Inmoji snaps up NBCUniversal exec to lead biz dev
Inmoji, the San Francisco and Boston-HQed branded interactive emoji company today announced that Ivan Baker has joined as vice president of business development. He has 35 years in the game, previously including a 10-year stint at NBCUniversal as chair of their digital marketing and social media council. He will report to co-founder and chief operating officer Perry Tell.
“Ivan is widely regarded as one of the leaders in the media industry and has an exceptional track record of success increasing revenue and transforming some of the world’s largest brands and adapting them to today’s emerging platforms,” said Tell. “His expertise positions Inmoji like never before to bridge the gap between consumers who crave engaging content on messaging apps, the brands that want to reach them, and the messaging apps that seek new sustainable revenue streams.”
Baker’s long tenure in the industry includes stops at Ogilvy & Mather, FCB and Y&R, leading digital efforts for The American Express Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, IBM, Kraft Foods Group, MetLife, Inc., Nestlé and Unilever, among others. He began his career in the music business at Warner Brothers Records where, in his 14 years, he signed and produced artists including Bow Wow Wow, Depeche Mode, Devo, Echo & the Bunnymen, Figures on the Beach, Gene Loves Jezebel, Les Rita Mitsouko, New Order and XTC.
“Inmoji’s premiere network of messaging platform partners provides digital marketers the most sophisticated, authentic and non-intrusive way to reach their audiences where they routinely talk about content and products,“ said Baker. “I’m excited to join Inmoji and help marketers harness the power of mobile messaging to connect people with the brands they love.”
Inmoji’s 3D messaging offering allows consumers, according to the company, to more easily share content, locations or links without having to interrupt conversations. Among Inmoji’s messaging platform partners are Tango, Kik, Badoo and MeetMe. Brand partners include NBCUniversal, iTunes, Interscope Records, Starbucks, Ticketmaster, MovieTickets.com and Walmart. In addition to brands and platforms, Inmoji has formed strategic relationships with more than 40 media agencies including Omnicom Media Group, OMD Worldwide and MullenLowe.