Stuart Westphal Email & Phone Number

Nashville, Tn

I oversee the strategic direction and operational management of our groundbreaking 4x strategy game, "Crucible of Empires." My commitment to innovation drives our globally distributed team to pioneer in player empowerment and creativity within the 4X genre.What I do:- Strategic Leadership: Guide our company's vision to redefine strategy gaming with a focus on innovative player engagement and a groundbreaking modding platform.- Team Management & Development: Foster a culture of collaboration among our team of 12+ game developers, enhancing cohesion and innovation. My role spans coaching, mentorship, and direct contributions to game design and development, ensuring a unified and immersive player experience.- Operational Excellence: Manage day-to-day operations, including running daily stand-ups, planning development cycles, and ensuring that projects remain on track to meet milestones. My efforts are key to maintaining efficient workflows and high productivity across all departments.- Creative Direction: Co-lead creative vision and directly participate in design areas including 3D scene composition, artwork, narrative, sound design, UXD, and voice acting. Focus on fostering a unified & engaging player experience, ensuring our team's creative process is both productive and fun.- Innovation: Drive the development of our innovative mod platform, aimed to enhance player engagement and creativity - pivotal to our mission to build the mod platform for 4X games, empowering our community to actively participate in the future of strategy games.Wins:- Contributing to the design and strategic depth of our games and focusing on a modding platform that will redefine player engagement in the genre.- Strengthening our team with targeted expertise and leadership to enrich project development and ensure the successful realization of our vision.- Laying the groundwork for a unique mod platform, promising to revolutionize game personalization and player creativity.

As a Founder and Chief Product Officer at True Industries, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with talented teams, including art, design, development, and QA, to achieve our product vision. My experience as a Creative Lead, Executive Producer, and Digital Product Consultant has allowed me to contribute to high-quality entertainment products that resonate with global audiences.Working with high-profile clients such as CAA, Caravan “Creative Labs”, and game studios such as Blueline Studios, Axis Games, BumbleBear Games and others, we've created a track record of success. By leveraging strong communication and negotiation skills, our team has secured stakeholder interest and support, while maintaining focus on timelines and vision. Together, we've raised funding for game development by showcasing our understanding of the market and presenting attractive opportunities to investors.Our collaborative approach has led to the completion of over a dozen high-touch client projects, demonstrating our shared commitment to clear vision, attention to detail, and effective communication. We take ownership of the entire product lifecycle, including product P&L, feature roadmap, and staffing, to ensure our games achieve commercial success. We continuously strive to improve product features and services by seeking out strategic partnerships and efficiently managing products from inception to launch and live operations.As a global company with cross-disciplinary teams, we prioritize communication and adaptability, ensuring productivity across different locations. In working with organizations like the Creative Artist Agency and Creative Labs, our team has successfully defined market and product opportunities, core product visions, designed product roadmaps and features, and executed art direction and production for games and apps.

Richmond, Ky, Us

Attended annual board meetings to advise on game development curriculum to ensure students receive information regarding opportunities in the industry and have a solid understanding of the full lifecycle of video games from concept and development to marketing and publishing.Offered industry insight to help motivate students to pursue their passion for games by sharing personal stories with the goal to inspire students to pursue what excites them, to be bold, and to make their own rules. Developed intern program for game designers and game developers and mentored students on professionalism, accountability, adaptability, decision making, written communication, management skills, and strategies to increase their the ability to collaborate with a broad range of professionals around the world.

Collaboratively worked with co-founders to define market and product opportunities, define core product vision, design product roadmaps and product features, technical direction, and the creation of interactive wireframes and product prototypes powered by Plaid.Advised and supported co-founders on organizational structure, staffing, operating budgets, and collaborated on strategic planning, administration, business development, creative direction, and marketing.

