Helen Hollyman

About Helen Hollyman

I\'m a content executive and people manager with a track record of scaling award-winning teams, shaping culture-defining brand narratives, and delivering multimillion-dollar impact. As Executive Editor at SXSW, I lead content strategy that activates our brand 365 days beyond the festival. The throughline of my work lives at the intersection of editorial vision, business strategy, and systems design—bridging powerful storytelling with sustainable growth.Award-winning media leadership: As founding Editor-in-Chief of MUNCHIES at VICE Media, I built the brand from a single digital platform into a James Beard Award-winning, multimillion-dollar global platform spanning 8 international markets with 20+ million audience reach. I secured a two-book deal with Ten Speed Press, co-writing \"MUNCHIES: Late-Night Meals from the World\'s Best Chefs\" and serving as Creative Director and lead Editor for \"Bong Appétit: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Weed.\" As Editor-in-Chief at Thrillist (Vox Media), I generated $30M+ in revenue during the pandemic through innovative, editorially-driven content strategies.Climate systems expertise: Over the past five years, I\'ve intentionally pivoted toward food systems and sustainability work as a fellow at Climatebase and Climate Drift, researching and reporting on regenerative food systems and creating pathways for the next generation of young farmers. My passion lies in translating complex climate science into compelling narratives that drive both cultural relevance and business results.My unique value: I don\'t just create content—I architect brand stories that create lasting impact. Whether hosting an Ambie-nominated true crime podcast, developing James Beard Award-winning food journalism, or researching climate-resilient agriculture, I excel at making complex subjects accessible and actionable.

Experience

1. Executive Editor

   SXSW

   Jan 2025 — Present · Austin, TX, US

   As Executive Editor at SXSW, I am leading a new content team to develop year-round brand storytelling that extends far beyond our March festival. My mission: transforming complex narratives into compelling brand experiences that drive both engagement and meaningful change.

Education

• Tulane University

  B.A, Art Studio

Skills

• Copywriting
• Food
• Blogging
• Publishing
• Copy Writing
• Editorial
• Writing
• Editor
• Books
• Social Media Marketing
• Social Media
• Editing
• Advertising
• Wine
• Magazines
• Marketing
• Copy Editing