The times, they are block-changin’
The demand for cliché-free stock photos and tech that helps creative professionals find the images they need — along with photographer frustration over unfair compensation — has made the stock photography and content marketplace ripe for disruption.
Who would have imagined that two former Shutterstock executives would be here to help turn the marketplace upside down?
We’re excited to welcome Keren Sachs and Michael Lesser as Wemark advisors. Their contributions to one of the most successful content marketplaces in the past decade, rich understanding of commercial and editorial photography and licensing, and forward thinking perspectives make us proud to have them on our team. Meet Keren and Michael.
Keren Sachs, former Director of Content Development, Shutterstock
Passionate about visual content and strategy, Keren has spent more than a decade helping photographers and businesses get their vision right. Most recently, she spent five years leading content development at Shutterstock, where, in 2013, she launched Offset, a collection of authentically curated commercial and editorial imagery with simple, royalty-free, pricing. She established relationships with photographers and content creators and played a key role in acquiring global content partners and uniting teams to define the collection’s vision and strategy.
But Keren’s experience didn’t start –or end — at Shutterstock. She’s spent her career working with photographers to empower them and transform their lives. Keren began working as Photo Editor for National Geographic Kids and went on to work for the Wall Street Journal, Corbis, Williams Sonoma and Martha Stewart Living. Today, she advises businesses around the world, focusing on content licensing, business development, product strategy and international growth, and regularly speaks on the value of authentic imagery to establish a brand’s voice.
We asked Keren what draws her to Wemark. “It’s the thought process of “what’s next” in technology and innovation — especially in content licensing. Having seen so many disruptions take place in stock photography over the past ten years, it’s clear the blockchain is next, and Wemark’s vision is sharp and full of potential. For me, the chance to be part of something innovative, thoughtful and well-considered that puts photographers first is enticing.”
Keren offers this final insight, a statement that truly embodies the “why” behind Wemark.
“People all over the world digest and consume images faster than ever before. Everyone, everywhere needs content. We need to be smarter in our approach to not only how we create, but how we distribute that content so those who make it are fairly compensated.
I am proud to partner with a talented and passionate team, ready to shake things up and breathe fresh air into a stagnant industry. ”
Welcome, Keren! We’re honored to have you on our team.
Michael C. Lesser, former General Counsel and Vice President, Shutterstock
Michael Lesser has nearly 35 years of legal experience with a broad range of clients, particularly in the arts, entertainment and IP industries, covering all aspects of their careers and businesses.
From 2009 to 2015, he served as General Counsel at Shutterstock, building its legal department from the ground up. This included establishing its organizational structure and recruiting and training the team to handle licensing, commercial and strategic transactions, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, employment, privacy and SEC compliance, in addition to partnering with the company’s other departments to streamline strategy and processes. Michael also played a key role in Shutterstock’s 2012 IPO.
Michael now advises start-ups as well as clients in the arts and entertainment industries on strategy, business affairs, intellectual property, corporate development, acquisitions and related matters.
“I am excited to be part of the team,” says Lesser. “Wemark has the potential to disrupt and revolutionize the licensing of intellectual property through the use of blockchain technology.”
We couldn’t agree more. Welcome, Michael!
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