Richard Blakeley, a revered figure in web innovation and a master of product management, is currently reshaping the fintech industry through his work on SaaS platforms. He operates from New York and leads initiatives at innovative companies such as Kresus and LianLian Pay. He focuses on fostering effective collaboration among cross-functional teams and driving projects to successful completion with unmatched execution finesse.
With a storied background as a media executive, his extensive audience growth and video production expertise have been pivotal in his roles across various organizations. As the former Head of Product at ArtBinder, he managed multiple responsibilities, from technology oversight to product development, reporting directly to the CEO. His strategic insight was instrumental in defining the company's direction, aligning product initiatives with corporate objectives, and ensuring their successful execution.
Following his tenure at ArtBinder, he was the senior director of products at SheKnows, part of SHE Media. In this role, he was crucial in developing the strategic vision for the product, concentrating on CRM, user acquisition, influencer marketing, and custom advertising solutions. He effectively led a team of product managers, UX designers, and Agile developers across the U.S. and Europe, fostering innovation and driving the execution of critical projects that significantly advanced the company's market position.
Before his leadership role at SHE Media, he was deeply involved in product development at Time Inc., specifically at People.com. His efforts resulted in an impressive 85% increase in user engagement through strategic data analysis, comprehensive user testing, and continuous product refinement. His leadership covered many initiatives, from video production and CMS migration to advertising solutions and advanced analytics, each contributing to substantial gains in newsletter engagement and user interaction metrics.
Richard also made his mark at The Week as Director of Digital Products and Strategy and Thrillist as Head of Content and Strategy. His strategic vision at Thrillist led to the development and launch of branded editorial products that doubled the site's traffic, thanks to his innovative approach to content partnerships and syndication.
In addition to his corporate achievements, he founded The Webutante Ball in 2008, a celebrated annual event highlighting the intersection of technology and culture. This event serves as a vibrant celebration of the tech community and supports various charitable causes, garnering coverage in notable publications such as Forbes and Wired.
