Kent Wakeford

Location
los angeles, CA (US)
Work Category
Media - Journalism - Newspaper

About Me

Since early 2009, Kent Wakeford has provided a number of reputable companies with expert advice pertaining to the business and legal aspects of digital media. Possessing extensive experience as a leader in the digital media sector, Kent Wakeford is uniquely equipped with the knowledge to dispense accurate and informed counsel. Kent Wakeford focuses primarily on structuring and creating partnerships, including affiliate agreements, ad network agreements, widget platform agreements, advertising sales agreements, and content syndication. Kent Wakeford garnered the bulk of his experience in the digital media industry in a number of roles in the industry. Kent Wakeford commenced his professional career in digital media as Vice President of America Online (AOL). After five years with AOL, Kent Wakeford accepted the position of President of The Enthusiast Network. Kent Wakeford’s most recent endeavor was as Senior Vice President of Clearspring Technologies, Inc. Kent Wakeford’s academic success was indicative of his subsequent professional success. Earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California (USC) Law School, Kent Wakeford was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Norma Zarsky Memorial Award for excellence in entertainment law and the Gerald G. and Sally D. Kelly Award for highest scholarship. While attending USC Gould School of Law, Kent Wakeford served as an editor for the Southern California Law Review. Kent Wakeford earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Passionate about helping others, Kent Wakeford has been instrumental in helping to provide imperative services to homeless people. Kent Wakeford served as the President of Care for the Homeless, a nonprofit organization that endeavors to provide health services to the homeless of New York. Kent Wakeford also served as the President of Susan’s Place, a nonprofit offering assistance specifically to homeless women in the Bronx. Mr. Kent Wakeford presently lives in Los Angeles, California.

Work Experience

  • May 2007 - present
    los angeles, CA (US)
    Senior Vice President
    Clearspring Technologies
    Clearspring is the leading provider of widget creation, distribution, tracking and monetization services, used by the world’s largest media companies, advertisers, and widget developers. We help publishers and marketers extend their reach to the leading social networks, start pages and blogs and to respond to growing consumer demand for a more personalized desktop, Web, and mobile experience.

    Mr. Wakeford was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Clearspring Technologies and a member of its operations committee. Mr. Wakeford was responsible for all business development activities and legal affairs for the leading social media and online viral content syndication company. Mr. Wakeford structured and negotiated over two hundred relationships with media companies, online music platforms, social networks, widget developers, blogs, mobile media platforms, ad networks, social bookmarking platforms, and other Web 2.0 companies.
  • Oct 2004 - Apr 2007
    los angeles, CA (US)
    President
    The Enthusiast Network
    The Enthusiast Network is a leading enthusiast community network of websites focused on lifestyle entertainment.

    Mr. Wakeford lead the development and sale of an enthusiast publishing company with 35+ enthusiast websites, two digital magazines, and streaming video platform. Mr. Wakeford was responsible for strategic and day-to-day activities, including a staff of 22 employees, P&L management, and bringing the company to a cash flow positive position. Mr. Wakeford increased revenue with over 100% year-over-year growth, grew unique visitors to over 900,000 per month and pages views to over 15,000,000 per month.

    Mr. Wakeford sourced and negotiated acquisitions of a major competitor and various enthusiast websites. The Enthusiast Network was sold in 2007.
  • Feb 1999 - Oct 2004
    new york, NY (US)
    Vice President
    Aol
    AOL is a leading global ad-supported Web company, with a comprehensive display advertising network in the U.S., a suite of popular Web brands and products, and a leading social media network.

    Mr. Wakeford spent five years at AOL and held various positions as Vice President where he was responsible for leading a team charged with developing strategies and partnerships across AOL's web properties, including Netscape, CompuServe, AIM, DigitalCities, Spinner, WinAmp, ICQ, MapQuest, MovieFone, and America Online. Mr. Wakeford developed cross-platform marketing programs with industry leading retail, travel, health, entertainment, search, finance, and small business companies. He facilitated integrated marketing partnerships across TimeWarner’s family of brands including Time, Inc., Warner Bros., CNN, and Fortune.

    Mr. Wakeford represented AOL on the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) task force to negotiate and publish the AAAA's standard terms and conditions V.2.
  • Sep 1996 - Feb 1999
    los angeles, CA (US)
    Attorney
    O'Melveny & Myers
    Leading national law firm.

    Mr. Wakeford started his career as an attorney at O’Melveny & Myers with a specialty in media and entertainment. Mr. Wakeford completed investments, acquisitions and film financing projects with major film studios, music labels, and publishing companies.

Education

  • 1993 - 1996
    Other - Law
    USC Law School
    - Recipient of Gerald G. and Sally D. Kelly Award for highest scholarship
    - Recipient of Norma Zarsky Memorial Award for excellence in the field of entertainment law
    - Publication: Municipal Cable Franchising: An Unwarranted Intrusion Into Competitive Markets, published: Volume 69:1 Southern California Law Review