Brian Hanly is the CEO and Co-Founder of VideoNest, a next-generation video streaming and management platform empowering brands, media companies, and creators to distribute and monetize their video content. The seasoned media and technology executive began his career at Publicis for Samsung, where he helped launch the company’s mobile phones in the U.S., managing over $1 billion in media and advertising partnerships; work that earned Gold and Silver Cannes Lions and contributed to Samsung’s rise as one of the world’s most valuable brands.
He later served as Global Sales Partnerships Director at VICE Media, leading collaborations with global brands such as Google, Airbnb, and Ford.
Under his leadership, VideoNest has grown to support more than 750 creators and businesses, hosting over 500,000 videos and driving measurable growth through scalable monetization and audience engagement tools.
At BRIDGE Summit, Brian will explore how emerging media technologies are transforming content distribution, audience reach, and revenue models, drawing from his experience bridging traditional media, global brand partnerships, and next-generation digital ecosystems.
AI tools like Runway’s Gen-4, Synthesia’s avatars, and Modular’s MAX are among the technologies fueling the next content boom, making creation faster, cheaper, and higher-quality at scale. In 2024, the generative media tools market topped $4.5 billion, signaling a major shift in how content is developed and distributed. How will this new backbone reshape creative workflows, monetization models, and investment strategies across the media ecosystem?
The creator economy is set to exceed $500 billion by 2027, driven by over 50 million individuals building businesses on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Patreon, according to Goldman Sachs. While brand deals remain dominant, creators are increasingly monetizing through subscriptions, affiliate marketing, merchandise, and direct-to-fan models. The UAE is at the forefront of this shift, with initiatives like the New Media Academy, 1 Billion Followers Summit, and regulatory exemptions contributing AED 2.5 billion to GDP in 2024. As monetization channels multiply and governments invest in creator-friendly infrastructures and supports, how can creators further grow revenue stacks to reflect their values, engage their communities, and support long-term growth?
Social Activist & Founder, Giving Joy Foundation
Freelance Entertainment Journalist, Forbes
Founder & Creative Director, Lighthouse Studio
Investor & Advisor, Various
Associate Professor, University of Warsaw; Vice President, European Media Management Association
“A landmark gathering that will unite media professionals, policymakers, cultural creators, and global influencers.”
“A gateway for knowledge exchange.”
“A game‑changer for the global media industry”
“We are proud to take part in the inaugural edition of BRIDGE Summit”
“We're excited to partner with BRIDGE to create meaningful opportunities for creators and innovators”
