Otter Media Hires Head of Creative & Content Strategy

LOS ANGELES: Otter Media, a joint venture between The Chernin Group and AT&T, has named Billy Parks to the newly created role of executive VP of creative and content strategy.

Parks joins the company from Fullscreen Media, which is majority-owned by Otter Media. In his new position, Parks will work with companies in Otter Media’s portfolio to develop audience-driven content that resonates across all formats and channels, and strategically grow their respective consumer bases. Parks will also continue to oversee creative and production for AT&T Hello Lab, a collaboration between AT&T and Fullscreen Media’s Strategic Content Group that connects digital influencers to their communities through innovative content series, live experiences, merchandise, albums and more. Parks will report to Sarah Harden, the president of Otter Media.

At Fullscreen Media, Parks served as senior VP of the company’s Strategic Content Group. In that role, he led the creative, strategy and production of a slate of content developed for AT&T blending marketing and entertainment, running across social platforms, TV and real-life activations. Parks previously served as executive VP of digital production and programming for The Chernin Group, where he co-created and executive produced the real-time series @SummerBreak, which was distributed exclusively through social media. The franchise is currently in production on its fifth consecutive season.

“Billy has been a longtime, valued co-collaborator through Fullscreen and The Chernin Group, where he consistently realized new potential and accelerated the evolution of digital content,” said Harden. “His work at Fullscreen on programming such as Hello Lab, @SummerBreak and SnapperHero for AT&T has centered on delivering future-focused content models that engage audiences across existing and emerging platforms. We look forward to taking our relationship with him to the next level as we use content across all formats to grow the influence and reach of Otter’s direct-to-consumer brands.”

Parks added: “I am very excited to build on five years of close collaboration with some of the most talented and forward-thinking leaders in the media business. I am consistently inspired by their approach to growing and nurturing businesses that are responding to the developing needs of audiences.”