Open to opportunities

Sam Onyemelukwe

@samonyemelukwe

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Global business development and general management leader in media, tech and streaming.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking senior commercial leadership roles that drive market entry, strategic partnerships, and revenue growth in media, streaming or tech, with collaborative, impact-driven teams.

I am a senior business development and general management executive with 20+ years driving commercial strategy, market entry and multi-market growth across media, technology and digital streaming ecosystems. I have launched and scaled OTT and D2C platforms, negotiated multi-million dollar content and distribution deals, and led cross-functional teams to deliver eight-figure revenues and 300%+ audience growth.

I excel at building high-performing teams, P&L ownership, and engaging C-suite and board stakeholders to align commercial outcomes with cultural relevance and social impact. My background spans global partnerships with platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Samsung, telco integrations with MTN and Airtel, fintech collaborations, and deploying data-driven growth strategies across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Group Business Development Director

Current

Trace Group S.A. Ltd.

Mar 2021 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Identified and closed strategic global partnerships, negotiating complex multi-faceted contracts and securing three multi-million dollar deals within 18 months; sold a $5M multi-region partnership delivering digital education content to 20 million youth.

Strategic Partnerships Deal Negotiation OTT D2C Strategy Revenue Growth Stakeholder Management

Current

Regional Managing Director

Current

Trace Media and Entertainment LLC

Feb 2018 - Present (7 years 7 months)

Led Anglophone West operations to cash-flow positive within 8 months, preserved profitability during the pandemic with 40% cost reductions while retaining key staff, and helped launch Trace Sports Stars to #1 in its category.

P&L management Operations Management Cost Optimization Team Leadership Channel Launches OTT Partnerships Revenue Retention Go To Market

Founder & CEO

Venator Partners Ltd.

Feb 2011 - Feb 2018 (7 years)

Built and scaled a media and advertising firm, recruited and led a 25-person team, diversified revenue streams and delivered ~30% EBITDA in 2014–2015 before selling the business to Trace.

entrepreneurship Business Development Team Building Financial Planning Product Launches M&A Cost Management

Business Development Manager

CBS Viacom

Jul 2009 - Jan 2011 (1 year 6 months)

Grew spot advertising revenue by 387% in one year, sold $650K+ in sponsorships in a single quarter and recovered $100K in outstanding receivables while strengthening agency relationships.

Sales Strategy Advertising Sales Negotiation Account Management

Director Marketing

DKG Music / Warner Elektra Atlantic

Apr 2001 - Jul 2004 (3 years 3 months)

Directed the company's first international release in West Africa, built a local team and exceeded a 50k CD sales target by 30% within three months through targeted distribution and marketing.

Team Leadership Market Launches Distribution Campaign Management Sales Growth

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Boston University

Master of Science in Information Systems; Master of Business Administration, Information Systems; Business Administration

Completed dual graduate degrees in Information Systems and Business Administration; recipient of the Boston University Dean's Achievement Scholarship covering a portion of tuition.