Turner Broadcasting System has elevated former vice president of digital Justin Williams to senior vice president of digital ventures for TNT and TBS, a newly created role based in Atlanta and reporting to TBS and TNT president Kevin Reilly.
In his new role Williams will be responsible for creating strategic opportunities for new ventures, investments and partners in the digital space. He will continue to work closely with Reilly and the TBS and TNT executive team developing digital strategy for the networks' digital and mobile platforms. In addition, Williams will collaborate with leaders across Turner on developing strategy for emerging platforms, empowering the businesses to harness opportunities around new ventures, digital innovations and monetization concepts.
"In the short amount of time we’ve worked together, I have garnered plenty of respect and appreciation for Justin’s ability to consistently push our two networks to be at the forefront of innovation and change," Reilly said in a statement. "With the incredible ideas and insight he brings to the table, Justin will help position our businesses for long-term success in the digital realm and deliver the kind of dynamic customer experience that will keep viewers coming back for more."
Williams joined TBS and TNT in February 2013 and in his first year spearheaded a new multiscreen distribution approach for the networks, re-launched the digital experiences of both nets and helped lead data-driven marketing projects aimed at growing linear audiences. By coordinating the new multiscreen strategy, Williams helped propel shows like the first seasons of The Last Ship and Murder in the First to set new records for TNT TV video-on-demand viewing.
Prior to his current role, he served as senior director and general manager of NASCAR.com for Turner Sports. While there, he and his team made NASCAR.COM a major video destination that produced more than 400 hours of live coverage, a 10-fold increase from 2009. He also led his team in the creation of new revenue-generating sponsorships, products and partnerships.
From 2005 to 2010, Williams built the digital business at a startup cable network, grew the digital fan management business for a newly acquired division of InterActive Corp. and advised startups in the TV, music and ticketing business.
During Williams' first stint at Turner Broadcasting, he served as senior director of platform research and development for the company and, before that, as director of business development and community for Cartoon Network's new media group. Williams' professional career began at Ticketmaster Online/CitySearch, where he was one of the first editorial employees for the startup company.
