Jonny Dawson

Profile Summary

Seasoned strategic consultant and executive advisor with 15+ years of leadership experience at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and social impact. Former CEO of ATC Group North America with proven track record of driving strategic growth and commercial innovation across multiple ventures.

Expert in high-value deal leadership, having brokered the $70M acquisition of Napster and negotiated multi-million-dollar partnerships with UMG, LiveNation, and Epic Games.

Adept at advising C-suite stakeholders and creative talent alike, translating visionary ideas into profitable initiatives aligned with long-term business strategy. Recognized for bridging creative and corporate objectives through a global network spanning North America, Europe, and international organizations.

Key Consulting Competencies

Strategic Advisory & Business Planning

Corporate strategy development, market entry, growth planning, and business model innovation for tech and media firms

Deal-Making & Partnerships

Negotiation and due diligence for acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships with demonstrated success in complex, high-value deals

Brand & Cultural Strategy

Positioning brands within cultural trends, audience engagement strategies, and content development for maximum market impact

Executive Leadership

Interim C-suite leadership, organizational restructuring, P&L oversight, and cross-functional team management

Digital Transformation

Integration of emerging technologies into traditional business models, creating new revenue streams through innovative digital experiences

Global Market Expertise

Extensive experience in U.S. and European markets with proven ability to navigate cross-cultural business environments

Professional Experience

Independent Strategic Consultant

Los Angeles, CA | 2019-Present

Provide high-level strategic consulting to entertainment, technology, and media companies, focusing on growth strategy, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships.

Selected Engagements:

[namethemachine] – Head of Business Development & Partner

Negotiated and closed multi-million-dollar engagements with global tech and entertainment partners including Epic Games, Yuga Labs, and LiveNation, creating new revenue streams through innovative digital experiences
Orchestrated the landmark collaboration between Radiohead and Epic Games to launch the KID A MNESIA Exhibition – the first-ever non-game application on the Epic Games Store, transforming the band's music and art into an immersive digital experience

Napster – Strategic Advisor to CEO / Deal Lead (2021-2022)

Led the private acquisition of Napster by a new U.S. investor consortium, raising approximately $70M to pivot the platform toward a blockchain/Web3 growth strategy
Facilitated complex negotiations and aligned diverse stakeholders, successfully integrating Napster's music industry legacy with emerging technology initiatives

ATC GROUP NORTH AMERICA

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Partner | Los Angeles, CA | 2021-2024

Led ATC's North American operations, overseeing a portfolio of creative companies and ventures across artist management, music marketing, licensing, and media technology.

Key Achievements:

Portfolio Leadership: Directed multi-division music and media enterprise, managing teams in Los Angeles and New York while coordinating with global offices in London and Copenhagen
Strategic Growth: Drove significant expansion of ATC's U.S. footprint by opening a new New York office and scaling service divisions, resulting in enhanced service offerings and year-over-year revenue growth with a 56% compound annual growth rate
Business Development: Co-founded and oversaw multiple subsidiaries and joint ventures, ensuring cohesive strategy and growth across diverse business units including [namethemachine] Holdings, Your Army US, and Familiar Music
Commercial Innovation: Launched CompanyX, an independent brand strategy agency formed in partnership with Arrival Artists, to unlock brand sponsorship opportunities for artists
Flymachine Co-Founder: Co-founded virtual concert startup Flymachine, which secured an $11M Series A round valuing the company at $46M

INDEPENDENT CONSULTING (MUSIC & TECH)

Strategic Advisor & Consultant | 2010-2018

Advised high-profile music and technology organizations on cultural strategy, brand development, and strategic partnerships.

Key Engagements:

Provided strategic consulting for Spotify, Intel, SoundExchange, and Kobalt on market strategy and industry relations
Helped clients bridge the gap between tech innovation and music/creative content, leveraging deep industry knowledge to drive audience growth and engagement
Advised on strategic positioning, partnership development, and growth initiatives for emerging technology platforms in the entertainment space

FULL FAT EVENTS

Co-Founder & Director | 2011-2016

Co-founded and led an award-winning marketing & events agency, delivering innovative brand experiences for the entertainment sector.

Key Achievements:

Built and managed a creative team to execute large-scale events and strategic marketing campaigns
Grew the agency's client base through unique cultural programming and high-impact events
Earned industry recognition for experiential marketing excellence and innovative brand activations

I help founders grow audience-first companies
through culture-led strategy and commercial clarity.

Profile Summary

Key Consulting Competencies

Strategic Advisory & Business Planning

Deal-Making & Partnerships

Brand & Cultural Strategy

Executive Leadership

Digital Transformation

Global Market Expertise

Professional Experience

Independent Strategic Consultant

Selected Engagements:

[namethemachine] – Head of Business Development & Partner

Napster – Strategic Advisor to CEO / Deal Lead (2021-2022)

ATC GROUP NORTH AMERICA

Key Achievements:

INDEPENDENT CONSULTING (MUSIC & TECH)

Key Engagements:

FULL FAT EVENTS

Key Achievements:

Additional Leadership & Impact

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Speaking & Thought Leadership

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