James Bugra

E-Commerce & Marketing Leader | Digital Growth Strategist | Bridging Business, Design & Development to Modernize How Companies Grow | MBA | Private Pilot

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

About

I build clarity, systems, and growth where things have become complicated. Over the past decade, I’ve helped companies modernize how they operate — fixing outdated marketing processes, connecting design and development teams, and building scalable e-commerce and digital growth systems that actually work. I’m at my best when the situation feels messy: when projects stall between departments, when marketing and tech don’t speak the same language, or when a brand is doing well but can’t seem to grow past a ceiling. That’s where I bridge the gaps — turning fragmented workflows into efficient, high-performing structures. I’ve done this across startups and established brands alike: At Bixlers, I rose from Paid Ads Specialist to Senior Director, leading digital marketing and partnership strategy for global brands like Rolex, UFC, NHL, and MLB. At Nockta, I built a multidisciplinary team delivering full-stack digital solutions in e-commerce, design, and technology. With Passin, I turned a travel-tech idea into a revenue-generating business by uniting partnerships, automation, and smart product execution. I’m not the kind of leader who just plans or observes — I connect the right people, build the right systems, and move things from idea to operation. If your brand or team is growing but feels slowed by old processes, scattered systems, or unclear direction, that’s where I thrive — bringing perspective, structure, and momentum back into play.

Experience

  • Digital Marketing & E-commerce Strategist at NOCKTA®
    Aug 2022 - Present · 4 yrs

    Led strategy, product execution, and digital transformation initiatives across e-commerce, travel, and consumer brands. Owned end-to-end delivery of web, mobile, and platform products, working closely with engineering, design, and growth teams. Specialized in aligning business goals with scalable digital systems, conversion optimization, and data-driven decision-making.

  • Co-Founder & Growth Strategist at Passin Miami
    Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos

    Co-founded Passin, a travel-tech venture built to redefine destination experiences through seamless digital integration. Our first launch, Passin Miami, bundles attractions, eSIM connectivity, airport transfers, and exclusive perks into one simple digital pass — giving travelers everything they need in one tap. I led brand strategy, digital growth, and business development, transforming a concept into a commercially viable product adopted by partners across the travel ecosystem. Through strategic outreach and negotiation, I secured contracts and collaborations with major businesses, travel operators, and hospitality groups, expanding distribution and brand visibility. My role focused on growth marketing, automation, partnership strategy, and platform scalability, ensuring that Passin evolved from an early-stage idea into a recognized, revenue-generating venture. Today, it operates as an independent travel brand, while I continue to advise on partnerships, expansion, and digital innovation.

  • E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Lecturer at TREBAS
    Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Bixlers (Permanent Full-time · 3 yrs 3 mos)
    • Senior Director of E-commerce & IT
      Dec 2021 - Aug 2022 · 9 mos

      I joined Bixlers - America's First Jeweler, to manage paid media campaigns — and over the years, built a cross-functional digital ecosystem from the ground up. Through consistent performance and team leadership, I advanced from my initial role to an executive in the organization, overseeing multiple departments across marketing, partnerships, and B2B strategy. I led the company’s digital transformation, managing large-scale media budgets, implementing data-driven marketing systems, and supervising in-house teams spanning paid media, CRM, and analytics. As the lead relationship manager for global luxury and sports partners — including Rolex, UFC, NHL, MLB, and others — I developed and executed partnership strategies that aligned business growth with brand storytelling.

    • Senior Director of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
      May 2021 - Dec 2021 · 8 mos

    • Director of E-Commerce & Business Development, Content, Licensing & Partnerships
      Nov 2020 - May 2021 · 7 mos

  • Lead Digital Strategist at adinteractive Istanbul + London
    Aug 2016 - Jul 2018 · 2 yrs

    At adinteractive, Turkey’s first and leading digital agency, I led strategic digital initiatives for a portfolio of global brands including MasterCard, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Citroën, Unilever, Bosch, and Arçelik. Working within one of the most experienced teams in the region, I guided account management, campaign strategy, and digital transformation projects, bridging creative, media, and technology teams to deliver measurable results across web, mobile, social, and emerging digital platforms. My role combined client leadership and strategy development — translating complex business goals into actionable omnichannel campaigns that drove performance and brand growth. This experience gave me a deep understanding of how large organizations approach digital maturity, global brand communication, and cross-market consistency, shaping how I lead digital projects today.