As part of its strategic growth plans, ARK Media – the licensing, syndication and rights management division of Manchester-based the KOMI Group – has appointed Terry Pierce as its new Head of Distribution and Partnerships.
Pierce joins ARK Media from Newsflare where he was Head of Sales since 2016. Over the past four and a half years he oversaw the rapid growth of Newsflare’s content distribution and partnerships arms – both in terms of revenue and team capability. He has also previously worked at Elisa as its Head of Content Distribution, and he spent four years in TV news culminating in him being made News Editor at Sky Sports.
Terry’s new role at ARK Media will see him lead the licensing and distribution of KOMI’s acquired and licensed content for use across editorial, TV production and brand/ad segments. He will also be consulting across the wider group to enhance its entire content licensing and distribution services.
Terry said: “User Generated Content is powerful, and KOMI is at the heart of this rapidly scaling content vertical. UGC conveys stories from everyday people and its influence on the media landscape is only growing. You only have to look at the last year to grasp how important it has become for media companies and brands who are trying to tell authentic and emotive stories. It’s proven to be more trusted and more engaging, particularly during the times we’re living through.
Terry added: It also provides a voice to those people whose stories may not have been shared traditionally, and it’s amazing to play a role in sharing those experiences. I believe this is only the beginning for the sector and I’m looking forward to helping ARK Media, the whole KOMI Group and its partners use UGC to grow.”
Andrew Trotman – Managing Director of the KOMI Group – added: “Terry has some fantastic experience that will help us to capitalise on the booming UGC landscape. We already have huge and hyper-engaged communities who we acquire amazing content from, and I’m confident that under his direction the agency will continue to offer a full 360-degree service for brands and ad agencies who are looking to integrate UGC into their messaging, as well as accelerate our distribution to editorial organisations who have a huge appetite for the amazing content we work with.
The KOMI Group is a three divisional agency business consisting of dedicated social media, marketing and licensing teams. It was founded in 2016 and is led by Andrew Trotman and Ryan Williams. Over the past four years, its team of content creators, analysts and video producers have made and then distributed video content and viral campaign adverts for international brands such as BBC Films, O2, Universal, Bud Light and Disney.
Content has been shared across its Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts including It’s Gone Viral, which is dedicated to relatable, informative and educational content; as well as Go Fetch, a platform for dog lovers to connect with one another; Happiest, which focusses on bringing the most entertaining and uplifting content and real life stories; and Ultimate which is all about sharing fascinating and clever DIY, crafts and hacks followers can do at home.
The last year has seen the company reach other various milestones including launching ARK Media – its new licensing arm, delivering over six billion views across its portfolio of in house brands, relocating its HQ to Beehive Mill in Ancoats, reporting its highest ever NewsWhip results, acquiring social media brand Happiest Media Ltd and appointing Urban Splash’s Sam Lenehan as its new non-exec director.
