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James Andrews, founder of www.thekeyinfluencer.com is an expert in the space where entertainment, technology and culture all collide. As a young child growing up in the heart of Silicon Valley, he was exposed to technology and early uses of the internet while hanging out during summers on the campus of Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.

In the early to mid 90’s, Andrews worked as a senior marketing executive at Columbia Records, guiding the careers of such powerhouse acts as Cypress Hill, Maxwell, Nas, The Fugees, and Destiny’s Child. In addition to traditional artist marketing duties Andrews facilitated alliances between Columbia Records artists and corporate partners including Mountain Dew, Nike, NBA, and EA Sports. During his time at Sony Music, Andrews pioneered online and web marketing efforts by insuring that his artists were astute about the future of the online world.

Looking to establish himself as an expert in the broad world of pop culture, Andrews became Executive Vice President, Marketing for fashion trendsetter Ecko Unlimited. While working directly with Marc Ecko and all of his brands, he negotiated endorsement deals with celebrity talent and created strategic opportunities with partners EA Sports, Playboy and NFL. In 1997, Andrews created an influential email newsletter called Soul Purpose which in 1999 he sold to a new media company called Urban Box Office (UBO). UBO went on to raise $40M in investment capital, hired 320 employees and acquired a building in Harlem. Andrews was featured in Wall Street Journal, NBC, Daily Variety, and Billboard for SoulPurpose.com and his post as Executive VP of UBO.

In 2000, Andrews started BrandInfluence, a strategic marketing and cultural branding agency specializing in the convergence of technology, culture and entertainment. BrandInfluence helps clients connect with consumers with a digital lifestyles via the use of non-traditional tactics including Content Development, Blogger Relations/Online PR, Social Network Marketing, Viral & Word of Mouth Promotions, and Online Brand Evangelism. Nurturing clients such as Sprite, Proctor & Gamble, Vibe Magazine, Coors, Turner Broadcasting, and Current TV. BrandInfluence also publishes KeyInfluencer, an online/mobile property read by 10k executives and influencers in entertainment, advertising, and media business globally. He is a also a weekly contributor to the Expert Blogger section of Fast Company.com.

James Andrews attended UCLA, grew up in California, and now lives in Atlanta with his wife and two children. He is an active speaker and is frequently quoted on the subjects of digital media, entertainment and innovative branding/marketing approaches. He serves as Co-Chari at The Paideia School and is on the Young Executive Board of Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theater in Atlanta.