Mark A. Potter is an accomplished executive with over 40 years of experience in leadership, business management, and the transformation of media and content production organizations. He has built a distinguished career marked by a proven ability to drive growth, successfully navigate business turnarounds, and lead high-performance teams within the digital media, publishing, and creative services sectors.

Mark’s career trajectory is highlighted by several key leadership roles where he demonstrated exceptional expertise in scaling businesses, spearheading strategic initiatives, and creating value for stakeholders. As the Senior Vice President of Creative Services and HudsonYards Business Unit Lead at LSC Communications, Mark played a pivotal role in the acquisition and transformation of HudsonYards Studios from a boutique post-production house into a full-service content production business. Under his leadership, the business experienced a remarkable 300% margin improvement year-over-year between 2017 and 2019, achieving a full recovery of acquisition costs within two years. He drove strategic growth through upstream migration in content production, resulting in double-digit growth in studio photography and video production.

Mark was also instrumental in the successful acquisition of HudsonYards Studios by LSC Communications in 2016. He led the integration of the creative services group within LSC, building out a viable business model that ultimately secured a successful exit for private equity partners, Union Capital Corporation. Prior to the acquisition by LSC Communications, Mark served as the EVP of Sales and Marketing at HudsonYards Studios, where he implemented a growth platform based on sales process discipline and performance management, resulting in a 25% increase in top-line revenue during his first year.

In his earlier career, Mark demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen and expertise in digital product development and SaaS automation as the Managing Director of North America for Easypress Technologies. Mark led the U.S. expansion of Easypress, a cross-media publishing software company, successfully securing over $5 million in contracts with global publishers, most notably Penguin Random House. His efforts resulted in Penguin Random House adopting Easypress’ software to produce 100’s of their digital products. This initiative significantly transformed the way content was managed and published across multiple media platforms, cementing Mark’s reputation as a leader in digital transformation.

Mark’s career at Brown Printing Company (later acquired by Quad Graphics) was marked by his leadership in driving substantial revenue growth, especially in the direct mail catalog segment, where he increased sales by an average of 30% annually from 2007 to 2011. His ability to manage complex client relationships and grow new business was demonstrated by securing contracts worth over $130 million with major publishing houses such as Hearst and Scholastic. His achievements during this period were a testament to his leadership and strategic vision.

Mark’s expertise in the media and publishing sectors also includes a key role at Eastman Kodak Company, where he was a leader in the company’s transition from analog to digital technology. Mark played a critical role in launching Kodak’s digital printing products and developing relationships with key players in the publishing and advertising industries, which contributed significantly to Kodak’s ongoing revenue streams.

Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate complex business challenges, build strong teams, and foster relationships across industries, particularly in New York’s competitive business landscape. His commitment to leadership, talent acquisition, and digital transformation has been a defining aspect of his career.

Mark has also served on various boards, including MAZ Systems, where he was instrumental in securing a successful acquisition and exit for the partners, and Operation Hope, where he has contributed his expertise to nonprofit organizations.

Now transitioning into the next phase of his career, Mark is exploring board opportunities to stay actively engaged in the business community. His leadership, strategic thinking, and passion for lifelong learning make him an ideal candidate for organizations seeking a visionary leader with a strong track record in business transformation and growth.

Character

Mark A. Potter is a seasoned leader with a reputation for integrity, resilience, and a strong work ethic, driving positive change within organizations.

Knowledge

With 40 years of experience, Mark has deep expertise in media, content production, digital transformation, and business management, consistently delivering exceptional results.

Strategic

Mark excels at formulating and executing growth strategies, having successfully led companies through transformations, acquisitions, and business turnarounds.

Communication

He is an effective communicator, skilled in building relationships, managing cross-functional teams, and engaging with executives to achieve business objectives.