As a Creative Lead and Head of Studio at Hero Digital Entertainment, I've had the opportunity to build strong partnerships with well-known companies such as Apple, CAA, Google, Endeavor (WME), and Sony, as well as working with Los Angeles Center Studios and Columbia Pictures on notable projects like the mobile game for "Passengers" the movie.By developing both domestic and offshore game and app production teams, our collaborative efforts have resulted in creative visions being brought to life through game development and mobile app development. Our global team of 20 skilled professionals has collaborated with celebrity talent, such as Adam Levine, Billy Crystal, and Amitabh Bachchan, to design and produce multiple celebrity-based app and game projects for various platforms.Utilizing a servant leadership approach, I've effectively communicated with and fostered strong relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, frequently traveling to offices across the United States and India. As a team, we have ensured artistic authenticity and quality control, while overseeing creative direction and development operations.In addition to leading creative direction, I have advised and supported co-founders on organizational structure, staffing, P&Ls, operating budgets, and collaborated on strategic planning, administration, business development, and marketing. I have represented our company at industry conferences and networking events, leveraging my public speaking and negotiation skills to secure deals, such as the multi-million dollar deal with Amitabh Bachchan, PlayIzzOn, and JetSynthesys.

Began and improved relationships with CAA establishing work with Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal, and the acquisition of CAA-backed Moonshark. Joined with Apple, CAA, and Twitter to launch Hanx Writer featuring an interview with Tom Hanks and USA Today exclusive.Initiated multi-game deal with Microsoft featuring personally created game concepts, created game concept and pitch for NBA that led to NBA Life, and developed relationships with Paramount Pictures to license The Godfather.Collaborated with Paramount Pictures and FT Games to ensure creative stayed true to brand, owned all aspects of production and creative design of The Godfather: Family Dynasty, and personally produced the Original Game Soundtrack (OST).Collaborated with Google Play engineers on the development of the first synchronous-multiplayer SDK joining iOS and Android players in real-time leading to Google featuring Battlepillars with the launch of the SDK at GDC in 2014.Led growth strategy, product strategy & roadmap, P&Ls, feature roadmaps, quality guidelines, and staffing to ensure commercial success. Generated monthly KPI reports using metrics from App Store, App Figures, and Google Analytics to update team on product performance.Presented workable strategies and timelines to increase ROI and then successfully executed plans. Ex. expanded our products to new markets, added new platforms: Xbox, Steam, Amazon’s App Store, and negotiated game preload deals with Mattel’s Nabi tablets.Led and supported 50+ people across global teams (Art, Dev, Marketing, Live Ops) to achieve product goals and resolve bottlenecks or roadblocks ensuring live products ran smoothly. Reduced technical debt and increased 3D and cross-platform capabilities by using Unity.Mentored employees and created roles to better fit their strengths. Attracted and retained high performing talent raising product quality.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Us

Strategically generated additional value for existing account projects, effectively communicating each story and brand through responsive and collaborative service, dynamic user interfaces, and credible, high-ranking search results, to drive client revenue. - Planned, developed, and deployed custom web app and marketing solutions for a wide range of small- to medium-sized businesses, increasing lead generation by an average of 300%.- Expertly led creative brainstorming sessions and client meetings for Mobile and Web Apps, Content Planning, and UX Design.- Increased global visibility and recognition of the company by 150% by redesigning technical stack and restructuring company branding to enhance and promote company values.- Decreased page abandonment rates by 80% by applying knowledge of user-centered design methods, human-computer interaction, and industry best practices.

Hey Stuart! started as a portfolio project but quickly became my anything freelance channel. Under this banner, I supported multiple entertainment start-ups by creating: business plans, marketing plans, e-commerce web solutions, social media management, and more. I produced several music records for performing artists, designed album artwork, press kits, ect...

