Meet the leaders joining WFS Hong Kong 2025

I am Tetsuya Aida. Responsible for Partner Business and Global Business at the J.LEAGUE and I am engaged in a wide range of tasks to promote the internationalization of the J.League from the business aspects. My previous job was as a foreign exchange trader at a Japanese bank. I am a big fan of QPR.

Dominican economist with nearly 20 years in sports & entertainment, founder of The Connect and co-founder of SPORTHINK. Former Euroleague Basketball executive and MD at a global sports marketing agency, he has led projects with NBA, LaLiga, MotoGP, MLB, FC Barcelona, and top brands like TAG Heuer, BMW, Adidas, and Red Bull. Member of the WFS Advisory Board and GSIC Mentorship Board.

With 25+ years in elite sport, Troy is a registered Sport Psychologist with a PhD from UNSW on expertise, skill acquisition, and error in skilled performance. He was NSW Institute of Sport’s first Performance Analyst, pioneering real-time video analysis. At Hudl for 12+ years, he has led support, training, and product management for Hudl Sportscode, now helping elite teams maximize performance through data-driven solutions.

Tim Bredbury, a former Hong Kong international footballer, is now Head of Sports and Events at Connexus Travel. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he represented the city in regional and international competitions and remains an inspiration for young athletes. At Connexus, he leads the integration of sports and events into the company’s portfolio, building partnerships and delivering impactful brand experiences in the sports sector.

Vincenzo is Managing Director for APAC at Canali, leading the growth of the Italian luxury menswear brand across the region. Previously, he built a long career at Kering in strategic and operational roles. With expertise in brand management, digital marketing, and consumer behavior, he has driven the positioning of premium brands in competitive markets. He also teaches digital marketing as an adjunct professor at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).

Clara is a Partner at LionRock Capital with deep expertise in finance, investment, and operations in the consumer sector. Previously, she was Group CFO at Bayshore Pacific Hospitality in Taiwan, and earlier held roles at Maxim’s Caterers as Head of Business Development and at GE Corporate Financial Services Asia as Associate Director. She holds an MBA from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a BA from the University of Toronto, and is a CFA charterholder.

Alan is the Managing Partner of Vectr Ventures, a global venture fund investing across industries tackling global issues and focused on creating cross-border growth. He was the founder of (acquired) iPiao, a nationwide ticketing startup in China. He is a board member of Burcon NutraScienceand ITC Properties. Alan started his career in IBD at Goldman Sachs and graduated from Duke University.

Matthew Cheetham is General Manager of AVIA’s Coalition Against Piracy, leading anti-piracy efforts for the video industry across Asia Pacific. A qualified lawyer with 20+ years in IP and copyright, he previously served as the Premier League’s Head of Business Affairs, APAC, where he opened and managed its first office outside the UK. Earlier, he spent a decade with the Motion Picture Association as Regional Legal Counsel and Policy Officer.

With 10+ years in the industry, CJ drives football development, international relations, and strategic planning with impact. From clubs to national and regional federations, and now at FIFA, CJ bridges local expertise with global vision.

Stephanie leads Juventus’ Asia-Pacific strategy, overseeing commercial growth, branding initiatives, and fanbase expansion across the region. With 18 years of experience in the sports industry, including the past decade specializing in expanding top European football clubs’ presence in Asia, she has a strong track record in building partnerships and driving business growth. She is passionate about leveraging the power of sport to connect communities and deliver meaningful impact across the region.

A seasoned leader in luxury hospitality, Michel Chertouh brings a global track record of transformative success. Since spearheading the dramatic revival and reopening of Regent Hong Kong, the hotel has received top industry accolades—including being named the #1 City Hotel in Asia and Hong Kong by Travel + Leisure, and Best New Hotel at the Tatler Hong Kong Awards. Named one of Hong Kong’s Best General Managers in 2025, Michel is recognized for his strategic vision, cultural fluency, and dedication to excellence.

Charles Cheung is the General Secretary of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China. With a strong background in football governance and event management, he plays a key role in overseeing the development and organization of football activities within the region. His expertise and leadership contribute significantly to the growth and success of Hong Kong football at both the administrative and competitive levels.

Club Executive of Golik North District FC, a Hong Kong Premier League team and family business he has led since 2016. Guiding the club from Division Three to the top tier in just seven years, he has overseen a remarkable journey of growth and resilience. With first-hand experience of Hong Kong football’s challenges and opportunities, he now shares insights on how the local game can influence and connect with the global football landscape.

