After 20 years in the entertainment business as both a global distribution head and producer, John Pollak has launched Allied MGMT Group (AMG) with Co-Founder, Wilmer Valderrama, a forward-thinking management company, focused on partnering with, packaging, and representing the most sought after new and existing Latino voices across traditional and digital media. From writers, directors, showrunners, and producers to new media creators, AMG is committed to fostering Latino talent to meet the increased demand for authentic and diverse storytelling in Hollywood. And as a strategically positioned management company, AMG will serve Hollywood and global audiences who seek increased representation and authenticity in storytelling.
Prior to the launch of AMG, Pollak has consulted for Exeest, Inc. a technology driven content marketplace designed to enhance the global sales and production business. As the tech company's Chief Commercial Officer, Pollak is directly responsible for all commercial dealings on the platform, from onboarding content from major producers and distributors globally to shepherding in strategic media partnerships.
Prior to Exeest, Pollak was the EVP of Commercial Development at Universal Television Alternative Studio, the unscripted production arm for NBC Universal. Pollak was responsible for all commercial dealings with producers, broadcasters, and platforms outside of the NBC network. Pollak worked directly with the internal development team, external creative partners, global producers, agents, and studios to identify and develop show ideas which were taken to all US networks and platforms. This included 40+ overall producer and talent deals with partners such as, Dwayne Johnson, Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Lopez, Seth Myers, Mario Lopez, Audrey Morrissey, Jason Raff, and Eddie Schmidt.
Prior to NBCU, Pollak was President of Electus Television where he oversaw the global rollout of Electus' television slate. Pollak managed the development team and marketed, pitched, developed, and produced original ideas from the Electus banner and other domestic and international producing partners. In addition to his producing role, Pollak led Electus International, the global sales and distribution arm of Electus, where he oversaw the international strategy and execution of Electus and its content labels as well as over 100 third party producers and broadcasters. Pollak and his team distributed more than 4,000 hours of content to over 170 countries around the world including live sporting events, Bellator for Viacom, one of the world's leading MMA promotions, as well as Top Rank Boxing, the largest boxing promotion in the world.
Prior to joining Electus, Pollak was Executive Vice President and Head of Worldwide Sales for Shine International. He was responsible for the global sales and distribution of programming from each of the Shine Group companies. Pollak drove sales for some of the world's most successful non-scripted formats including Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, The Biggest Loser, The Moment of Truth and MasterChef. Pollak was directly involved with identifying and securing key executive talent to launch Shine's International's global production companies, which grew from 5 companies to 32 as part of his watch.
Pollak began his career at Reveille in 2003, where he helped launch Reveille International and grew to SVP of International Distribution and Creative Affairs. There, he helped grow the production and distribution company founded by Ben Silverman (now ESG/Banijay International) into one of the most prolific independent distribution companies in the television business.
Recognizing 40 executives under the age of 40, Variety selected Pollak for its 2017 New Leaders list. In 2008, the Hollywood Reporter included Pollak in its 35 under 35, Next Generation list. Pollak sits on the executive board of directors at his high school, Campbell Hall. Additionally, Pollak is part of the executive task force established to lead the school's DEIJ efforts. Pollak is also president of the board of Encino Little League, The Sherman Oaks Nursery School as well as a founder in the Tapia Family Foundation. Pollak is a founding partner of the Alliance For Latino Executives, a group of senior level Latino executives whose mission is to create sustained opportunity for up and coming Latino executives, storytellers and producers.