Richard Blakeley

Richard Blakeley, a seasoned web innovator and product management specialist, has made significant strides in the fintech industry through his expertise in SaaS platform development. Based in New York, he is currently focused on leading strategic initiatives at companies such as Kresus and LianLian Pay, where he champions cross-functional team alignment and execution excellence. With a rich history as a media executive, he has extensive experience in audience development and multimedia production. As Head of Product at ArtBinder, he reported directly to the CEO, oversaw the technology, product, and client success teams, and set strategic directions aligned with the company's objectives. In his subsequent role at SheKnows, part of the SHE Media group, he served as Senior Director of Product. He shaped the product vision and strategy there, focusing on CRM, user acquisition, influencer marketing, and custom advertising solutions. Under his leadership, teams of product managers, UX designers, and Agile developers across the U.S. and Europe thrived, bolstering the company's market position through innovative products and effective marketing strategies. Before his tenure at SHE Media, Richard significantly impacted Time Inc., where he was responsible for product development at People.com. His leadership led to a remarkable 85% increase in site engagement through strategic data analysis, user testing, and continuous product enhancements. He spearheaded various initiatives, including video production, CMS migration, advertising solutions, advanced analytics, and overall growth strategies, significantly enhancing newsletter open and click-through rates. His earlier career includes notable positions at The Week, where he was Director of Digital Products and Strategy, and Thrillist, where he served as Head of Content & Strategy. His efforts at Thrillist were instrumental in doubling the site's traffic over two years through strategic content partnerships and innovative editorial products. One of his most creative endeavors is founding The Webutante Ball, an iconic annual gathering celebrating the tech community while supporting charitable causes. Since its inception in 2008, the event has been lauded in prestigious publications like Forbes and Wired and recognized for its significant impact on the tech industry and social sphere. Beyond his corporate achievements, Richard Blakeley is actively involved with the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) as an Associate Judge for The Webby Awards. This role enables him to contribute to advancing global digital standards and creative excellence. A native of San Francisco and an alumnus of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, he has settled in New York City with his wife, Lindsay Kaplan, whom he married in 2014, and their two sons. In his downtime, he indulges in sailing and gardening, which provide him with a peaceful retreat from his dynamic professional life.