Gemini Investors has announced the formation of Adventure Media Holdings, a new holding company comprised of leading special interest media and events companies serving specialist audiences and industry verticals, with Ross Clark appointed Chief Executive Officer.
Adventure Media Holdings brings together Gemini-backed businesses to create new synergies and scale – starting with leaders in art, jewelry, toys and home – while working to expand the platform through additional acquisitions. [Disclosure The Toy Book is a division of Adventure Media & Events, one of the backed companies.]
The launch of Adventure Media Holdings comes amid a rapid resurgence of trade shows, conferences and other social events following the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by strong demand for in-person interactions and immersive, carefully crafted experiences.
Clark, an executive with more than two decades of experience in the digital media, events, social media and technology industries, joins the company as CEO from Sanctuary, a venture-backed innovation marketplace for health and Consulting field.
I am delighted to be leading Adventure Media Holdings at this exciting time in its growth. The demand for professional content and experiences shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by consumer engagement and loyalty to content that allows them to do or learn about the things they love. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and explore how I can expand the company’s product portfolio, take it to the next level, and pave the way for its successful future.
— Ross Clark, CEO, Adventure Media Holdings
In his new role, Clark oversees all aspects of the company, from long-term strategic planning, business growth, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and product to distribution pipeline, revenue streams and day-to-day operations.
“We are pleased to welcome Ross, a trusted and forward-thinking leader to launch and drive Adventure Media Holdings into the next phase of its business,” said Jim Goodman, president of Gemini Investors. “His proven track record, especially his His success in adapting different forms of content, media, experiences and events to new platforms makes him a particularly qualified professional to capitalize on tremendous opportunities to expand the holding’s leadership position in this field.
At Sanctuary, Clark led a team of 150 people to develop and scale an interactive app that attracted millions of users and earned Apple App of the Day recognition. He developed and oversaw its multi-platform growth strategy across marketing, PR and social media, driving 4,000% annual growth in two years. He also pioneered ad-supported products and partnered with brands including Starbucks, Google, Marriott, Netflix, Diageo and Venmo.
Prior to joining Sanctuary, Clark served as senior vice president of business development and strategy at Epix, an MGM company, where he expanded the digital distribution landscape through innovative deals with Roku, VRV and other leading platforms; and vice president of Sweet, the Hearst and Snapchat joint venture and general manager, where he grew the company’s global audience by 130% during his tenure; previously senior director at Condé Nast, where he led the expansion of Condé Nast Entertainment’s publishing business and oversaw the company’s acquisition of Pitchfork Media acquisition.
Clark is a graduate of Columbia Business School and the University of Pennsylvania. He has held positions in corporate strategy at NBCUniversal and management consulting at Booz & Co., among other positions. Clark is also a board member of the Opportunity Music Project and a career coach at Columbia Business School.
