning, industry-leading online service that connects bands with music promoters.

Oversaw and managed brand and marketing strategy of second largest independent artist CD manufacturer in U.S.

Conceptualized and designed in-house online and print advertising and marketing campaigns.

Harrisonburg, Va

Developed a program in which 300-level advertising students worked in a real-world environment designing advertising and marketing packages for area businesses.