James S. Yaffe

James S. Yaffe

Program
BBA '82
Chief Strategy Officer,
Company
Ziff Davis
Career Background

Ziff Davis is a Global Digital Media Company- operating in three core verticals: Technology, Fan Culture and Health/Wellness. As Chief Strategy Officer, James Yaffe oversees M&A, strategy and monetization across our portfolio of digital brands. Transactions include: EveryDay Health (NASD:EVDY), IGN (from News Corp) and Ookla (Speedtest.net).

Mr. Yaffe co-founded FUEL: M+C (Media + Commerce), an early stage investor in digital media and commerce companies, including Maker Studios (sold to Disney), Bureau of Trade (sold to Ebay), and StyleSaint. Previously, Yaffe was a partner in Terry Semel’s Windsor Media, which made investments in Square, Vice, Jagex and Scopley, among others.

Mr. Yaffe helped start the corporate consulting practice at the Endeavor Talent Agency (now WME/ IMG). He also led Endeavor’s media and technology practice and expanded platform/content development opportunities with artists and corporate clients. James started his career at Omnicom in New York.

James is currently on the Board of Urban Fitness 911. He received a Bachelor of General Studies in economics, marketing and communications from the University of Michigan, where he was also the captain of the golf team. Mr. Yaffe is an active early stage venture investor with an active portfolio: HYPE-VR, Roswell BioTech, Simply Gum, Outlaw Energy Drink and Tiger Beat.