Meet the leaders joining WFS Madrid 2025
Influential decision-makers gathered to design the football we need.
Confirmed speakers at WFS Madrid 2025
Confirmed speakers at
WFS Madrid 2025
Grace
Ahrens
Executive Director – Women in Soccer
Grace
Ahrens
Grace Ahrens is the Executive Director of Women in Soccer, an organization committed to creating opportunities for women and people with underrepresented gender identities who work (or want to work) in soccer. Growing up in Mexico and with over 10 years of experience in workforce development, branding and media, she brings a deep understanding of diversity and expertise in driving inclusive solutions.
Shayne
Allise
Founder & CEO – 3XV Sports
Shayne
Allise
Shayne Allise, a former pro athlete and founder of 3XV Sports, earned USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals by 25. Early on, she secured sponsorships by mailing photos and letters to brands. Her journey across the US, Europe, and the Middle East exposed inequities in sport, inspiring her to launch 3XV to empower future athletes and challenge traditional power structures.
Razan
Amoush
Football reporter and senior producer – Independent
Razan
Amoush
Razan is a seasoned football reporter and producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. Holding a Master’s degree in Public Policy, she brings a unique perspective to sports journalism, combining analytical skills with her passion for storytelling. Her love for football began before she even watched cartoons, shaping a lifelong dedication to the sport. Razan has worked extensively with international players, creating compelling content that showcases their journeys both on and off the pitch.
Rayde Luis
Baez
Founder & Chief Connections Builder – The Connect
Rayde Luis
Baez
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.
Greg
Baker
Chief Revenue Officer – Southampton Football Club
Greg
Baker
Greg Baker is currently Chief Revenue Officer at Southampton Football Club, leading the club’s Commercial teams, delivering their Ticketing, Hospitality, Catering & Events, Commercial Partnerships, Football Partnerships, Marketing, Content and Digital functions. A lifelong fan of the club, he has been with Saints for more than a decade, with the majority of that time spent as Chief Executive Officer of Saints Foundation, the club’s charity.
Greg
Bettinelli
Partner – The Chernin Group
Greg
Bettinelli
Greg Bettinelli is a Partner at TCG, investing in sports, media, and passion-led brands. Formerly at Upfront Ventures, he backed companies like GOAT and ThredUp. He was CMO at HauteLook (acquired by Nordstrom), held executive roles at Live Nation, and led StubHub’s acquisition while at eBay. He sits on several boards and holds a BA from the University of San Diego and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
Michael
Broughton
Sports Industry Consultant & Advisor
Michael
Broughton
“For over two decades Michael has worked across the top levels of sports, media, and technology. In addition to his role as an OTT Sports principal and co-host, he is also a partner at Acceleration Equity, based in London. He has served as a senior executive at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, responsible for its strategic relationships and investment strategy with big data and tech companies globally, while also supporting its emerging Gaming and eSports group.”
Carlos
Canto
CEO – SPSG Consulting
Carlos
Canto
Carlos Cantó has over 30 years of experience in sports and entertainment. Former VP at IMG and Lagardère Sports, he founded SPSG Consulting in 2016. He serves on the boards of AMKT and BStadium, was a board member at RC Deportivo, and teaches at ESADE, IE, and LALIGA Business School. He holds a BBA and MBA from ESADE and studied at HEC Paris through CEMS.
Fernando
Carro
CEO – Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH
Fernando
Carro
Fernando Carro has been CEO of Bayer 04 Leverkusen since 2018, leading the club to its first Bundesliga title in 2024, along with the DFB Cup, Supercup, and a Europa League final. He represents the Bundesliga as an ECA board member, sits on Bundesliga International’s supervisory board, and contributes to UEFA committees. Previously, he spent 24 years at Bertelsmann, including as CEO of Arvato, and served as international president of AIESEC.
Teresa
Carvi
Production Manager Director – Mediapro
Teresa
Carvi
I am a Produccion Manager and purpose-driven leader with over 25 years of experience in the sports media industry. As Head of Production at LaLiga’s international channel, I’ve led teams and projects that bring football’s emotion and complexity to the screen with creativity and coherence. My journey has expanded beyond production into exploring how sport, especially football, can become a platform for transformation: raising awareness, promoting ethical leadership, and reconnecting us with values that matter.
