Erick Brownstein

Erick B is a creative social strategist and a new media entrepreneur. With over 15 years experience in various strategy and marketing roles across multiple industries, Erick has managed, worked with and run different size agencies. Having developed a practical and intuitive understanding of marketing in a networked world, he now helps navigate the evolving landscape of the social web.

Erick is the founder of The New Agency and a partner in Media Needle. Integrating social across boundaries, Erick works with others to: think big; align paid, owned and earned media; establish unique (often cause-based) partnerships; inspire deep customer engagement; generate buzz and press; and build bridges between the online and “real world.” He has designed and implemented marketing and social web strategies for companies across diverse industries, from Vegas and Broadway shows to Fortune 500 B2B, from cosmetics to film.

Prior to running the agencies, Erick was the SVP of Media Strategy & Innovation for Patriarch Partners, a $7 billion private equity fund with 74 portfolio companies. For over 5 years, he served as a full-time strategic adviser to the CEO and CIO of Advanta Bank (NASDAQ: ADVNB) where he assembled and led an internal innovation team, managed PR and social media and conceived of, developed, launched and promoted four consumer / small business-focused brands.

Erick has been immersed in the startup and new media community of Los Angeles. In 2010, he produced Social Media Week Los Angeles, a massive conference spanning multiple industries with over 80 events across the city. He recently served as Executive Director of ThursdayNights.org, raising money for local, at-risk youth by convening the decision-makers and investors in companies from Internet, Digital Media, Software, Gaming and Mobile.

In addition to his digital life, Erick B is an award-winning public speaker, MC’ing bloblive, (a celebrated series of ‘open mic nights for entrepreneurs’) and hosting ‘Meet the Angels,’ a live video series connecting entrepreneurs and investors. He has run a small business; directed international environmental and human rights campaigns with Rainforest Action Network; designed ‘sustainability meets competitiveness’ strategies as a senior analyst for Strategic Environmental Associates; volunteered with Mother Theresa’s Home for the Sick & Dying Destitute in Calcutta and lived in monasteries during a two year Asian exploration.

Erick graduated magna cum laude from Duke University with a B.S. in Economics. He lives in Santa Monica, California with his wife, three boys and dog. In theory more than practice, he surfs, plays poker and practices martial arts.