OUR TEAM
Kevin Bartus
Kevin Bartus is one of Toronto’s original digital entrepreneurs. His first digital venture, Blue Spark, was one of the most successful digital agencies during the first dot-com boom, with clients including Rogers Media, Torstar, CBC, TVO, and The Score. From 2006 to 2008, Kevin was the original VP of Digital Media for Rogers Media, where he formed the initial team of 150 people and doubled revenue from $23M to $50M, reporting directly to the CEO. Kevin founded Ideon Media in 2009 and Maple Media in 2010. Kevin’s background includes consulting positions at BCG and Accenture, an MBA from Harvard and undergrad and graduate degrees from MIT.
Jes Biagioni
With over 12 years of experience in the advertising industry, Jes Biagioni takes on the role as Senior Vice President of Sales at Ideon Media, with her strategic planning skills at the forefront. Her journey began on the agency side, where she crafted impactful media plans for global brands including: Molson, L’Oreal, TD, and KraftHeinz. This is also where Jes got her first taste of sales, working on various new business pitches. With a strong foundation in strategic planning, Jes continues to evolve Ideon’s go-to-market strategy and fosters thoughtful media partnerships.
Natalie Milne
As Senior Vice President of Operations at Ideon Media, Natalie spearheads innovative digital strategies, oversees content and ad operations, and leads high-performing teams in delivering award-winning campaigns. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye on digital trends, Natalie has partnered with top brands to create impactful, multi-platform campaigns and experiential activations. Prior to joining Ideon Media, Natalie led the growth and advancement of some of Canada’s largest lifestyle websites, including TodaysParent.com. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto and a post-graduate diploma in Book and Magazine Publishing from Centennial College.
Shawn Phelan
Shawn Phelan has led creative partnerships at Ideon Media for 5 years, specializing in branded and sponsored content, experiential, and 360 integrated marketing campaigns. Prior to joining Ideon, Shawn founded the VICE office in Toronto and spent 17 years helping VICE Canada grow to over 250 full-time employees thanks to major partnerships with many of Canada’s top advertisers. With a passion for storytelling borne out of two degrees in Literature from McGill University, and the winner of multiple Marketing Innovation Awards, Shawn is one of Canada’s most experienced operators at the intersection of creativity and commerce, having developed and executed several hundred brand-supported content campaigns over the course of his career – and counting.
Christopher Turner
Christopher Turner is the editorial director for Ideon Media’s owned and operated properties and oversees the advertorial content for Ideon’s partner sites. He is an award-winning writer, editor and lifelong fashionisto with a passion for social justice, pop culture, fashion and sneakers. He holds an Honours B.A. in Literature from the University of Toronto and has penned pieces for print magazines and online publishers including: Toronto Life, FASHION Magazine, Complex, Highsnobiety, Bustle, Nylon, Hollywood Reporter, Who What Wear, Sympatico MSN, Fashion Television, New York Magazine, IN Magazine, CBC, Toronto Sun, Huffington Post, DesignLines, Disney and many more.