MARK JACOBS
Visionary Creative Director & Marketing Executive | Brand Strategist | Innovation Leader | Artist
An artist first, I draw inspiration from my global upbringing...having lived on five continents, until finally landing on the beaches of Santa Monica. From my early start as a fine artist I expanded my artistic range to creative direction, design, branding, layout, business management and investor relations.
I have a diverse work history with experience ranging across many disciplines from luxury, health and wellness, functional beverage, apparel, alcohol, CBD/cannabis, and major event production. Seeing the big picture as well as recognizing all the pieces is where I excel. Creating and participating in pitch meetings is second nature to me, I can think on my feet and know if a real-time shift is required, I’m adept at drilling down to the core goal of the client, weeding through their sometimes overly complicated requests. While I love the collaborative process, I know that the I own the vision and strategy, and it’s my job to steer the ship and inspire others.
I have spent my career building brands, whether it’s from the ground up or ones in need of a refresh (or overhaul). Most recently working with a better-for-you functional beverage company – DEFY. The brand was in need of direction and the product needed a facelift as well. I joined as CMO and Creative Director, and re-worked the look and feel, defined the brand story and strategy, and built out the influencer/partner plan. Year one we grew from 1000 doors to 15,000 doors. Prior to that, I joined Ignite International pre-launch as Creative Director. I helped define the brand strategy, lead packaging design, website development, influencer strategy – as well as experiential events such as the launch event that captured over 1B impressions in one night. Elevated to Senior VP of Marketing, lead a large team of internal and agency creatives. I drove the expansion into the UK, defining the launch campaign, selecting all outdoor media placements, directing the UK influencer plan and producing the launch event. An entrepreneur from the start, designing t-shirts in college, I’ve launched a clothing company that we grew from 2 people to 250 stores in the US, UK and Japan – and eventually a public offering; grown a cause-driven hair extension brand and created several celebrity driven brands in skincare, supplements, and apparel.
I’ve worked with many celebrities, athletes, influencers to build brand affinity. Developing relationships and acting as the direct contact for that partner. I have also developed relationships with brand partners, most recently with Spartan Race and US Pickleball Association. I thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects being managed at one time across various groups. I love working and nurturing a team to bring out their best, and I am always ready to roll up my sleeves and join in the work (try and stop me). I am accustomed to managing teams both large and small with communication being at the forefront, and always owning the process – the buck stops with me.
Career Highlights
• Partnering with actor Don Cheadle, created a nationally recognized charitable fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
• Launched a music sponsorship program for emerging artist in rock, rap, etc. as well as fostering partnerships with biggest labels in the world.
• Produced events, fashion shows, photoshoots in Los Angeles, New York, London, Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Chicago and many points in between. The pinnacle being a fashion show on the top floor of the newly completed One World Trade Center building with benefits going to charity.
• Ongoing participation in Art With A Cause art show, benefitting Freedom United Foundation
• Partnering with actor Don Cheadle, created a nationally recognized charitable fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
• Launched a music sponsorship program for emerging artist in rock, rap, etc. as well as fostering partnerships with biggest labels in the world.
• Produced events, fashion shows, photoshoots in Los Angeles, New York, London, Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Chicago and many points in between. The pinnacle being a fashion show on the top floor of the newly completed One World Trade Center building with benefits going to charity.
• Ongoing participation in Art With A Cause art show, benefitting Freedom United Foundation
• Successful international brand launch in the UK with transit takeover, launch event and campaign