KENARD EUGENE GIBBS
Chicago
Summary
Dynamic executive with a proven track record at Paramount, driving $950M+ in revenue through strategic client stewardship and consultative selling. Expert in financial forecasting and team leadership, consistently surpassing targets by up to 25%. Renowned for building high-value partnerships and delivering impactful business storytelling.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Midwest Advertising Sales
PARAMOUNT / SKYDANCE / BET / VH1 NETWORKS
Chicago
10.2013 - 12.2025
- Originated and closed $950M+ in cumulative revenue across complex, relationship-driven portfolios.
- Served as trusted advisor to Fortune 100 clients and senior agency principals.
- Consistently exceeded annual financial targets by 5–25% through disciplined pipeline and market planning.
- Negotiated and closed $5M–$20M enterprise agreements requiring executive judgment and discretion.
- Built internal referral partnerships driving $30M in incremental revenue over three years.
Chief Executive Officer / Managing Partner
SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS
Los Angeles
07.2008 - 09.2013
- Originated and closed a $2.5M multi-year licensing and distribution agreement with Viacom/BET.
- Built and expanded strategic partner relationships generating $2M in new revenue streams.
- Oversaw full P&L responsibility for a $15M annual operation with disciplined financial controls.
Founder / CEO
MADVISION ENTERTAINMENT
New York
05.2007 - 06.2009
- Secured $1.5M in seed capital and delivered a 30% ROI within 11 months.
- Led negotiations for a $30M acquisition and a $4M distribution agreement with Lionsgate.
President
VIBE MAGAZINE
New York
07.1999 - 05.2007
- Led an $80M multimedia enterprise with full revenue and client accountability.
- Managed Fortune 100 relationships generating $50M+ in recurring annual revenue.
- Reorganized sales and service teams contributing to a successful private-equity exit.
Education
MBA - Finance & Marketing
Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management
Evanston, IL06-1994
BA - Political Economics
Williams College
Skills
- High-Net-Worth Client Development
- Team leadership
- Financial forecasting
- Business storytelling
- Recruiting and hiring
- Verbal and written communication
- Performance monitoring
- Consultative Selling
- Revenue Origination
- Business Planning
- Executive Negotiation
- Client Stewardship
- Financial Targets
- Relationship Management
Prior Experience
- Leo Burnett Advertising Agency, Account Supervisor / Account Manager
- Northern Trust Company, Trust Officer / Investment Research & Sales
Timeline
Vice President, Midwest Advertising Sales
PARAMOUNT / SKYDANCE / BET / VH1 NETWORKS
10.2013 - 12.2025
Chief Executive Officer / Managing Partner
SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS
07.2008 - 09.2013
Founder / CEO
MADVISION ENTERTAINMENT
05.2007 - 06.2009
President
VIBE MAGAZINE
07.1999 - 05.2007
MBA - Finance & Marketing
Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management
BA - Political Economics
Williams College