Executive Director, Commercial Marketing & Guardian Labs

Executive Director, Commercial Marketing & Guardian Labs

Reporting to the Head of Marketing & Creative, the Executive Director, Commercial Marketing & Guardian Labs leads The Guardian US commercial marketing organization, driving integrated marketing, Guardian Labs, branded content and commercial events that accelerate revenue growth and strengthen client partnerships.
This role oversees the teams responsible for strategic proposals, creative development, branded content, events and campaign execution, translating advertiser objectives into differentiated, insight-led programs rooted in The Guardian's editorial authority and values.
Working closely with Sales, Account Management, Editorial, Product, Data & Insights and UK colleagues, this leader ensures commercial programs are strategically smart, creatively exceptional and operationally efficientfrom pitch through execution and renewalwhile building scalable processes, developing talent and delivering best-in-class advertiser experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Strategy & Revenue Growth
Lead The Guardian US commercial marketing function, partnering with Sales to develop integrated solutions that drive revenue growth and long-term client relationships.
Oversee strategic responses to RFPs, proactive opportunities, client presentations and commercial storytelling.
Lead cross-functional brainstorms that translate advertiser objectives into differentiated, multi-platform programs rooted in audience insights and editorial strengths.
Partner with Sales leadership on priority accounts, executive presentations and high-value revenue opportunities.
Develop commercial playbooks, sponsorship packages, category materials, one-sheets and case studies that strengthen the sales organization.
Ensure consistency, quality and strategic excellence across all commercial proposals.
Guardian Labs, Creative & Campaign Delivery
Lead Guardian Labs' commercial creative strategy across pre-sale and post-sale initiatives.
Oversee integrated campaigns spanning branded content, editorial sponsorships, digital, audio, video, newsletters, social, events and experiential programs.
Partner with creative, editorial and strategy teams to develop breakthrough ideas that align advertiser objectives with The Guardian's voice and values.
Guide campaigns from concept through execution, ensuring work is delivered on time, on budget and at the highest creative standard.
Oversee production scopes, creative resources, freelancers and external partners.
Partner with Account Management to optimize campaigns, identify renewal and upsell opportunities, and develop compelling case studies and wrap reports.
Commercial Events & Client Engagement
Lead The Guardian US commercial events strategy, creating premium experiences that strengthen client relationships, showcase editorial strengths and drive commercial growth.
Partner with Sales to identify event sponsorships, priority accounts and new business opportunities.
Oversee end-to-end planning and execution of commercial events, ensuring exceptional attendee and client experiences with seamless cross-functional delivery.
Develop scalable event playbooks, sponsorship packages and measurement frameworks that maximize business impact.
Ensure strong pre- and post-event engagement, including audience development, lead generation, client follow-up and opportunities for renewals and incremental revenue.
Team Leadership & Operations
Lead, coach and develop a multidisciplinary team across integrated marketing, Guardian Labs, branded content, events and commercial operations.
Establish priorities, allocate resources and manage workloads across concurrent initiatives.
Build scalable workflows and operational processes that improve collaboration, efficiency and creative quality.
Foster strong partnerships across Sales, Account Management, Editorial, Product, Data & Insights, Communications and UK counterparts.
Translate audience insights, campaign performance and market trends into stronger commercial recommendations and client solutions.
Champion a culture of creativity, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
10+ years of leadership experience in commercial marketing, integrated marketing, branded content, creative strategy and experiential marketing within a premium publisher, media company, agency or other.
Proven success leading integrated marketing and creative teams that drive revenue growth, client retention and renewals.
Deep experience developing strategic RFP responses, integrated sponsorships and executive-level client presentations.
Strong understanding of branded content, editorial partnerships, live experiences and multi-platform marketing.
Experience building scalable processes while maintaining creative excellence.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and develop high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
Exceptional communication, storytelling and relationship-building skills.
Highly collaborative, entrepreneurial and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.
Experience across categories including technology, B2B, sport, lifestyle, sustainability and culture.
Global media experience is a plus.