OWNZONES, a technology platform offering a streamline multi-platform distribution solution for media companies and content owners, today announced the company has expanded its leadership team with the hire of top industry executives across several key fields. Joining OWNZONES is G.O. Burton, senior vice president of distribution and partnerships; Fran Shea, senior vice president of programming; Suzanne Rainey, senior vice president of content acquisitions; and Joe Shepherd,
SVP & Business Unit Owner, Product Development & EZONES. All newly created roles, each will report to OWNZONES CEO Dan Goman.
“The OTT services marketplace is constantly evolving, and companies that take a holistic approach to content will ultimately come out on top,” said Goman. “The addition of G.O., Fran, Suzanne and Joe represent OWNZONES’ growth across distribution, programming, content and technology, and the level of expertise each of these talented individuals brings to the team is extraordinary. They will enable us to expand our footprint and offerings around the globe.”
Burton, a seasoned advertising and sales executive, launched viral marketing firm, The Bodega Co. before moving on to stints at Ripe Digital Media in Client Services and Advertising Operations and Xanimation LLC in Sales Operations. Prior to landing at OWNZONES, Burton served as senior vice president of global partnerships and business at CNK Digital (Click N KIDS) where he helped grow the global business, secure strategic partnerships and expanded retail distribution.
Shea, is an Emmy winning Production Executive. While at HBO she founded HBOlab to create multi-platform content. A former President of E! Entertainment Television, Shea helped launch the successful cable network, which is now in 98 million homes. As the chief architect of Programming and the On-Air brand, Shea developed award-winning franchises including E! True Hollywood Story, Talk Soup, E! News Daily,The Howard Stern Show and Live From The Red Carpet.
Rainey is an expert in content and distribution strategy with an extensive background in licensing, sales, marketing, finance and business affairs. Rainey has worked with major companies around the world including NBC, Polygram, Universal, MGM, SwissTV, Sprint, Monaco Telecom, PlusTV (Finland), KoolConnect, StarGreetz and BeBanjo, with expertise at optimizing the distribution of digital content across all platforms.
Shepherd brings more than 15 years’ experience in both sales and engineering to OWNZONES. Over the course of his career, Shepherd has been a programmer, designer, marketer, strategist, Researcher and Technologist. His leadership skills allowed Shepherd to help transform organizations across the Fortune 500. Prior to joining OWNZONES, Shepherd led the Microsoft Collaboration business at CDW, where he enjoyed great success setting the strategic direction, developing enterprise solutions and growing the technical sales and delivery organization.
The new appointments come on the heels of the launch of the
OWNZONES Media Network. Featuring customized distribution and a broad range of programming services including mobile, over the top (OTT) and set top box, OWNZONES handles all backend and onboarding requirements, eliminating the need for content owners to reformat their programming for each platform. The company recently signed distribution agreements with Amazon Video for add-on channels, T-Mobile’s popular video initiative Binge On, Flipps, and E.W. Scripps, among others.
OWNZONES also announced the addition of new advisory board members including Sandy Grushow, former Chairman of the FOX Television Entertainment Group, entertainment and media veteran Mitch Berman, who has held senior management positions with HBO/Cinemax and E! Entertainment Television, and Jeff Cuban, COO of Mark Cuban Companies Entertainment Properties.