Creating a Direct Line to Consumers with Direct to Scale

Brooke Ambler is Senior Director, Direct to Scale & Commerce Partnerships at NBCUniversal where she leads Business Development and Strategy for content x commerce opportunities across the NBCUniversal portfolio. Brooke’s background in technology startups, specifically e-commerce, has brought a unique expertise to the media conglomerate as NBCUniversal pioneers new endeavors and launches products in commerce innovation. She reports into Brian Norris, SVP, Direct to Scale, NBCUniversal and focuses on go to market strategies, acquisition, growth, and scale across networks.

Before joining NBCUniversal, Brooke served as the Senior Manager of Partnerships in the U.S. for U.K. based fashion search engine, Lyst, after roles in Business Development, Growth, and Partnerships at a handful of e-commerce marketplaces. Brooke began her career in the auction world, pursuing her personal interest in secondary markets for fashion and fine jewelry.

After a recent move to Atlanta with her husband, Alex, and two cats, Lenny and Pickles, Brooke finds herself on a plane most weeks (pre-COVID) back to New York City to see her NBCUniversal team, clients, and friends.

Brian Norris is Senior Vice President, Direct to Scale, NBCUniversal and leads the sales team responsible for NBCUniversal’s suite of industry-leading, advanced advertising capabilities. Norris brings almost 20 years of management and leadership experience driving television revenue in linear, addressable and digital media. He reports to Tom Stevens, SVP, Advertising Sales, NBCUniversal.

Before joining NBCUniversal, Brian served as Vice President of DISH Media Sales overseeing advertising sales for DISH and Sling TV. Brian joined DISH in 2008 to assist in the establishment of DISH Media Sales’ flagship office in New York. In this role, Brian led the day-to-day efforts for all advertising sales, viewer measurement and operations. Earlier in his career he held sales roles at Viacom and Lifetime Entertainment Services.

Brian volunteers with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of NYC and currently serves on the board of the nonprofit International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) as well as the IE Business School Alumni Association. He also serves as an undergraduate volunteer interviewer for Brown University’s Alumni Association in his New Jersey geo-market. Additionally, he serves as an advisory board member for both Response Magazine and nonprofit, GuiDANCE Autism.

Brian earned his bachelor’s degree from Towson University and holds an M.B.A from Brown University and IE Business School in Madrid. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Brian now resides in Scotch Plains, NJ with his wife Ericka and their two children.