Carryl Pierre-Drews

Brainstormer, Business mentor, Connector, Foodie, Idea generator, Marketer, Parent, Student

Carryl Pierre-Drews was most recently Senior Vice President, Strategic Marketing for USA Network, a division of NBCUniversal. In this role, she was responsible for elevating USA’s profile in the advertising community through breakthrough marketing partnerships, as well as forging strategic alliances with companies to increase USA’s reach with targeted audiences. Pierre-Drews joined USA in June 2007 as Vice President, Strategic Marketing, a newly created role in which she was charged with building and launching USA Network's first Integrated Marketing division. In 2010 she was given the added responsibility for uniHD and Cloo, where she was responsible for spearheading the multi-platform integrated marketing efforts for all three network’s advertising partners as well as the trade marketing strategy. Under her innovative leadership, she increased USA's profile as a best-in-class marketing partner and driven revenue goals for the linear and digital businesses. Notable partnerships include Ford and WHITE COLLAR, together since the 2009 series debut with groundbreaking campaigns including 2010 PRO Awards winning interactive game, Chasing The Shadow, short-form White Collar On Location pod takeovers, immersive social game 36 Hours, and multi-faceted social TV and transmedia campaigns Mozzie’s Mission and Neal’s stash. Pierre-Drews and her team are also credited for securing ROYAL PAINS launch partners Verizon Wireless and Grey Goose as well as developing original short-form multiplatform content for COVERT AFFAIRS and PSYCH on behalf of long-time partner Capital One. She has evolved USA’s trade strategy to include large-scale Upfront events in multiple markets and through the launch of the Character Brandworks website featuring USA’s integrated marketing capabilities. An entrepreneur at heart, Pierre-Drews has mastered creating “start-up” marketing divisions within established media companies. Throughout her career she has been charged with initiating and building effective and motivated marketing teams responsible for bringing brands together with the best property to reach their target consumer. At each juncture she develops her strategic vision and team, then executes flawlessly with great results. Pierre-Drews began her entertainment career at Ticketmaster in 1987 and was there for a period of 9 years, during which she was involved in the media launches for TM Online website and Live! Magazine. With over 20 years in entertainment media, she has held Marketing roles at Clear Channel, JumpCut.com and MTV where she was an integral part of the brand launches and development of integrated marketing departments for MTV2, mtvU, and MTV Tr3s. A graduate of the City College of New York, she received a BFA in advertising and dance in 1991. She currently serves on the board of Advertising Women of New York (AWNY), and was honored as one of CableFax Magazine's “Most Influential Minorities in Cable” 2013 “The Leaders” and 2012 “The Influentials.” Pierre-Drews currently resides in New York City, with her husband. Now, "in between successes," Pierre-Drews is exploring new opportunities and is interested in securing a creative marketing role at the intersection of content and digital technology.

I'm a brand marketer with a passion for storytelling that connects brands with fans across multiple platforms and media. I thrive in fast paced and innovative environments where all ideas are welcome.

As a parent of an adopted dog in a country where animals outnumber homeless people 5 to 1, I'm interested in seeing an improvement to the adoption process. Currently the barriers to adoption by willing and suitable pet parents are so extreme that too many people opt out and take alternate routes.

Branded Content, Experiential Events, Marketing

This is my first time attending a TED event at TEDWomen Momentum 2015. At this stage in my life where my career and industry is going through so many changes I am excited about the future. This disruption as it's called had actually been a great opportunity for me to explore new ideas and learn more about myself and what I want in life. I'm looking forward to meeting some amazing women and participating in some profound conversations.

Singing