Kirk Lakes

Business Development Executive

19 yrs experience

Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

Over 15 years in video game industry leadership.
Expert in strategic partnerships and content acquisition.
Proven track record with major gaming platforms.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a B2C gaming executive with expertise in partnership management and content acquisition.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Business DevelopmentContent AcquisitionPortfolio ManagementGame AcquisitionPartnership ManagementAccount ManagementContent PartnershipsPublisher RelationsRetail ManagementTrainingTeam ManagementMarketingOperations ManagementSales

Other Skills

Content SourcingGame AnalysisGame EvaluationBusiness RelationshipsPartnership OpportunitiesCross-functional Team LeadershipBusiness Relationship ManagementRetail Business ManagementTraining ExecutionEvent ExecutionRetail TrainingProduct EvangelismSales ManagementProduct MarketingMarketing Strategy

About

A seasoned video game executive with over 15 years of expertise in business development, platform portfolio management, and building strategic partnerships. I have successfully led content strategy, acquisition, and go-to-market execution for some of the industry's most transformative products and services, including Xbox Kinect, Xbox One, PlayStation VR, PlayStation 4, Twitch Rivals, Google Stadia, Netflix Games, and more. With a track record of driving innovative content partnerships for platform holders, I have built trusted relationships with visionary game creators, directed global teams, and delivered gamer-focused experiences. My focus is on long-term partnerships, from concept through execution, ensuring mutual business impact and industry trend-setting results.

Experience

19 yrs

Total Experience

2 yrs 10 mos

Average Tenure

3 yrs 4 mos

Current Experience

Netflix

Games Portfolio and Content Acquisition

Jan 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 4 mos · Seattle, Washington, United States · Remote

Drive strategic game acquisitions and partnerships with the top game publishers and developers to bring exceptional gaming experiences to Netflix.

Content SourcingBusiness DevelopmentPartnership ManagementContent Acquisition

Nintendo

AAA Portfolio Manager

Aug 2022 – Nov 2022 · 3 mos · Redmond, Washington, United States · On-site

Led the analysis of third-party games and managed content acquisition with top AAA publishers and developers.

Content AcquisitionGame AnalysisPortfolio Management

Google

Business Development Principal | Stadia Games

Sep 2019 – Aug 2022 · 2 yrs 11 mos · San Francisco Bay Area

Managed the evaluation and acquisition of games for Google’s Stadia platform.

Game EvaluationBusiness DevelopmentGame Acquisition

Amazon

Business Development, Twitch Games

Sep 2018 – Sep 2019 · 1 yr · San Francisco Bay Area

Managed business relationships with game publishers and developers on Twitch, overseeing game portfolios and driving new game/IP partnership opportunities through strategic identification, prioritization, and negotiation.

Business RelationshipsPartnership OpportunitiesBusiness DevelopmentPartnership Management

Playstation

2 roles

Global Account Director, Third Party Relations

Promoted

Oct 2017 – Sep 2018 · 11 mos · San Mateo, CA

Led the business relationship with PlayStation's global AAA publishers, guiding cross-functional teams of technical, business, and account managers to deliver a standout lineup of games and exclusive content partnerships.

Account ManagementCross-functional Team LeadershipContent Partnerships

Group Account Manager, Japanese Publisher Relations

Oct 2014 – Oct 2017 · 3 yrs · San Mateo, CA

Owned the business relationship with PlayStation's Japanese-based AAA publishers.

Publisher RelationsBusiness Relationship ManagementAccount Management

Microsoft (mosaic sales solutions)

Manager, Xbox Client Services

Jan 2013 – Oct 2014 · 1 yr 9 mos · Redmond, WA · On-site

Responsible for managing Mosaic Sales Solutions retail business and training execution for Xbox products and services.

Retail Business ManagementTraining ExecutionRetail ManagementTraining

Microsoft (mosaic sales solutions)

2 roles

District Manager, Retail Marketing

Promoted

Nov 2010 – Jan 2013 · 2 yrs 2 mos · Redmond, WA

Direct manager of a 20+ team supporting nationwide product launches, event execution, product demonstrations, and retail marketing efforts.

Team ManagementEvent ExecutionMarketing

Lead, Xbox Representative

Nov 2008 – Nov 2010 · 2 yrs · Redmond, WA

Led the Xbox retail product training and evangelism on the west coast for all retailers.

Retail TrainingProduct EvangelismRetail ManagementTraining

Game crazy

General Manager

Mar 2007 – Oct 2009 · 2 yrs 7 mos · Federal Way - Renton, WA

General Manager, overseeing multiple locations with full responsibility for talent recruitment, new hire training, performance evaluations, and shrink audits. Managed overall operations, sales, B2B relationships, and marketing execution. Recognized with multiple awards for outstanding KPI performance, financial results, event execution, and training excellence.

Operations ManagementSales ManagementSales