“The only rule to which there is no exception is that there is no rule to which there is no exception.”
Jonathan Taylor is a highly accomplished entertainment and media executive whose career spanned more than four decades across journalism, strategic communications, public relations, publishing, and digital media innovation. Throughout his distinguished professional journey, Jonathan has built a reputation as a visionary communicator, influential storyteller, and respected leader capable of navigating the rapidly evolving worlds of entertainment, media, and corporate communications. His career reflects not only extraordinary professional longevity, but also a remarkable ability to adapt, innovate, and lead during periods of profound industry transformation.
From the earliest stages of his career, Jonathan demonstrated a natural talent for writing, analysis, and storytelling. Armed with a degree in U.S. History and Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley, and additional studies in European History at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, he cultivated both intellectual curiosity and a broad global perspective that would later become defining characteristics of his leadership style. His educational background provided a strong foundation for understanding culture, communication, public perception, and the societal influence of media—areas that would become central to his professional identity.
Jonathan began building his reputation in journalism during a dynamic period in the entertainment industry, quickly distinguishing himself through his editorial insight and ability to capture the pulse of popular culture. During his tenure with the Los Angeles Daily News, he served in several leadership capacities, including Entertainment Editor and Features Editor, while also contributing as a music critic and travel writer. These formative years allowed him to sharpen his interviewing, editorial, and audience engagement skills while developing relationships throughout the entertainment ecosystem. His work covering artists, productions, and cultural trends established him as a trusted voice within entertainment journalism.
As his influence grew, Jonathan joined Variety, where he would ultimately oversee all major editorial operations and help shape one of the entertainment industry’s most influential media brands during a critical era of technological transition. At Variety, Jonathan supervised extensive editorial teams, managed operational budgets, directed editorial strategy, and led the launch of Variety.com, one of the entertainment business’s earliest and most impactful digital publishing initiatives. His leadership in launching and managing the digital platform demonstrated not only editorial expertise, but also strategic foresight regarding the future of online publishing and digital media consumption. Jonathan’s ability to bridge traditional journalism with emerging technology positioned him as a forward-thinking executive well ahead of many industry peers.
He leveraged that experience at his next stop: Television/Home Entertainment/Radio Editor at the Los Angeles Times. Managing coverage of the TV art and business at a transitional time in the industry – and at a turbulent time at the Times – he guided coverage that offered readers’ insights into what’s on today, as well as what trends are emerging that will impact viewing experiences for years to come.
Jonathan’s executive leadership capabilities continued to expand as he transitioned into broader strategic communications and public relations leadership roles. At Starz Media, where he served as Vice President of Public Relations, he oversaw comprehensive communications strategies for the company’s growing entertainment divisions, including production, distribution, and digital initiatives. In this role, Jonathan managed high-level media relations, executive visibility, international publicity efforts, and strategic messaging campaigns designed to strengthen the organization’s brand presence within the highly competitive entertainment marketplace. His work included coordinating media engagement at international entertainment markets and festivals, helping elevate Starz from a secondary premium service into a recognized entertainment industry player.
He was especially recruited for this job to help guide the communications regarding this premium cable service’s transition into a production company, which was a new, unfamiliar aspect for the Denver-based company. Starz is now known as a robust production and distribution company.
Throughout his career, Jonathan has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise in crisis communications, brand development, publicity strategy, and executive messaging. His ability to cultivate trusted relationships with journalists, executives, creatives, and stakeholders across multiple sectors has allowed him to secure meaningful visibility and positive positioning for the organizations he has represented. Whether working with major media companies, startup ventures, television networks, or nonprofit campaigns, Jonathan’s strategic instincts and communication skills have repeatedly generated measurable business and reputational value.
Jonathan’s work with organizations such as NBCUniversal, Deadline.com, Bloomberg News, and The Lippin Group further expanded his influence within both corporate and editorial environments. At NBCUniversal, he contributed to corporate communications and media relations strategies for prominent brands including E!, Syfy, and G4. His efforts included brand relaunch campaigns, executive positioning, publicity strategies, and crisis planning initiatives that enhanced organizational visibility and strengthened stakeholder confidence. His broad experience working across journalism, corporate communications, and entertainment publicity gives him an unusually comprehensive understanding of how public narratives influence business outcomes.
