More

    Kevin Martinez: Revitalizing Iconic Brands Through Vision, Leadership and Results

    Published on:

    Kevin Martinez is a dynamic and results-driven media executive with over 40 years of experience leading the growth and transformation of iconic media brands across print, digital, television, and events. A proven revenue generator and team builder, Kevin has spearheaded major turnarounds in some of the world’s most recognized publishing institutions, leaving a legacy of innovation, growth, and sustained profitability. With a deep understanding of the ever-evolving media landscape and unmatched international experience, Kevin’s leadership style combines strategic foresight with a hands-on approach to execution.

    Currently the Founder and CEO of Martinez Media Group, Kevin partners with diverse media companies, helping them position, pitch, and close business while entering new markets. Under his leadership, MMG has become a trusted consultancy for publishers and content platforms, including Blanc Media, Jury MD, Platinum Eye, and high-profile event partnerships like the Maxim Super Bowl Party and the Essence Festival. Kevin brings a rich network of global relationships and an intuitive grasp of where culture, media, and commerce intersect.

    Throughout his career, Kevin has held pivotal roles in both legacy and emerging media platforms. As SVP Group Sales Director at Time Inc., he oversaw two luxury magazine brands, delivering a 25% increase in digital revenue and maintaining robust print revenue. He opened over $10M in new account opportunities by leveraging his deep ties in fashion and luxury sectors, helping InStyle become the #1 property in the Time Inc. portfolio.

    As Publisher and CRO at Maxim, Kevin executed one of the most significant magazine turnarounds in recent history. Within just 18 months, he doubled revenue, elevated the brand’s page rank from #176 to #2, and spearheaded the creation of the now-legendary Maxim Super Bowl Party, which alone generated over $4M in new business. His strategic repositioning of the brand helped modernize and re-energize its image, connecting with a new generation of audiences and advertisers.

    While leading Details Magazine at Conde Nast, Kevin led the fastest turnaround in the company’s history, growing revenue by 18% and repositioning the title as a high-end European-style fashion publication. His editorial partnerships and refined market strategy made Details the second-highest performing title in the portfolio, behind only Vogue.

    At Elle Magazine, Kevin managed over $90M in annual revenue and worked across all brand extensions, from print and TV to mobile and e-commerce. His work increased overall business by 20%, while his leadership in digital yielded $16M in revenue, reflecting his foresight into converging media platforms and his ability to scale innovation quickly.

    During his tenure at Harper’s Bazaar, Kevin executed a major turnaround, delivering the publication’s first profitable year since 1987. Over seven years, he doubled ad pages to over 2,000, added more than 300 new accounts, and helped secure multiple Hearst Magazine of the Year accolades. His efforts revitalized Harper’s as a powerhouse in fashion publishing.

    Earlier in his career at Men’s Journal and Esquire, Kevin demonstrated a consistent ability to elevate brands by refining editorial vision and sharpening market positioning. At Esquire, he doubled advertising revenue through a strategic repositioning initiative. At Men’s Journal, he helped transition the brand from a niche adventure title to a luxury lifestyle publication, growing revenues by 15% in a single year.

    Kevin began his media career at The New York Times, where he rose through the ranks to become Managing Director, handling major fashion and department store accounts. During his 11-year tenure, he also worked directly with McKinsey to help restructure the Times’ sales organization, reflecting the trust and strategic insight he brought even in the early stages of his career.

    In addition to his operational leadership, Kevin is passionate about mentoring and team development. He was unanimously chosen as Mentor of the Year by the Association of Magazine Media, a testament to the impact he’s had in developing talent and fostering collaborative, high-performing teams.

    Kevin holds a BA in English from Stony Brook University, where he captained both the baseball and basketball teams, and a JD from New York Law School. His passions outside the office include golf, fitness, and sports—interests that speak to his discipline, drive, and team-oriented mindset. With international experience spanning Europe and Asia, Kevin’s global perspective is rooted in cultural awareness and business adaptability.

    Character:
    Kevin’s long-standing career demonstrates integrity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. His mentoring accolades and leadership by example have made him a respected figure throughout the media industry.

    Knowledge:
    With over four decades of experience, Kevin possesses unmatched domain expertise in publishing, advertising, and brand transformation. His insight into both legacy and digital media makes him uniquely valuable in transitional business climates.

    Strategic:
    Kevin is a turnaround specialist who consistently sees what others miss—untapped potential and strategic gaps. His ability to reposition brands, unlock new revenue streams, and align editorial with commercial goals is a hallmark of his executive impact.

    Communication:
    A natural communicator, Kevin presents daily to C-suites, agencies, and brand partners. His clarity, persuasion, and relationship-building skills have helped close multimillion-dollar deals and inspire internal teams to deliver above expectations.

    Related

    Leave a Reply

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here


    Kacey Card
    Kacey Cardhttps://boardsi.com
    Kacey Card is an accomplished editor at Leadafi, bringing a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling to the team. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he graduated with a 3.8 GPA. Kacey has honed his skills in content creation, editing, and digital media, ensuring that every piece of content meets the highest standards of quality and engagement. At Leadafi, he is dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers and drive the publication's mission forward. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach to editing make him an invaluable asset to the team.