I’m a social media marketing leader with over 10 years of experience creating impactful social and influencer strategies for global brands. In my recent work, I’ve managed to grow follower bases significantly and collaborated with major brands like Warner Brothers and Nintendo to deliver impressive campaign results. I love working with celebrities and fan communities and have launched influencer programs driving millions of impressions annually. I thrive in fast-paced environments where data-driven decisions, cross-functional collaboration, and creative strategies come together. Leading teams, managing budgets, and negotiating partnerships are all parts of my journey that I enjoy, and I’m always excited by new challenges in the digital marketing space.

Marianna (Matthews) Varela

I’m a social media marketing leader with over 10 years of experience creating impactful social and influencer strategies for global brands. In my recent work, I’ve managed to grow follower bases significantly and collaborated with major brands like Warner Brothers and Nintendo to deliver impressive campaign results. I love working with celebrities and fan communities and have launched influencer programs driving millions of impressions annually. I thrive in fast-paced environments where data-driven decisions, cross-functional collaboration, and creative strategies come together. Leading teams, managing budgets, and negotiating partnerships are all parts of my journey that I enjoy, and I’m always excited by new challenges in the digital marketing space.

Available to hire

I’m a social media marketing leader with over 10 years of experience creating impactful social and influencer strategies for global brands. In my recent work, I’ve managed to grow follower bases significantly and collaborated with major brands like Warner Brothers and Nintendo to deliver impressive campaign results. I love working with celebrities and fan communities and have launched influencer programs driving millions of impressions annually.

I thrive in fast-paced environments where data-driven decisions, cross-functional collaboration, and creative strategies come together. Leading teams, managing budgets, and negotiating partnerships are all parts of my journey that I enjoy, and I’m always excited by new challenges in the digital marketing space.

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Work Experience

Social Media Marketing Consultant at Remote
January 1, 2023 - Present
Consulted on social strategy for various clients, consistently exceeding projections.
Head of Social Media at Epson America
January 1, 2023 - July 31, 2025
Led organic, paid social, and influencer strategy for the North American division, generating 600M+ impressions yearly. Developed social strategies that grew fanbase by 87% and increased engagement by 94%. Partnered with a major celebrity for a promotion generating 17M+ impressions and sold out product inventory. Built influencer program with over 100 creators generating 12M+ impressions annually. Optimized paid media strategy to reduce CPM by 38% and increase CTR by 35%. Negotiated high-performing social promotions with Warner Bros and Nintendo. Managed a team of three full-time employees and an annual budget of $5M.
Director, Social Media Marketing at Lionsgate
January 1, 2019 - July 31, 2025
Built social media from a single role to a team managing $3M annually and two full-time employees. Led strategy that achieved 33% follower growth among a fanbase of over 450M. Maintained organic reach twice the industry average through algorithm testing. Re-negotiated vendor contracts to keep costs flat despite a 900% increase in social spend. Adapted strategy to platform changes maintaining the company's market position.
Senior Manager, Social Media Marketing at Lionsgate
January 1, 2017 - July 31, 2025
Managed organic and paid social campaigns for 100-150 films per year across 300+ accounts, including major franchises like The Hunger Games and Twilight. Oversaw community engagement for fan communities totaling 19M+ fans. Launched the department's first influencer marketing program, negotiating talent directly to avoid agency fees and save 10-20%. Produced live event social coverage including livestreaming, red carpet, and interviews.
Marketing Coordinator, WW Television & Digital Distribution at Lionsgate
January 1, 2015 - July 31, 2025
Coordinated marketing activities within worldwide television and digital distribution.
Assistant to the President, Digital Media at Lionsgate
January 1, 2013 - July 31, 2025
Assisted the President of Digital Media with administrative and project-related tasks.
Assistant to the President at Entity FX
January 1, 2010 - July 31, 2025
Provided executive support to the President of Entity FX.
Reception/Assistant at Jon Voice Ent & Crystal Sky Pictures
January 1, 2009 - July 31, 2025
Handled reception and administrative support duties.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2007

Qualifications

SEO Certification
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Digital Marketing and E-commerce Professional Certification
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Introduction to Marketing
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Retail, Professional Services