Nicholas Richards Email & Phone Number

Beijing, China

Black Pine was formed to seduce marketing with the power of music. For Brands: We design music-centric campaigns that cross-pollinate audiences, artists and brands. For Artists & Labels:We provide best-in-class marketing services with a focus on Asia and North America. We also manage a highly curated roster of talent. Expertise: Our founding team combines expertise as artist managers and record label executives with experience building lifestyle, tech and luxury brands. Black Pine’s hands-on experience working with brands and artists in North America, Southeast Asia and China gives us the global perspective to do great work wherever you need it.

Beijing, China

Manage overseas partnerships for a pro audio and music company. Working mainly in Mandarin ChineseBudee partners with and grows premium international pro-audio and music brands in China and has venture in music education and software R&D. Brands I worked with closely include Telefunken Elektroakustic and United Pop (Music Support Group).What I do:Partner Operations-Tested taking European online music production and sound engineering school to market in China-Coordinated and co-hosted regular online workshop to promote the program and attract leads-Collected 120+ recruitment leads-Worked closely with sales team to conduct market research, funnel leads, localize assets and set up promotion channels-Regular engagement with partner PM to facilitate internal training and student recruitment initiatives -Set up after-sales service procedure for top global microphone brand with high growth potential in China, facilitating process construction, training and ongoing interaction with partner repair team. -Worked with internal team to compile and report evidence to advise partner on market irregularities.-Managed and negotiated with partner legal on compliance on critical documentation.-Negotiated price on orders and other benefits-Managed localization of multiple partner product promotional and training materials like brochures, videos etc...-Escalation point for purchasing and logistics issues, order risk management-Worked with domestic agent to obtain CCC certification for overseas partners' product complianceBusiness Development-Scouted and built relationships with potential distribution partners -Negotiated and signed new partner in AV integration space-Coordinated and negotiated acquisition proposal on German loudspeaker company -Negotiated partner contract renewal and terms-Maintained regular contact with BD leads through email news announcements -Created English assets to facilitate BD initiatives, including building company landing page with Wordpress

Toronto

Founded in March 2014, Synced is China’s first media and information services platform that focuses on machine intelligence and related cutting-edge technologies.-In a business development role for my MBA's work term, I worked remotely from Silicon Valley to experiment developing a partnership strategy, identifying and connecting with stakeholders in the AI and broader tech ecosystem through event networking, research and cold outreach.- I acted as a negotiator, engaging with internal and external stakeholders to identify needs and strategies to move agreements forward. -Structured, negotiated and drafted memorandums on 3 inaugural content sharing and promotion agreements.- I also assisted in an editorial and translation capacity, assisting the localization team with content review and discovering potential talent to hire. -As an industry analyst I supported a remote team of 10 on a part-time basis to produce a bi-weekly industry report on AI and cutting-edge technology. -I provides research and insights on machine learning developments and general trends in digital media and Facebook’s business. -Taught myself the theory and business applications of machine learning technology such as language processing and image recognition.English: https://syncedreview.comChinese: https://www.jiqizhixin.comSynced has more than 190,000 WeChat subscribers with more than 50,000 readers per day. It is a key content provider for Tencent, Baidu, and TouTiao.com, winning the title of Huxiu’s Top Ten Content Provider of 2015 and TouTiao’s Best vertical-Media of 2015. Synced's global operations are headquartered in Toronto.

Toronto, Canada Area

International MBA class of 2018. Degree conferred.Exchange at Bocconi University, Milan, Italy, spring 2018.

Toronto, Canada Area

My team delivered a 40-page recommendation and executive presentation for a infrastructure firm's divestment, including a market model, competitive analysis and valuation.

Toronto, Canada Area

Translation Studies and Intercultural Communication. Degree conferred.

Toronto, Canada Area

Beijing/Toronto

-Applied knowledge of Chinese culture and passion for storytelling to adapt 100,000 word Chinese children’s fantasy novel into English.- Novel published in 2015 as Legends of the Dawang Tome: The Amber Tiles. -Scope of work included: research of cultural context, transcreation of content with close collaboration with editors, sourcing appropriate editor and consulting on cover design and layout.-Achieved style adaptations suitable for target audience while conserving cultural context. -Guest speaker on children’s literature panel at BookExpo America 2015 and published 6 other short stories in translation.

Beijing City, China

Founded and played guitar in 3 live-performing bands- Organized, promoted and performed concerts at local venues on a monthly basis- Wrote and performed original material- Recorded 2 album demos in studio- Founded China's first Grateful Dead tribute band- Grew and managed community of 100s of fans on social media and email

Beijing City, China

I applied my understanding of digital strategy and background in publishing to lead 'the Beijinger's' arts & culture and community content development both online and in print. Ensured the most relevant events and news reached the community through our channels. Brought a strong focus on digital media adoption, managing social media accounts and developing web content formats that doubled page views and in some cases achieving virality. Developed influencer status, building strong social media following on Weibo in Chinese and English. Conducted general journalistic activities such as research, networking, interviews, included daily blogging and posting key news as stories were breaking etc... Published what a manager called the best 'feature' of the year. Also managed an inflow of at least 100 emails a day.

Beijing City, China

Project managed an account team of 5 in Mandarin and English to deliver research, insights, cases and client support on communication strategies and campaigns for Lenovo products in emerging markets. Redesigned quarterly report and co-organized workshop on integrated marketing campaigns. Trained in Integrated Marketing Campaign methodology.

Beijing, China

• Promoted to manage production of 100+ page bi-monthly magazine (50,000 run, shipped worldwide)• Developed print/digital strategy to reposition product, reversing drop in revenues• Restructured and led team of 10 editors and designers

Beijing City, China

• Promoted to lead design team of 3, directing photo shoots and conceptual layouts • Developed integrative learning tool used in each article of magazine• Wrote 2 feature articles per issue and weekly blogs

Beijing City, China

International Mba (Imba), International Business Administration

Activities and Societies: Co-President of International Schulich Business Association | Chief Editor of IMBA Newsletter | Class.

Mba Exchange Student, Business Administration And Management, General

Master Of Arts (Ma), Translation Studies

Activities and Societies: Co-Founder and President, Master in Translation Studies Student Association; Communication Officer for Graduate.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Chinese Language And Culture, Honors

Activities and Societies: Graduated in top ten of classFrom 2005 to 2009 I indulged my fascination with Chinese language (and languages.