Oversaw comprehensive project management operations, serving as a client relations liaison to ensure budgets and timelines were upheld and all customer expectations were exceeded. Conducted in-depth market research and analysis and generated a comprehensive situational analysis to identify economic conditions, target markets, industry trends, and potential competitors to effectively forecast business needs and opportunities. Collaborated with product teams and sales department to define key selling propositions that translated into all sales and marketing materials, client communications, and press initiatives, including product launch planning and execution, to create a cohesive and recognizable brand image.- Developed and implemented innovative and targeted sales and marketing strategies and business plans for company product lines, increasing overall revenue year-over-year.- Deployed content growth, brand, and market tactics such as fan development challenges, content creation contests, and target market fundraising kits, exponentially expanding client base.- Continuously developed and maintained up-to-date industry knowledge through workshop, trade show, and seminar attendance.- Managed content and flow of all outbound communications including websites such as www.h2labelgroup.com, www.ashminskyy.com, as well as newsletter programs, trade show invitations, organic search engine optimization (SEO), online and print advertising, sales materials and client/sales messaging.- Established and oversaw intern program with a unique educational environment to foster growth for young creative enthusiasts, expanding program to 30+ interns over the course of 2 years.- Developed a cross-functional business partnership with Music Media and Money Gabfest (MMMG) to boost marketing communications, outreach, and speakers’ initiatives, driving Return Path’s “expert” status in the market.

Performed market research and analysis to cultivate creative content development, branding, business plans, public relations tactics, and marketing strategies, overseeing all content to effectively target key demographics. Designed and distributed event materials, including advertisements, presentations, and press releases, ensuring strict adherence to branding for increased recognition.- Coordinated the launch of the Music Media Money Gabfest and led multiple large event teams of 15 individuals including oversight of high-profile speakers, A/V crews, assistants, and volunteers.- Effectively minimized project risks more than 90% by conducting thorough risk analyses to develop a tactical risk management plan.- Maximized event efficiency through development and coordination of all staff schedules, certifying all positions were covered and no shifts were under-managed.- Monitored website traffic growth and organic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) results and developed user interfaces, and improving leads month over month.

- Prospect, Pitch Talent, Handle Artist/Client Relations, Develop, and Encourage Talent- Record Production, Session Preparation, Recording, Editing, and Mixing- Asset Management, Market Research, Business Development, Financial Analysis

- Regional Touring: Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Melbourne, Daytona, and Orlando, FL- Designed Interactive Light Show for Bands Saliva, Drowning Pool, and Rising Up Angry- Programmed DMX Arrays, Light Fixture Maintenance, XLR Cable Maintenance

Winter Park, Fl, Us

- Organize Study Schedule, Develop Custom Programs, Monitor and Asses Progress- Respond to Student Inquiries, Provide Life Counsel, Encourage Growth

- Administer Multiple News/Music Websites and Maintain Internal Systems- Manage 80+ Accounts, Perform Market Research, and Generate Report

- Hire, Interview, Manage Employees and Organized Work Schedules- Speak at Chamber of Commerce Meetings and Develop Community Relationships- Maintain Operation and Marketing Budgets

Santa Clara, California, Us

- Schedule International Conference Calls, Meetings, and Remote Training Sessions- Organize Presentation Materials, Manage Database, and Generate Reports- Assist in Development of International Training Program for Sales Team Abroad- Manage Top-Secret Documents, Schematics, and Developing Technologies

Temple Terrace, Fl, Us

- Maintain and Support 300+ Campus Systems- Perform Research in Response to Campus Network Issues- Setup Campus Computers, Connect Networks, Upgrade Equipment, Windows/OSX- Supervise Computer Lab and Remain “On Call” as Needed by Students and Faculty

Dallas, Tx, Us

- Assist Vice President of Regional Sales with Human Resources- Evaluate Employee Duties, Develop Training Manual, Train Workgroup on New Processes- 70% Increase in Workgroup Productivity- Conduct Market Research and Maintain and Organize Internal Documents- Provide Administrative and Computer Support

Master'S, Entertainment Business

Bachelor’S, Music Business

Associate’S, Recording Arts

Associate’S, Liberal Arts