Brian Richards

About Brian Richards

I build and scale sustainable subscription businesses by bridging strategic vision with creative execution.As VP of Subscription Strategy & Operations at Vox Media, I lead cross-functional efforts to grow and diversify digital subscription revenue across brands including New York Magazine, Vox.com, and The Verge. My work spans go-to-market strategy, pricing, retention, and operational excellence — across newsletters, podcasts, and video.I’ve launched new businesses within established media brands, shaped consumer growth strategies, and built the connective tissue between editorial, product, and marketing to bring ambitious ideas to life.I’m passionate about making journalism sustainable and helping mission-driven media companies thrive through resilient business models that deepen audience relationships and drive long-term value. I bring an entrepreneurial mindset, a bias toward action, and extensive experience across corporate strategy, business development, and operations.Always happy to connect on topics like:– Subscription and membership growth– News and digital media transformation– Newsletters, podcasts, and audience engagement– Social-impact and mission-driven business models

Experience

1. VP, Subscription Strategy and Operations

   Vox Media

   Apr 2024 — Present · New York, NY, US

   I lead strategy and operations for Vox Media’s consumer revenue division, supporting digital subscriptions and memberships across New York Magazine, Vox.com, and The Verge. I directly manage the Vox.com membership program, overseeing day-to-day execution, revenue strategy, and long-term growth.Highlights of my work include-Directing subscription and revenue operations for New York Magazine, shaping pricing, retention, and operational programs to optimize performance and sustainability-Leading cross-functional teams across product, editorial, marketing, and CX to launch new initiatives, including The Verge subscription, Vox Membership, paid newsletters, Patreon programs, and podcast subscriptions-Developing go-to-market, pricing, and operational strategies that can scale across multiple brands and platforms-Overseeing the Customer Experience (CX) team, improving subscriber engagement and satisfaction through data-driven insights and process enhancements-Driving digital engagement initiatives, including games strategy, such as the launch of the Vulture Cinematrix.

Education

• Boston University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), International Relations, Minor in Economics

  2010 — 2014

• Fudan University

  International Business and Economics

  2013 — 2013

Skills

• Leadership
• Facebook
• Market Research
• Comscore
• International Relations
• Research
• Audience Measurement
• Web Analytics
• Microsoft Excel
• Competitive Analysis
• Marketing and Advertising
• Digital Tv
• Social Media
• International Development
• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Television Research
• Blogging
• Digital Media
• Audience Analysis
• Digital Strategy
• Fundraising
• Brand Development
• Time Management
• Twitter
• Television
• Streaming Media
• Marketing
• Intercultural Communication
• Risk Analysis
• Event Planning
• Risk Management