Yuchen (Ethan) Feng is a Boston-based Chinese entrepreneur, podcaster, innovation mentor. Driven by his passion to connect East and West, he has 15 years of management experience in sports media and global education. Ethan is the host of Football Café Podcast, No.1 listened Chinese-language football podcast and China Sports Podcast of the Year 2024. As founder of Football Café Media, he helps clubs, leagues and brands around the world to connect with audience and opportunities in China.

Joel Fu (Yuan) is Head of Scouting & Analytics at Shenzhen Peng City FC, where he leads talent ID, recruitment, and match analysis to support player development and team performance. With a background in engineering and management, Joel combines academic rigor with field experience, having previously served as Technical Manager and First Team Coach at Shenzhen FC, and Technical Scout at Beijing Guoan FC.

50 years old, 30 years experience in the futbol industry. last 10 years in China working as a sports director at several clubs and the CFA. Bachelor in sports and fitness, UEFA PRO , master degree in sports psychology and master degree in teams management and leadership. Mentor and tutor with clubs , professional athletes, referees , coaches and federations.

Marlon is an Attorney at Law who is Called to the Bar in the UK and Grenada. He is also the President of the Grenada Football Association. Marlon is also a former national team player for Grenada.

With a strong foundation in football management and grassroots development, I am the General Manager of a professional football club competing in the Cambodian Premier League. My leadership focuses on fostering a high-performance culture, ensuring operational excellence, and driving sustainable growth within the organization.

Based in Shanghai, he is Regional Director of PR & Communications at Mailman, Asia’s leading sports digital marketing agency under IMG. With 14 years in China, he has built expertise across PR, brand development, client management, and journalism, positioning himself as a bridge between East and West in sports and media. Fluent in Mandarin, he helps global clients navigate complex markets while driving growth in Asia’s fast-evolving sports industry.

Based in Singapore, Masaaki is Managing Director of Asuene APAC, leading regional growth outside Japan. With prior roles at Meta, Google, and in manufacturing across Japan and Southeast Asia, he brings deep expertise in tech and business strategy. An ESADE MBA graduate, he’s certified in carbon accounting and GHG management, and is a recognized speaker at major ESG and sustainability forums in Asia.

Akina Ho is a business executive specializing in AI-driven digital transformation across retail, fintech, and real estate. She has led product management for a $1B unicorn in Hong Kong and held leadership roles in Silicon Valley, driving growth through AI, big data, SaaS, and mobile solutions. A thought leader in web3, Metaverse, NFTs, and blockchain, she is recognized for building innovative teams and delivering measurable business expansion globally.

Philip is a Founding Member and Managing Director of Primavera Capital, where he serves on multiple committees including Leadership, Investment, Strategy, and Sustainability. With prior experience in investment banking in Hong Kong and hedge fund management in San Francisco, he brings global financial expertise. He also holds board roles across for-profit and non-profit organizations and earned a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.

Hans Jagnow is Director of Team & Player Relations at the Esports World Cup Foundation, where he helped launch the 2024 Esports World Cup and leads key initiatives like the Club Partner Program and the New Global Sport Conference. Previously VP at ESL FACEIT Group, he managed the Louvre Agreement and international affairs. A lawyer by training, he was the first President of Germany’s esports federation and co-founded the European Esports Federation.

Jean-Baptiste Roy is Founding Partner at AST, specializing in investment and growth strategies across Sports, Health, Fitness, and Esports in Asia-Pacific. With 15+ years of experience in finance and capital advisory, he guides companies in leveraging regional opportunities. He mentors at global innovation hubs and lectures at top MBA programs. Jean-Baptiste holds an MSc in Corporate Finance and a Mandarin diploma from CUHK-Yale.

Pilar is Global Business Development Director at MEDIAPRO Group, where she has led international growth since 2014, including cross-border M&A. In 2019, she established the group’s wholly owned subsidiary in China to expand business lines in the market. With 30 years of experience across advertising, marketing, and sales, she has also taught postgraduate courses in audiovisual production and sports marketing at business schools in Spain.

Omar Johnson is the Founder of Øpus Intelligence, an AI-driven platform democratizing elite sports marketing. A former executive at Beats and Apple, where he helped drive Beats’ $3B acquisition and led global campaigns, he now provides athletes, teams, and leagues with the marketing intelligence once reserved for major brands like Nike and LVMH. His mission is to empower all levels of sport with world-class strategies to build global impact and recognition.

Board Member & Chief Global Strategy Officer at Kashima Antlers, a top J.League team. Since joining in 2011, he has led communications, commercial operations, and marketing, becoming one of the youngest board members in 2022. A FIFA Diploma in Club Management graduate, he has worked at multiple FIFA Club World Cups and oversaw press operations for Tokyo 2020.

