VR Firm Blend Media Brings In Execs from Endemol Shine, Jukin

LONDON: The new 360-degree video and VR content and creator platform Blend Media has made two new executive hires, tapping executives from Endemol Shine and Jukin Media.

James Bacon has been appointed as senior VP of commercial partnerships. He joins Blend Media from Endemol Shine, where he held the role of director of international brand relations. Prior to that, Bacon served in various posts over a 10-year period at Google, including as head of premium content solutions for EMEA. Reporting into CEO Damian Collier, Bacon will be responsible for leading Blend’s relationships with brands and agencies in the U.K. and Europe.

Greg Bond joins Blend Media in the role of senior VP of licensing. He comes to the company from Jukin Media, where he was VP of global licensing. Bond was also formerly VP of film and TV licensing at Wazee Digital. Based in the U.S., Bond is tasked with a similar role to Bacon.

Bacon commented: “360-degree video will be the biggest growth driver for video in 2017 and with the likes of Facebook and Google investing heavily in the space, I’m hugely excited to be joining Blend Media. With the largest, premium 360-degree video content library, a global network of professional creators and some fantastic product solutions in the pipeline, I think we’re well placed to make premium 360-degree video easy for brands, agencies and media owners.”

Bond added: “I am very excited to be joining such an innovative company that delivers the powerful tools of immersive video to brands and publishers who want to present new and exciting content experiences. The intimate nature of 360-degree video provides a unique opportunity for brands to engage viewers with an authentic story that can quite literally alter one’s perspective.”

Collier said: “The demand for Blend’s services has grown exponentially over the past year. Bringing on board outstanding new talent such as James and Greg will add a wealth of additional experience to our senior commercial team. Their collective backgrounds in licensing and brand partnerships will allow Blend to continue its rapid expansion on both sides of the Atlantic. I am thrilled to welcome them both on board.”