Slalom, the global business and technology consulting company, announced Steven Polster will serve as the company’s first head of Global Media and Entertainment (M&E). With a track record of strategic growth spanning 25 years of M&E client-centered leadership, Polster will play a pivotal role in delivering on Slalom’s commitment to bring industry expertise to customers and technology partners across the media, gaming, sports, and live entertainment sectors.
Under Polster’s leadership, Slalom Los Angeles’ M&E team doubled in size in just three years.
In his expanded role, he will lead the efforts of over 250 M&E consultants in nearly 50 markets across eight countries to bring the best of Slalom’s thought leadership, experience designing and building powerful customer experiences, new ways of working, and business model breakthroughs to global M&E customers.
“Steven’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Slalom as we reinforce our commitment to deliver exceptional customer experiences in the industries we serve. His vision, leadership, and deep industry experience will help us ensure we bring the right skills, solutions, and partners to our customers,” said Anthony Marquardt, Slalom General Manager of Global Industry. “Steven is an authentic and enthusiastic leader and someone who takes extraordinary care in building relationships with our customers, teams, and partners. He’s the right choice to continue to lead the way forward for Slalom on the global stage for our fast-growing M&E industry.”
With a focus on the future, Polster will drive increased investment in Slalom’s M&E industry skills to deeply understand Slalom’s customers’ needs and deliver relevant solutions.
In his global role, Polster and team will bring industry expertise to clients operating in key media markets, including Los Angeles, New York, Florida, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, London, Sydney, and Tokyo, partnering hand in hand with local client teams to provide seamless delivery.
Polster will also oversee M&E industry solution and accelerator development with technology partners, including AWS, Google, Microsoft, Snowflake, Databricks, Salesforce, and others, with investments to help customers adapt and thrive as businesses undergo relentless dynamic changes.
“Three years ago, you might say that Slalom was ‘the best kept secret’ in the industry. I’m pleased to say the secret’s out,” said Polster. “Slalom now designs and delivers impactful solutions for six major studios, multiple streamers, leading AAA gaming companies, the world’s best-known sports leagues, franchises, and live entertainment companies.
“Given the constant state of change that M&E companies face, it’s imperative for our clients to work with experts who not only know their business but who can also help them see around corners and take advantage of opportunities ahead. With our roster of passionate Media & Entertainment experts, I couldn’t be more excited about taking on this new role.”
Polster has over 25 years of experience working in media, entertainment, gaming, and sports sectors in a variety of national and global leadership roles.
Prior to Slalom, he led the West Coast M&E industry at Cognizant and has held senior leadership posts at Paramount Global, Technicolor, Miramax, and Mattel.
