Michael Burns

About Michael Burns

I’m a marketing partnerships professional with expertise in building global campaigns that drive both cultural impact and business growth. At The Walt Disney Studios, I work on end-to-end theatrical marketing activations with key partners including AMC, Regal, IMAX, Dolby, and Fandango — creating cross-channel campaigns, developing campaign specific activations, and finding unique ways to engage with movie-goers.My work includes spearheading Disney’s theatrical concessions portfolio, a program projected to generate $44M in sales by 2025, as well as developing unique brand integrations with partners like Marvel Rivals, MonopolyGo, and others. I thrive at the intersection of strategy and execution — partnering cross-functionally with creative, content, legal, and finance teams to deliver high-value partnerships and seamless go-to-market frameworks.Some highlights of my career include leading the Star Wars In-theater bring-back artwork, the internet breaking Deadpool & Wolverine Popcorn bucket, and the Fantastic Four Galactus Guinness World Record Program.With dual graduate degrees — an MBA from Concordia University Irvine and an M.S. in Marketing from USC’s Marshall School of Business — I bring both business discipline and consumer insight to the way I approach partnerships and brand strategy.I’m eager to continue growing in Marketing Partnerships, Brand Management, and Franchise Development, leveraging my experience in global campaigns and partner ecosystems to build franchises and brands that resonate worldwide.Outside of work, you’ll usually find me on the hockey rink, golf course, or strategizing my next fantasy football win.

Experience

1. Planning & Partnerships Manager

   The Walt Disney Studios

   Feb 2020 — Present · Burbank, CA, US

   Oversee the day-to-day execution of Cinema Partnerships programs• Work with counterpart to create, present, and manage 12 month in-theatre marketing planning calendar across all titles• Oversee and lead communication efforts with regional exhibitors and select format partners• Work with theatre chains’ marketing leads to set annual and quarterly marketing/promotions priorities• Ensure the Cinema Partnerships marketing plans are up-to-date and accurately recorded in internal systems• Work with analytics team to conduct analysis on a regular basis to measure marketing efforts• Oversee and manage North American concessions programs• Work with Studio’s Integrated Planning team to find key partnering opportunities for exhibition within the Walt Disney Company• Partner with internal and external teams to understand marketing opportunities, develop creative campaigns and set measurable programs• Monitor industry trends and research to make recommendations• Oversee in-theatre development of personalization/CRM for exhibitors and partners• In partnership with the Digital Specialist, work with Cinema Partnerships leadership and marketing team to set exhibitor social media strategy across titles. Responsible for sharing strategy with Cinema Partnerships team, Circuit Planning leads and exhibitors

Education

• USC Marshall School of Business

  Master of Science (M.S.), Marketing

  2017 — 2018

• Concordia University Irvine

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Business Administration and Management, General

  2014 — 2015

• Boise State University Attended 2006-2010

  Bachelor of Arts, Political Science; American Government & Public Policy

  2006 — 2010

Skills

• Event Management
• Strategic Planning
• Hospitality
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Event Planning
• Leadership Development
• Strategic Communications
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership
• Customer Service
• Team Building
• Management
• Teamwork
• Training
• Teaching
• Time Management
• Social Networking
• Social Media
• Social Media Marketing
• Computer Literate
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Communication
• Public Relations
• Facebook
• Public Speaking
• Leadership
• Inventory Management
• Outlook
• Entertainment