Min Joo Kim is the Head of International Business Development at the Korea Professional Football League (K League), where she leads the league’s expansion across global markets through overseas marketing, media sales, sponsorship activations, and international partnerships. With over six years of experience in the sports industry, she previously oversaw the league’s media and broadcast operations, including global distribution and digital content strategy.

Andreas Kluy serves as Director of Marketing, Sales & Internationalization at traditional German club VfL Bochum 1848, driving the club’s growth on and off the pitch. Passionate about connecting football with fans, partners, and new markets, he leads initiatives that strengthen the club’s brand and expand its global reach. With his strategic vision, VfL Bochum continues to build meaningful partnerships and a vibrant international presence.

As General Manager of the Cambodian Premier League, he leads strategy, development, and stakeholder engagement for the league’s growth. He founded Life Football Club in Sihanoukville, winning Cambodian League 2 in its inaugural season and earning promotion. With experience at the LA Chargers, Liberty Football, CBU Athletics, USC, and Facebook Sports Partnerships, he blends global sports management and branding expertise to drive football’s unifying impact.

Pang Lee is a founding member of Cooley’s Hong Kong office. His legal practice includes all areas of partnership, corporate and securities law with a concentration on the organization and investment in private funds and strategic investments. He’s also a member of Cooley’s Sports+ initiative. Pang has worked closely with members of the Hong Kong start-up community cultivating its emerging companies ecosystem.

Based in Singapore, Echo Li is Global CCO at Dentsu Sports International, driving business growth worldwide. With 17+ years in sports marketing, she has led partnerships and fan engagement for AFC, UEFA, FIFA, F1, Manchester United, Atlético de Madrid, and more. Recognized as a Leaders Under 40 honoree, she served on the 2024 Cannes Lions Sport jury, championing a “think global, act local” approach.

Mr. Low is a leading entrepreneur and investor in media and entertainment. He co-founded Sixtypercent Studios and Bound Entertainment, producing acclaimed shows and films for Apple TV and Amazon Prime such as Dr. Brain and Newtopia. As Partner at Astrapto Capital, he has invested in Westbrook, Hyperice, and Planetside. He also sits on the boards of IMG China and Imagine Entertainment. Previously, he was CEO of Focus Media and Executive Director at Goldman Sachs.

Alicia Lui is the Founder and Interim Director of WISE. She founded WISE as a volunteer organization in 2017 with a few friends. In 2020 WISE received its tax-exempt status and from there on, Alicia has supported WISE to develop its programs to support underserved communities in Hong Kong to have access to sports and physical activity. Alicia is an avid sports person and enjoys all kinds of sports.

Saoud Maherzi is Head of Strategy & Development at Asia Partner, leading flagship projects like the CR7 LIFE Museum opening in July 2025 at K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong. With a background in venue management and brand partnerships, he specializes in transforming sports IPs into immersive, high-value fan experiences at the intersection of real estate, sport, and innovation.

Masaaki Matsuzawa is an Operating Partner specializing in strategy, operations, and capital solutions. He spent 14 years at Goldman Sachs as MD and COO of Asia M&A before moving to the NBA, where he was SVP of Global Strategy and CSO of NBA China, driving innovation across gaming, data, tech, and e-commerce. Most recently, he was Executive Director and President at Vobile. He holds an MBA from Wharton and a BA from Washington University.

Shannon Moloney, a former Tottenham Hotspur player, transitioned into coaching and became a key figure in the club’s partnership with AIA in Hong Kong. She has coached over 150,000 participants across 18 markets in Asia. Now Head of International Development in APAC, Shannon leads one of the Premier League’s most impactful global outreach programs, driving football development and fan engagement throughout the region.

Pedro Moreira dos Santos is Commercial & Business Development Director at Polaris Sports, part of Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute Group. With 18+ years at the company, he has built global partnerships for stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal, James Rodríguez, José Mourinho, and João Félix. His expertise in image rights, sponsorships, and sports marketing has driven impactful campaigns and strengthened Polaris as a leader in athlete-brand partnerships.

Technical Director of Hong Kong , China Football Association, Academy Manager Brighton and Hove Albion 10 years, Player development manger and national youth team coach – Republic of Ireland, first team coach – Peterborough United

Jessica is Managing Director (Business and Legal) at Kitchee, with 12+ years in sports business, marketing, and events. A FIFA Diploma in Club Management candidate, she holds Master’s degrees in Sports Law and an EMBA. She’s led major matches in Hong Kong featuring clubs like Arsenal and Man Utd, guided Kitchee Academy to AFC two-star status, and drives youth development, partnerships, and community-based venue strategies.

