Chris Maples

Chris has over 28 years of experience in the Media, advertising and technology industries. He started his career in traditional media working for ITV, C4 and Virgin media and Emap Advertising driving commercial success in each role

In April 2011, Chris joined Spotify as MD UK and European Sales Director, quickly promoted to VP Europe. In this role Chris led a team of 100 and was responsible for MD’s across 5 regions (UK+Benelux, Southern Europe, Dach, Nordics, Russia). During Chris’s tenure, Spotify launched 21 Markets in Europe and leading the teams to Campaign, Mediaweek, IPA and NMA award success. In 2012 Chris was awarded “Greatest individual contribution to New Media” by NMA.

In 2015 Chris briefly worked with the team at Bigballs films. During his time there, Chris was part of the leadership team that successfully closed a Series A fund raise, valuing the business between £50-60m..

Over the last two years Chris’ career has taken and interesting diversion, following his passion for education he is currently CEO of MetFilm, the market leading film school and documentary and feature film business. Chris overseas two schools in the UK and one in Berlin, with over 450 students studying BA/MA’s and a number of short courses in all aspects of practical filmmaking

An inspirational leader, keen negotiator and first-class client man, Chris has built his experience in both Blue Chip corporates and start-ups alike. One of the most well-respected media operators Chris’s key skills are commercial negotiating, leading high performing teams and articulating a company’s message to a much wider audience. Chris has proven himself an adaptable general manager, comfortable learning new industries and driving profitable growth across all of them.