In addition to his executive leadership roles, Jonathan has also built a successful consulting career focused on helping organizations navigate growth, branding, strategic positioning, and media engagement. As Co-Principal of Robertson Taylor Partners, he advises entertainment and media companies on communications strategy, publicity initiatives, and organizational growth opportunities. These ventures reflect Jonathan’s ongoing commitment to leveraging storytelling and strategic communications not only for commercial success, but also for broader cultural and social influence.
Jonathan’s expertise extends beyond communications into organizational leadership, operational management, and strategic planning. Over the course of his career, he has managed large editorial staffs, supervised multidisciplinary teams, overseen budgets, launched publications and digital platforms, and guided organizations through periods of industry disruption and technological change. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity. Colleagues and peers consistently recognize his ability to motivate teams, foster innovation, and balance creative vision with practical execution.
Widely respected for his writing and storytelling abilities, Jonathan has authored and contributed to numerous articles and publications, including work associated with his time as an editor at the Los Angeles Times and other leading media outlets. His professional reputation is reinforced by extensive endorsements in areas such as strategic communications, public relations, journalism, digital media, storytelling, leadership, media relations, and entertainment expertise. These endorsements reflect the deep professional respect he has earned from colleagues, industry leaders, and collaborators throughout the entertainment and communications industries.
Jonathan’s international perspective further strengthens his professional profile. With meaningful exposure to the United Kingdom and global entertainment markets, he understands the cultural nuances and strategic considerations required for organizations operating within increasingly international and interconnected industries. His work across international media events, global communications initiatives, and multinational entertainment campaigns has provided him with a sophisticated understanding of audience engagement and brand positioning across diverse markets.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Jonathan remains passionate about cooking, writing, public speaking, and the arts. He is affiliated with organizations such as the Television Academy / Jewish Affinity Group, further reflects his engagement with both the entertainment community and broader professional networks. He values authentic human connection, intellectual engagement, and the power of thoughtful communication to influence outcomes and inspire progress.
Jonathan is now actively pursuing board service opportunities because he believes his lifetime of executive leadership, media expertise, and strategic communications experience can provide meaningful value to organizations seeking guidance, visibility, growth, and organizational perspective. Having spent decades “living the life and doing the work,” he brings a grounded, experience-driven viewpoint informed by real-world leadership challenges and successes. His ability to combine strategic thinking with relationship-building and storytelling makes him uniquely positioned to contribute to boards navigating complex communications, branding, media, and growth environments.
Throughout every chapter of his career, Jonathan Taylor has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, creativity, and leadership. His professional legacy reflects not only his impressive accomplishments, but also his enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and meaningful contribution. Whether guiding organizations through industry change, building media platforms, shaping public narratives, or mentoring teams, Jonathan continues to embody the qualities of a thoughtful leader and trusted strategic advisor whose influence reaches far beyond the entertainment industry alone.
Character:
Jonathan Taylor demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and authenticity in every aspect of his career and leadership approach. He has built long-standing relationships throughout the entertainment and communications industries based on trust, credibility, and mutual respect. His commitment to helping organizations grow while maintaining ethical and thoughtful leadership reflects the strength of his personal and professional character.
Knowledge:
He possesses deep expertise across entertainment, journalism, digital media, strategic communications, and public relations developed over more than 45 years of executive leadership experience. His broad understanding of both traditional and emerging media landscapes allows him to provide valuable insight into organizational positioning, branding, and audience engagement. His ability to synthesize industry trends, business strategy, and communication effectiveness makes him an exceptionally knowledgeable advisor and leader.
Strategic:
Jonathan has consistently demonstrated the ability to think strategically while guiding organizations through periods of transformation, growth, and technological evolution. From launching Variety.com to leading major publicity and branding campaigns, he has repeatedly identified opportunities that positioned organizations for long-term success. His strategic mindset combines creativity, operational understanding, and market awareness to help organizations strengthen visibility and achieve meaningful results.
Communication:
Widely recognized as an exceptional communicator, storyteller, and media strategist with the ability to connect with diverse audiences across industries and platforms. His experience in journalism, executive communications, publicity, and public speaking has enabled him to shape narratives that build credibility, engagement, and influence. Whether communicating with executives, media professionals, stakeholders, or the public, Jonathan brings clarity, insight, and authenticity to every interaction.
