Cavel Khan (MBA, ’05), Tumblr’s New Revenue Chief, Found His Passion at Zicklin

Last month, Cavel Khan (MBA, ’05), a digital advertising veteran with experience at Microsoft, Twitter, and VICE Media, joined the social networking site Tumblr as Chief Revenue Officer. He sat down for a Q&A with Zicklin News.

Zicklin News: Congratulations on being named Chief Revenue Officer at Tumblr. In general, media/tech companies have been a rare economic bright spot during the pandemic. Could you talk about the case of Tumblr specifically? What do you hope to achieve? 

Khan: Tumblr was acquired by Automattic in 2019. Our growth strategy includes a return to direct sales relationships, and a layer of programmatic advertising.  This year, our ads team launched a new ad server, and a new SSP [supply-side platform].  These are important steps for us to re-enter the market as an independent brand. Brands that are focused on building connections with their consumers are investing in the platforms that these audiences are spending time and engaging with. Tumblr users are highly engaged and obsessed with the communities they create on the platform. 

ZN: Thinking back to the time you were getting an MBA at Zicklin, can you connect some dots between your experience then and your career now? Were you already interested in the tech sector? Did you do any relevant internships?

Khan: My MBA is what allowed me to transition into the tech and advertising world. One of my marketing professors was an executive in the industry and introduced me to the team at Microsoft, who recruited me right after my graduation. My marketing classes allowed me to develop the skillset to be successful in the industry by understanding everything from product development to market research and consumer behavior. These classes were the foundation for my success. 

ZN: Who or what were some of your favorite professors or classes at Zicklin? 

Khan: As mentioned before my digital marketing professor was the person who helped me discover my love for the industry and find a path to be a part of it. Having professors from the marketing industry is a great value Zicklin provides. 

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