Block-Verk Joins Shazam As TV Head

Second-screen service Shazam today announced that Jonathan Block-Verk will join it in the newly created role of EVP strategic partnerships, head of television. The company said Block-Verk will be responsible for developing strategic business relationships with cable, broadcast, programming and MVPD companies, “helping to leverage content, optimize new revenue streams and create compelling mobile experiences through the Shazam media engagement platform.”

Block-Verk joins Shazam from PromaxBDA, the global association for television marketing executives, where he has been president-CEO for the last six years. During that time, he launched the Station Summit and Sports Media Marketing Summit. He also increased the organizations reach throughout Europe and Latin America.

Shazam CEO Rich Riley said: “Shazam is aggressively working with leading networks and production companies to drive ratings, engagement and revenue for our TV partners while providing an exceptional experience for consumers.  From driving tune-in for shows like Almost Human and Sleepy Hollow, to integrated content such as voting for The X-Factor or real-time scores for the U.S. Open, Shazam is a leader of the second screen. We are especially proud of our most recent success with a half a million Shazams of the Country Music Awards broadcast. With his extensive experience working with industry leaders, Jonathan is going to be a tremendous leader of our efforts around TV.”

“I have spent my career working at the intersection of media, technology and audience engagement, helping the world’s most innovative television and advertising executives contextualize and embrace the evolving media landscape,” Block-Verk said. “I couldn’t be more excited to join the Shazam team, working with the television industry to successfully — and profitably — take advantage of this incredible new platform that is already redefining the future of our business.”

Block-Verk is the latest industry leader to join Shazam as the company is aggressively recruiting and expanding its offices and its expertise in television.  Earlier this year, Shazam hired Kevin McGurn, formerly of Hulu, as its new chief revenue officer, and Daniel Danker, formerly of the BBC, as its new chief product officer.