Michael E. Kassan, founder and former CEO of MediaLink, is an internationally recognized business strategist operating at the intersection of the media, advertising, and entertainment industries. Described as the “ultimate power broker,” he has served as a trusted advisor on speed dial with every major executive in the media, marketing, entertainment, and technology C-Suite. Kassan and his global team of more than 200 specialists provided counsel for navigating the age of digital disruption in areas including marketing transformation, data and technology solutions, growth strategy, private equity advisory, executive search and talent advisory, and entertainment, sports, and culture marketing.

Previously, Kassan was the President/COO and Vice-Chairman of Initiative Media Worldwide and President and COO of International Video Entertainment (Artisan Entertainment). He has been named one of the top media executives in America by Ad Age, included on Adweek’s “Power 100” list and on Variety’s index of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global entertainment industry, and been named to The Hollywood Reporter’s “Silicon Beach 25” list of the most powerful digital players in Los Angeles. In 2019, Kassan was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Fame, which is considered the highest honor in advertising.

Kassan is known for his uncanny ability to see – and seize – opportunities across complementary industries and is often called upon as a keynote speaker and media commentator on the most pressing and provocative topics impacting the future of marketing. He has been instrumental in redefining major tentpole events like CES, Cannes Lions, and Mobile World Congress for the greater marketing landscape.

In addition, Kassan has served on the Board of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society, the Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy, and the Cultural Affairs Commission – City of Los Angeles and has been Chairman of the State Senate Select Committee on the Entertainment Industry. He is also a strong supporter of community and not-for-profit programs, serving as Chair of the UJA-New York Marketing Communications Committee and as a Board member of the American Advertising Federation, the Ad Council, the Paley Center for Media, Project Healthy Minds and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, whose Greater Los Angeles division named him the 2021 Walt Disney Philanthropist of the Year. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Marketing, Advertising, Media Professionals, CEO, Business Founders, Communication, Digital Marketing, Technology, SXSW, E-Commerce,