Former Twitch Head of Creator Marketing Named New Executive Director of The Webby Awards
The Webby Awards has recently announced the appointment of Jesse Feister as its new executive director. Feister, a seasoned entrepreneur and music and tech industry veteran, is set to take over the leadership role previously held by Claire Graves, the longtime president of The Webby Awards who departed late last year.
Stepping into this new role, Feister will lead the organization known for recognizing excellence on the internet as it expands its scope to include digital creators and artificial intelligence. His experience and expertise in the intersection of music, technology, and marketing make him a valuable addition to The Webby Awards.
During his tenure at Twitch, Feister played a key role in overseeing the growth of music content on the platform, particularly during the pandemic. He also spearheaded creator collaboration initiatives, such as the Twitch DJ program, which brought together musicians and content creators in innovative ways.
Prior to his time at Twitch, Feister co-founded Songspace, a music workflow platform that was later acquired by FUGA, now part of Virgin Music Group. He also held the position of vice president of marketing at Kobalt Music Group, where he led the U.S. launch of the AWAL record label, which eventually became part of Sony Music Group in 2021. Additionally, Feister has experience as a recording artist signed to Island Records, further showcasing his deep involvement in the music industry.
In a statement regarding his new role at The Webby Awards, Feister expressed his excitement about leading the organization into a new era of recognizing innovation and creativity on the internet. He emphasized the importance of celebrating the diverse voices that contribute to the digital landscape and looks forward to shaping the future of the awards alongside the talented Webby team.
Webby Awards CEO David-Michel Davies also shared his enthusiasm about Feister joining the team, highlighting Feister’s extensive experience and forward-thinking vision for the future of digital innovation. With Feister at the helm, The Webby Awards aims to amplify the voices that are shaping the internet today and in the future.
Overall, Feister’s appointment as the new executive director of The Webby Awards signifies a strategic move towards recognizing and celebrating the ever-changing digital landscape. With his background in music, technology, and marketing, Feister is positioned to lead The Webby Awards into a new era of honoring excellence on the internet.