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Ernesto Pagano is a core member of the Technology, Media & Telecommunication practice at Boston Consulting Group, and leads the firm’s media work globally. Since joining BCG in 2009, Ernesto has advised clients on growth strategy, innovation, operating model transformation, and organizational design. Ernesto has deep experience in media (with a focus on gaming, video, publishing, sports, and entertainment), information services, and education/upskilling. In 2015, Ernesto was a BCG Ambassador in the Middle East helping grow the local media and public sector business.

Prior to joining BCG, Ernesto was an investment banker with Merrill Lynch in London and Hong Kong, as part of the mergers and acquisitions team. He also co-founded a startup to connect and match students interested in studying abroad with universities.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EDUCATION

  • MBA, Harvard Business School
  • MSc, Bocconi University
  • BBA, Bocconi University

Publications and Videos

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Leveling Up for the New Reality

The days of double-digit growth are gone. Game publishers must embrace new monetization strategies and focus on markets—and demographics—that they haven’t fully tapped.

How AI Enables Creativity and Business Growth

BCG’s Ernesto Pagano and NotCompany’s Fernando Machado discuss how AI enhances creativity, driving business growth and competitive advantage.

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Could GenAI Be Gaming’s Ultimate Power-Up?

By accelerating game development, GenAI lets creators focus more time—and budgets—on innovative, differentiated gameplay. So why aren’t more studios embracing the technology?

Machine Learning in Advertising

Moloco’s Sunil Rayan says sustaining performance for advertisers is a challenge when consumer behavior is changing. Driving optimal outcomes requires keeping models updated with real-time data.

How Project Management Unlocks Creative Solutions

BCG’s Ernesto Pagano and PMI’s Pierre Le Manh discuss how structured approaches in project management spark innovative and effective solutions.

Preparing for GenAI-Powered Chatbots

Consumers will increasingly use highly capable chatbots. BCG’s Ernesto Pagano says brands that rely heavily on mid-funnel search need to change how they allocate their advertising dollars.

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The 2024 TMT Value Creators Report: A Resurgent Sector Looks to Its AI-Powered Future

Value creation is back in fashion at TMT companies, with $15 trillion created over the past five years. AI is already making an impact.
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As GenAI Revolutionizes Product Discovery, Brands Need to Adapt

Consumers looking for products and services online are increasingly moving to the world of GenAI-powered platforms. Your brand needs to be there, too.
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Why Video Streamers Need to Rebundle

Offering consumers right-sized bundles of services can help media companies reduce the high churn of pay-as-you-go streaming media and move toward profitability.
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Secrets to Scaling GenAI in Information Services

BCG identified key barriers that info services providers face in developing GenAI products at scale—and outlines strategies to overcome them.
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Sustainability Data Is a Big Opportunity in Information Services

This vast sustainability ecosystem presents an immense opportunity for information services providers. Here’s how they can find the right niche.

Widening the Lens on Customer Experience

Many businesses excel when selling products in a traditional B2C context. But what about services? What about B2B? Helen Wilson of Ipsos and BCG’s Ernesto Pagano examine the wide world of customer experience in a new light, considering, for example, the roles played by ESG and social impact.