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SIMON SMITH

Global Studio Leader in Branded Content

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ABOUT

Commercial content leadership

I’ve led content teams for BuzzFeed, Microsoft, and Stuff — delivering award-winning campaigns and building high-performing studios that combine creativity, systems, and social impact. From London to New Zealand, my work spans branded content, digital innovation, and purpose-led storytelling.

SKILLS

Areas of Expertise

  • Studio building & leadership

  • Branded content strategy

  • Shorthand storytelling

  • AI + social-first workflows

  • Pitching + client growth

  • Multiplatform campaign execution

  • Creator-led collaboration

  • Team mentoring + process design

2018 – Present

Content Director, Studio

Stuff – Aotearoa New Zealand's Largest News Network

  • Led strategy and execution for over 1,000 branded campaigns annually

  • Senior leader across video, digital, audio, print

  • Native Advertising Awards jury member (2023/2024)

  • Grew win rate, introduced premium products, closed strategic deals

Buzzfeed

Head of Creative, UK

  • Led UK branded content team and creative strategy

  • Developed new native formats and campaign playbooks

  • Restructured team and improved workflow

Microsoft Global Creative Solutions

Head of Content Strategy

  • Oversaw branded content development for MSN and Microsoft consumer brands

  • Designed editorial playbooks and campaign strategy across Europe

  • Partnered with agencies and internal teams to scale branded storytelling

WORK HIGHLIGHTS

AWARDS

NATIVE ADVERTISING AWARDS
Gold - Shattering the Shadows: Best Political Program, Native Advertising Awards 2025
Bronze - Triton's Get Amongst It: Best use of Print
Bronze - Triton's Get Amongst It: Best use of Interactivity

2024
Bronze - Triton's The Gift of Hearing, 2024

2023
Shortlisted - The Family Fundamentals with Pascall
 

Honourable Mention - Family Fundamentals with Pascall, INMAS 2023
Highly commended - Triton's The Gift of Hearing, 2024
 

OTHER
International Festival of Media - Anchorman 2
Qantas Journalism Awards, New Zealand - Best Junior Crime Feature Writer 

E-commerce Platform Development

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Real-Time Chat Application

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Professional Affiliates

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PROJECTS

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

info@mysite.com

123-456-7890

500 Terry Francine Street,
San Francisco, CA 94158

info@mysite.com

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