Ashish Verma
Global Executive Creative Director, Bloomberg Media
Growth driver: At a publisher known for charts and news terminals, creativity is becoming a serious business driver. Under global ECD Ashish Verma, Bloomberg Media Studios posted double-digit growth and expanded from New York, London, and Singapore to a new hub in Dubai.
Powered by tech: Verma’s work balances data with storytelling, such as consulting firm BCG’s AI-powered CEO Radar, which turned earnings calls into predictive insights. “Market Rhythms” for UBS turned abstract numbers into works of art, while the “Artisans of Time” documentary films for luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin used cultural figures such as Le Bernardin chef Eric Ripert to tell a story about excellence. The latter generated 5 million impressions in days.
Charlotte Owen
Editor in Chief, Bustle
EVP of Editorial, Bustle Digital Group
Taking charge: Owen stepped in to lead editorial for Bustle Digital Group in October 2024 and immediately proved that original, talent-first storytelling can still drive ROI. In 2025, Bustle saw huge financial gains in multiple categories, including a 575% increase in Food & Beverage, 397% in Pharma/OTC, and 232% in Finance.
Another cover: You can catch Owen hosting the celebrity video series she developed, One Nightstand. The series invites guests like Jessie Buckley, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Mindy Kaling to share what’s on their bookshelves, with episodes reaching over 40 million views in 2025. Social impressions are also up 31% over 2024 under Owen’s directive to prioritize original and access footage in red carpet and BTS reporting.
