Karen Kang

About

As a business leader with a focus on driving growth, I have a proven track record in business development, marketing, partnerships, brand management, and content development. I am skilled at creatively solving problems and maximizing the value of a product, and building high-performing teams. I enjoy researching and using data insights to create effective solutions for clients. Currently, I work on the Lifestyle & Education Content Partnerships team for North America. In this role, I collaborate with media, brands, and organizations in the art, culture, design, and fashion industries to develop content strategies for TikTok. Some of my partners include Sephora Canada, Lululemon, Aritzia, Canada Goose, SSENSE, Yahoo, Insider, and Fast Company. As the former Director of IDS Canada, I rebranded a legacy product and positioned it as a leading design event globally. I also expanded our partnerships portfolio, introduced new products, and made diversity a focus of our content. Key partnerships included Volvo Canada, Audi, RADO, National Bank, Caesarstone, Miele, Microsoft, The Globe and Mail, Dezeen, Azure Magazine, OCAD, Ryerson University, Tourism Toronto, and the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Before IDS, I worked with brands such as Free People, Betsey Johnson, and Ben Sherman to bring them to the Canadian market. I also founded my own fashion agency, representing 12 independent designers across Canada. In addition to my work in business development and content partnerships, I have also been a speaker at various design-related conferences and educational institutions. I have been part of the Dwell on Design Advisory Group in Los Angeles and a jury member for the RADO Star prize. I have also spoken, moderated, and guest lectured at events such as Summit in Toronto and Technology and Design Lab in London. I have been interviewed by BNN, Business of Home, Canadian Interiors, CBC, CP24, Dezeen, Elle Canada, Financial Times, Monocle, National Post, Office Insights, Refinery29, The Globe and Mail, and The Toronto Star. Core competencies include: Partnership Development Strategy Content Strategy & Management Business Development & Consultative Sales Relationship Management & Cultivation Contract Negotiation & Management Cross-functional Project Management Brand Management & Marketing Strategy B2B/B2C Marketing Team leadership & Mentorship Full Responsibility of P&L

Experience

• Culture & Education Lead, Content Partnerships, Global · TikTok05-01-2024

  As the Culture & Education Lead for Global Content Partnerships at TikTok, likely responsible for overseeing and developing strategic partnerships in the culture and education sectors, enhancing content offerings, and fostering community engagement.

• Lifestyle & Education, Content Partnerships, North America · TikTok08-01-2022 – 05-01-2024

  As the Lifestyle & Education Content Partnerships Lead for North America at TikTok, likely focused on building and managing partnerships in the lifestyle and education sectors, driving content strategy, and expanding TikTok's presence in these areas.

• Lifestyle Partnerships Lead, Canada · TikTok11-01-2021 – 08-01-2022

  As the Lifestyle Partnerships Lead for Canada at TikTok, likely responsible for developing and managing partnerships within the lifestyle sector, enhancing content offerings, and increasing user engagement in the Canadian market.

• Strategic Advisor · Open/Ended Design09-01-2021

  Open/Ended Design is a new online platform and not for profit for activism in global design. It connects diverse communities, creative practitioners and technologists with the purpose of driving positive social or environmental change.

• Managing Director & Head of Content, IDS Toronto · Informa Connect03-01-2019 – 10-01-2021

  As the Managing Director & Head of Content for IDS Canada with Informa Connect, managed the IDS Toronto and IDS Vancouver brands. Responsibilities included team leadership, full P&L responsibility, product management, strategic growth, sales development, partnerships, and content. Achievements include driving brand vision and architecture, expanding conference programs, launching new products, and consistently overachieving on partnership KPIs.

Education

• Ryerson UniversityFashion Marketing

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