Strategy and Business Development Director - FAN EXPO

Company Description

We’re part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100.

Our purpose is to connect our customers to information and people that help them know more, do more and be more. No other company in the world helps more people share professional knowledge or make business connections.

We run around 800 events each year, create digital platforms based on engaging news and information content, and operate professional development programmes for individuals and businesses.

FAN EXPO HQ is the largest pop-culture event producer in the world.  Our mission is to deliver the ultimate fan experience through our growing portfolio of events, which includes MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO San Francisco, FAN EXPO Canada, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Vancouver, and more. 

FAN EXPO HQ is a division of Informa, the world’s leading events company, and together we create opportunities for fans to explore and celebrate all things pop-culture, through operational excellence, fandom expertise, and out-of-this-world content. 

Ready to embark on a new and exciting adventure? Read on. 

As the Strategy and Business Development Director, you will play a pivotal role in driving the expansion of the Fan Expo portfolio across North America. Partnering with the President of North America B2C, you’ll develop strategic plans for growth, identify new opportunities, and build compelling business cases using data-driven insights and competitive intelligence. From advising senior leaders on key initiatives to collaborating on talent strategies, you’ll help shape the future of fandom. With frequent travel and hands-on involvement in projects, this role is perfect for someone passionate about turning big ideas into actionable growth strategies while making fandom dreams a reality.

Job Description

This role is based in our New York, Santa Monica or Orlando office.

Reporting to the President, the Strategy and Business Development Director will be responsible for developing and driving the growth of the Fan Expo portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the President of North America B2C to develop strategic plans for organic growth and new launch opportunities to further expand the Fan Expo portfolio.
• Analyse data and trends to identify key insights to present to the President of Fan Expo and other senior leaders within the team as needed.
• Use competitive intelligence and internal data to develop and support business cases for growth opportunities, including organic expansion and through M&A.
• Advise the executive team on strategic initiatives and manage activities to implementation.

• Working with the President of North America B2C, and the Director of Talent & Content, assist in the development of the talent strategy.
• This role requires extensive and frequent travel throughout North America.
• Assist the President of North America B2C with various projects to drive growth and development for the portfolio. 

KPI’s & Objectives

• Support the President’s ambition to identify opportunities for business development through research, insights and develop presentations and reports that provide compelling business cases.
• Achieve programming objectives as established by the business.
• Measurably improve Fan Expo celebrity and content programs at all events through key strategic talent decisions.

Qualifications

• Experience in a strategy role preparing financial models and supporting growth plans, including M&A activities.
• Proven ability to analyse data and insights to create compelling business cases and develop presentations, including 3YPs.
• +10 years of management experience in the entertainment industry, with strong project management and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task effectively, balancing short-term deliverables (e.g., show execution) with long-term strategic initiatives (e.g., M&A, process improvements, and strategic option analysis).
• Experience in fast-moving, dynamically changing work environments, combined with significant travel.
• Strong critical thinking, adaptive reasoning, and risk management skills to navigate complex challenges and ensure successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing and developing people, with exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills to build strong relationships and leverage opportunities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and recall, with the ability to shift between detail-oriented tasks and high-level strategic decision-making.