Getty Images appoints Instant's Kirstin Benson to the new role of Senior Director and Executive Producer of Getty Images' Entertainment Strategy and Services

NEW YORK, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Getty Images, a world leader in visual communications, today announced the appointment of TIME Inc.'s former Editorial Director and Co-Founder of Instant, Kirstin Benson, to the newly created role of Senior Director and Executive Producer of Entertainment Strategy and Services.

Kirstin's appointment sees another step in the execution of the 'Getty Images Everywhere' strategy and reinforces the company's focus on strengthening the value offered to customers and partners across the entertainment business. Responsible for raising awareness of extended services across content, data and insights, social content management and assignment services, Kirstin will be bringing together Getty Images' industry expertise and innovative products with full breadth of creative talent to existing and new partners.

"As a visual partner to the entertainment industry for the past 22 years, we know how quickly digital is changing everyone's world and we are laser-focused on developing our business model to help our customers and partners succeed in that environment" said Ken Mainardis, Vice President of Sport and Entertainment.  "Kirstin's experience in navigating, defining and adapting to the content landscape will be a vital addition to our team and I am thrilled to welcome Kirstin on board as we continue to drive the industry forward." 

Based in Los Angeles, Kirstin joins Getty Images from Time Inc., where she was the co-founder and Editorial Director of Instant ? an all-video, first-of-its-kind outlet dedicated to the world of social media stars. Having worked as a digital content creator as well as in front of the camera, Kirstin brings with her a unique perspective on the pop culture and digital landscape.

Prior to joining TIME Inc., Kirstin was the Editor-in-Chief of WhoSay, where she oversaw content, social media, and partnerships. While there, she worked closely with talent such as Caitlyn Jenner, Reba McEntire and others to amplify their messages and syndicate their op-eds across outlets like ABC News, People, Time, and others.

"Technology has completely revolutionized the way content is consumed, from the media to entertainment to everyday life events, but the industry is slowly adapting.  Getty Images has a unique opportunity to use its invaluable in-house expertise to help partners reach their audiences in new ways," said Kirstin Benson, Senior Director and Executive Producer for Getty Images Entertainment.  "I'm looking forward to building on these opportunities and contributing to Getty Images' continued success." 

Kirstin has also previously served as the Director of Entertainment and Engagement at ConnecTV and was an instrumental member in launching Bonnie Fuller's digital venture, HollywoodLife.com.  For the past five years, Kirstin has produced the Primetime Emmys' Backstage Live! show and is a member of the Primetime Emmy Awards Digital Committee.

Kirstin holds a Masters in Communication Management in Entertainment from the University of Southern California and lives in Los Angeles.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/getty-images-appoints-instants-kirstin-benson-to-the-new-role-of-senior-director-and-executive-producer-of-getty-images-entertainment-strategy-and-services-300476115.html

SOURCE press.gettyimages.com