With 20 years in elite European football, including senior leadership at the UEFA Champions League and Everton FC, he has built a strong global network across Europe, APAC, and MENA. Now focused on shaping Asian sport, he integrates AI, technology, and entertainment to drive growth. As a public speaker, he shares insights on innovation and leadership at global events, aiming to inspire future generations and elevate the future of sport.

Based in Hong Kong, Ewan Ross brings a varied background in finance, sport, and emerging technology. With a career spanning Africa, India, and China, Ewan has cultivated a deep understanding of global business dynamics and how sport plays a vital but varying role across cultures. He is particularly skilled in nurturing high-performance teams and driving strategic, culturally attuned commercial solutions for a range of clients, from emerging startups to established Fortune 500 companies.

With 17 years in elite sport, Tim began as a physiotherapist in Australia before specializing in NBA biomechanics in the US. He joined Hudl in 2013, driving sales with Australia’s top federations, and since 2017 has led Hudl’s growth across Asia. Based in Singapore, he has built high-performing teams in China, Japan, Korea, and Singapore, and forged strategic partnerships with major football federations and leagues across APAC.

Adil Saxena is VP at Asia Sports Tech and a global sports business strategist. With experience at Yum! and FC Barcelona, he now advises federations, clubs, leagues, and investors on growth, tech, and commercialization. He has guided projects with Hyrox in APAC, Tier One Entertainment, and Global Chess League champions Triveni Continental Kings. A frequent speaker, he focuses on building fan-centric revenue models and impactful partnerships to scale sports globally.

Worked in professional sports for nine years including a PhD with the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby program before launching Gemini Sports with the vision of being Moneyball in a Box. From Boston and based in Miami.

John Sharkey is CEO of Kai Tak Sports Park, one of the world’s largest sports infrastructure projects. He leads its design, construction, and pre-opening phases, blending sports, retail, and entertainment. Formerly EVP Europe at ASM Global, he launched major venues across the UK and Europe. As CEO of the Scottish Exhibition Centre, he oversaw the SSE Hydro Arena. A proven leader in venue development, Sharkey sets gold standards in global sports and entertainment infrastructure.

Richa Singh is Co-Founder of Spectatr.ai, a UK-based company revolutionizing sports content through AI. The platform delivers real-time highlights, multilingual commentary, and personalized fan experiences at scale. She recently led a successful Series B round backed by Peak XV, Info Edge, and Alpha Wave. An IIT Kharagpur and IIM Ahmedabad alumna, Richa leads a 50+ team of experts from Dubai, driving innovation and global expansion in sports tech.

Vicky, SVP, Regional Director, Asia, leads the Asia business for Wasserman, connecting fans and brands to passion-points in sport, music, entertainment and culture. Her focus is on building the business, team and Wasserman’s clients; working with global brands and rightsholders that want to grow in Asia, and local brands that want to expand globally. Throughout her time in the industry Vicky has spearheaded the creation of many global creative campaigns and brand strategies that lean into people’s passion-points.

Michael Sun is EVP of LaLiga Greater China, leading strategy, innovation, and business growth across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. With 30+ years in sports and media, he was previously MD of Eleven Sports Taiwan, CEO of SlamBall China, and MD of IMG China, where he co-founded the landmark CCTV-IMG joint venture. He has raised over US$100M and built transformative cross-border partnerships in sports, media, and technology.

Martin Thiess is General Manager China for Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach since september 2017. In 2018, the club officially started local operations in China, opened an office and has been conducting manifold sportive and commercial projects ever since and sustainably grew its brand locally. Martin Thiess holds a university diploma in East-Asian Studies, majoring in economics and political science.

Luc is Head of International Business at FC Bayern Munich, overseeing offices in New York, Shanghai, and Bangkok. After graduating from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, he began his career in finance before joining Bayern’s International Strategy team in 2015. From 2021 to 2024, he served as Executive Assistant to the club’s CFO and CMO, playing a key role in global market expansion.

Peggy comes with a wealth of expertise and experience in the sports industry having worked in the public sector for more than 10 years. Her key focus areas are in sports management, events management, leadership & organization development, athlete management and use of sports technology for industry transformation. Peggy belongs to the pioneering batch that set up Singapore Sports School.

