Experienced NYC Business Leader, Entrepreneur Stephen Blackwell

Stephen Blackwell joined New York City’s Alpha Data as chief executive officer in 2020. In this position, he manages the development and sale of Alpha Data, an internationally recognized music analytics tool used across a range of industries. Over the course of his career as an entrepreneur and business leader, Stephen Blackwell has established a number of successful companies, including Death and Taxes, a music and lifestyle brand ultimately acquired by SpinMedia. He continued with SpinMedia as chief executive officer, a role that involved overseeing iconic music brands SPIN and VIBE.

SpinMedia was subsequently acquired by The Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group. Mr. Blackwell remained in an executive role with the company, managing the $100 million business. He gained additional experience as chief strategist with BandLab Technology, which included management of Rolling Stone International and all related media assets.

Stephen Blackwell studied English at Fordham University, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 2003. He continues to support the school as a volunteer and mentor at Fordham Foundry, the university’s entrepreneurial incubator. His personal interests range from cycling to playing the guitar.

Alpha Data, President

2018 – Present

Joined PMC to launch portfolio sales division by leveraging the brand’ 100M unique audience across Rolling Stone, Variety, WWD, and SHE Media while operating the company’s music-data division

  • Multi-channel sales success across digital, experiential, commerce, and platform partnerships

  • Work with multiple division heads to manage fast-paced sales cycles

  • Leader of SaaS music analytics platform that provides critical insights to the music industry

 

Prometheus Global Media, CSO

2016 – 2017

Served as CSO leading Sales, Revenue Operations, Marketing, and Partnerships. 

  • Managed successful merger between Billboard/ Hollywood Reporter with SpinMedia assets

  • Managed all strategic sales and revenue operations ($100M rev) while executing platform partnerships with Snapchat, Facebook, Google, and more

 

SpinMedia, CEO

2014–2016

Served as CEO post Death and Taxes acquisition, acquired by Prometheus Global Media (now Valence) in Winter 2016. 

  • Executed strategic vision and secured all funding for company during first-year turnaround

  • Managed Sales, Content, Technology, Business Development, and Finance to successful exit

 

Death and Taxes, CEO & Founder

2010–2014

Founder/ Chief Executive Officer, Spring 2010 – Spring 2014

Founded and operated the popular music content and experiential firm to a successful exit, acquired by SpinMedia in Summer 2014