Bio

Sean Scanlon

Global Leader | Media & Entertainment

Sean Scanlon

Sean Scanlon is a global executive search leader in the technology, data & analytics, media, entertainment, and news industries.

With over 25 years’ experience as a recruiter of C-level executives, Mr. Scanlon’s client base includes private equity-backed and public companies in enterprise software, data science, SaaS product, analytics, research and insights, marketing and communications agencies, as well as media conglomerates, streaming media companies, motion picture studios, cable and broadcast networks, news organizations and sports networks. He frequently has been hired to help companies convert their legacy businesses and offerings to digital services, products and platforms.

For many clients, he has led enterprise-level transformation, recruiting Chief Executive Officers, Chief Technology Officers, Chief Digital & Product Officers, Chief Marketing and Chief Revenue Officers—all tasked with driving change throughout their organizations and regions. For most clients, he has fulfilled multiple roles in support of those efforts, including over 60 searches for one major motion picture and television across every global territory to support its digital transformation.

Mr. Scanlon was previously the Managing Partner, Media & Entertainment Practice at DHR Global, where he led multi-territory searches for numerous global media companies. He developed the practice from a dormant state when he joined into one of the firm’s top billing practices, with some of its largest clients. He also served as a founding member of the North American Executive Committee, an advisory group to the CEO on all matters relating to the firm’s strategy, operations, talent management, branding, marketing and company policies. He was one of six partners elected by his peers to this role. He also was the Managing Partner of the Los Angeles office, leading the day-to-day operations of the office and growth initiatives for the Southern California area.

Earlier, he led the global Media & Entertainment Practice at Caldwell Partners, was a senior client partner in the Media & Entertainment Practice at Korn/Ferry International, and also served as president of SCG Executive Search, a division of Sucherman Consulting Group, Inc. During his 15-year tenure at SCG, he designed and supervised the development of the company’s executive search operations, research and database management processes, and served as a senior management consultant. Previously, he was a market research analyst and sales and marketing administrator. He began his career in commercial television production in New York.

Mr. Scanlon holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a concentration in radio, television and film from Northwestern University.