I proudly represents Joma Sports as its official ambassador in Hong Kong. With a deep commitment to promoting performance-driven sportswear and inspiring active lifestyles, it bridges global innovation with local energy. Whether engaging with athletes, hosting community events, or showcasing Joma’s cutting-edge gear, I embody the brand’s spirit of resilience and style. Based in Hong Kong, we continue to elevate the region’s sports culture through dynamic outreach and authentic representation.

Sergi has been been working in Sports Marketing in GChina for the last 20 years and the last decade as a Managing Director of LaLiga in the territory, leading the development of the lesgue in the territory. With a deep expetize in media and commrrcial partnerships, he has driven LaLiga as a top property in the region.

Takao Toshishige is a distinguished figure in the sports business world. After spearheading the creation of Rakuten’s sports business, he served as the former representative of City Football Group (CFG) in Japan. He is currently the CEO of Deshima Football Consultancy and a co-owner of the Dutch second-division club, MVV Maastricht. His career highlights a successful transition from corporate leadership to direct club ownership, showcasing his deep expertise in international football management and development.

Portuguese entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the Asian market. Firmly convinced that Hong Kong is the gateway to Asia, bringing IPs and innovative concepts in the field of sports to Hong Kong and Mainland China. Chairman of Asia Partners and partner at Svenska Capital. ‘Making big things happen.’

Vien Tsang is a multifaceted sports professional with 15+ years’ experience as a creator, lecturer, commentator, host, and writer. She has collaborated with global platforms, clubs, and brands on projects including the Tokyo Olympics and Hangzhou Asian Games. Holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Hong Kong, she founded Dawn Kiddos Creative Studio, where she develops projects blending sociology, media, and sport.

I am one of the biggest football content creators in Hong Kong. jeh.vas on IG. With over 200,000 followers on all platforms, I would love to expand my horizon.

Souleymane Wague is the Founder & CEO of Block6, a next-gen entertainment company building IPs at the crossroads of sports, gaming, and culture. A graduate of Sciences Po Paris, he has over six years of experience designing strategies and ventures that move audiences across music, events, lifestyle, and sport.

Benjamin is heading BVB’s office in Shanghai which was established in 2017; Formerly he was leading the China business for league-opponent Bayer 04 Leverkusen and transferred to Borussia Dortmund. With his whole family coming from the area of Dortmund he was born with a black & yellow heart. With its presence in East Asia Borussia Dortmund is emphasizing its efforts to maintain the leader for youth football development and to be close to its magnificent fans & partners.

Crystal has dedicated 20 years to the property development industry, showcasing her expertise in launching new retail projects across mainland China and Hong Kong. Her notable achievements include the successful openings of K11 Musea and Kai Tak Sports Park. Crystal’s unique insight into integrating retail experiences with sports and entertainment events has set her apart in the industry, making her a visionary leader in creating dynamic and engaging spaces.

Philipp Wunderlich is Commercial Director at Red Bull Soccer Japan, leading the growth of RB Omiya. With over 15 years of experience in global sports, he focuses on strategy, brand positioning, and long-term revenue development. His background includes senior roles at Red Bull Global Soccer, FC Bayern, Liverpool FC, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation. He holds degrees from Northumbria University and German Sport University Cologne.

Satoshi “Guchi” Yamaguchi joined Vissel Kobe in 2024 after 20 years in Japan’s sports goods industry, with experience across Europe and North America. At Vissel Kobe, owned by Rakuten, he plays a key role in driving sustainable growth on and off the pitch. With the club celebrating its 30th anniversary and recent back-to-back J.League titles, he is focused on long-term success, innovation, and creating positive impact for Kobe and the wider Asian region.

Mr. Mike Yang Jui Kang has 18 years of N. America Market plus over 10 years of China Market successful track records in sports industry and sports technology innovation development; also has accumulated many Global and China’s top-notch Sports IP, resources, network, expertise and Know-Hows. Mr. Yang has founded several successful sports industry companies and hold executive positions in many world-class sports brands enterprises.

Danny Yeung is CEO, Chairman, and Co-Founder of Prenetics, a global health sciences company. A serial entrepreneur, he founded uBuyiBuy (acquired by Groupon) and later became CEO of Groupon East Asia. At Prenetics, he has led rapid growth, including a partnership with David Beckham for IM8 supplements, and launched a $20M Bitcoin treasury strategy. His vision positions Prenetics at the forefront of health innovation and blockchain adoption.

Rufio has delivered multiple landmark projects that have helped redefine sports engagement in China. He oversees an impressive portfolio of clients that includes Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea FC, the Qatar World Cup, UEFA, and the IOC – driving digital campaigns that resonate with millions of fans. His strategic vision has helped expand Mailman’s influence across global sports organisations.