Strategy and Business Development Director - FAN EXPO

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 HQis 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, fandomexpertise, 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.

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.

• 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 tomulti-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.
• Strongcritical thinking,adaptive reasoning, andrisk managementskills to navigate complex challenges and ensure successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing and developing people, with exceptionalstakeholder managementandnegotiation skillsto 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.
• Skilled in identifying and implementing action plans to improve performance, processes, and systems.
• Demonstrated ambition to drive for overachievement with deliverables through superior prioritization skills, delegation skills and resourcefulness.

Personal Qualities

The ideal candidate will possess the following personal attributes to excel in this role:

• Highly Ambitious: Demonstrates a strong commitment to long-term success and growth within the organisation.
• Ownership Mindset & Entrepreneurial Instinct: Takes initiative, approaches challenges with a solutions-oriented attitude, and operates with accountability.
• Resilience & Positive Attitude: Maintains composure, optimism, and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
• Inspirational Leadership: Motivates and empowers teams, fostering collaboration and a high-energy work environment.
• Integrity & Transparency: Upholds honesty and ethical behavior, building trust with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinker: Balances a long-term vision with immediate priorities, keeping the "fan first" philosophy at the forefront of decision-making.
• Thick Skin & Constructive Mindset: Welcomes direct and honest feedback, using it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
• People-Oriented: Builds strong relationships, enjoys working with diverse teams, and thrives in a dynamic, people-focused environment.
• Hands-On Approach: Embraces a "no job is too small" mentality, contributing wherever needed to ensure success.
• High-Energy Lifestyle: Enjoys the fast-paced nature of the role, including frequent travel and engaging with colleagues and partners.
• Intellectually Curious & Sharp: Eager to learn, ask questions, and explore new ideas with a keen sense of curiosity and a strong ability to read between the lines.
• Detail-Oriented & Strategic: Possesses a strong eye for detail and an excellent memory, while effectively translating high-level directions into actionable plans.
• Balanced Approach: Bridges entrepreneurial creativity with corporate structure, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Clear & Concise Communicator: Articulates ideas effectively and ensures clarity in all communications.
• Responsive & Independent: Operates with a sense of urgency and autonomy, progressing initiatives outside of traditional working hours when necessary.
• Serious Yet Fun: Balances a professional, results-driven approach with a sense of humour and enjoyment in the workplace.

We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you're not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces - like at an Informa event - you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here's some of what you can expect when you join us. But don't just take our word for it - see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include:

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active colleague groups and networks promoting a positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it's time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out: 15 days PTO rising to 20 after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays, a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
• Competitive benefits, including a 401k match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave and an ESPP offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $160,000 based on experience.

This posting will automatically expire on February 13, 2026.

We're not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most - although not all - of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

If you would like to request reasonable adjustments or accommodationsto assist your participation in the hiring process and, or in the advertised position, please inform the appropriate Talent Acquisition Partner for the role once they have been in touch. Your request will be reviewed and considered in confidence. At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

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