Valerio
Casagrande
Chief Financial Officer – Parma FC
Valerio
Casagrande
CFO with 15 years in football finance, holding roles at Parma Calcio and Italy’s Second Division League. Formerly with Deloitte and Protiviti, he brings expertise in auditing, consulting, and corporate finance. He is co-founder of Leap Sport Academy, as well as a lecturer and scientific coordinator for master’s and university programs. A frequent keynote speaker, he holds a Master in Accounting & Auditing and an Economics degree from Bocconi University.
Marco
Catellaneta
Marketing Director – Juventus
Marco
Catellaneta
Marco is Marketing Director at Juventus FC, overseeing brand, media, data, and innovation. With 15+ years in sports, entertainment, and digital media, he launched the Juventus Creator Lab, redefining storytelling and global partnerships. Previously, he held senior roles at DAZN, AC Milan, and Red Bull, and founded a sports content consultancy. A regular industry speaker, he drives strategies connecting content, technology, and fan engagement.
Arianna
Cattonaro
International Strategic Operations Manager – BusForFun.com
Arianna
Cattonaro
Arianna leads the international strategy of BusForFun, a smart mobility company driving eco-friendly travel solutions. She represents the firm at global fairs and panels, showcasing innovation in mobility and sport. With expertise in planning major international sporting events, she has worked with federations, institutions, and top brands. At WFS, she leverages her experience to moderate discussions that foster collaboration, innovation, and new opportunities in football.
Carlos
Cendra
Partner and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer – Mabrian
Carlos
Cendra
Partner & CMO at Mabrian, the global leader in Tourism Intelligence for Destinations, with 15+ years of leadership experience. Expert in applying AI and data analytics to optimize tourism strategy, sustainability, and efficiency. Specializes in global marketing and strategic management, frequently presenting at top events including UN Tourism Summits, ITB Berlin, and Arabian Travel Market, shaping the future of data-driven destination management.
Jara
Cisneros
Digital Director – Sevilla FC
Jara
Cisneros
Jara Cisneros is Head of Digital at Sevilla FC, with 15+ years of experience driving digital transformation in sports and gaming. She leads fan engagement, data strategies, and monetization across OTT, web, and mobile. A university professor at Rafa Nadal Sports UAX, Loyola, and LaLiga Business School, she also speaks at global forums like World Football Summit on fan experience and data integration.
Kristian
Dobrev
Deputy CEO – The Football Business Academy
Kristian
Dobrev
As Co-Founder and Deputy CEO of The FBA, Kristian has focused on using education as a platform to accelerate the professionalization of the football industry. With nearly 100 partnerships and hundreds of learners impacted, he and his team have positioned The FBA as a global leader in football business education.
Bernd
Fisa
Owner – Fisa Consultancy
Bernd
Fisa
Bernd Fisa, 54, is a sport political consultant specializing in football and Formula 1. The Austrian has advised the President of FIFA, served as press officer for F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher at Ferrari, and was instrumental in bringing UEFA EURO 2008 to Austria and Switzerland. For Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz, Fisa established the Red Bull Media House. He learned his craft at the Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport in Milan. Among other roles, Fisa advises the Saudi Pro League.
Roger
Forns
Technology & Innovation Director – RCD Mallorca
Roger
Forns
Roger Forns is Technology and Innovation Director at RCD Mallorca, driving the club’s digital transformation and smart stadium strategy. With 15+ years of international experience in consulting, tech, and sports, he previously served as Transformation Director at FC Barcelona and Senior Account Executive at Microsoft. His expertise spans fan engagement, data-driven decision making, and applying innovation to boost performance and long-term value.
Ricardo
Fort
Founder – Sport By Fort Consulting
Ricardo
Fort
Ricardo Fort is one of the most respected names in the global sponsorship business. As the only executive to lead the Global Sponsorship Departments of two FIFA and IOC sponsors – Visa and Coca-Cola – he successfully negotiated billions of dollars in sponsorship contracts with the International Olympic Committee, FIFA, UEFA, athletes, the NFL, Formula 1 and Formula 1 teams, and many other worldwide sports and entertainment properties.
Toshiki
Habutsu
President – Skylight Consulting Inc.
Toshiki
Habutsu
Toshiki Habutsu founded Skylight Consulting Inc. in 2000 after starting his career at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). Under his leadership, Skylight has expanded into global ventures, from sports management in Brazil to jewelry manufacturing in India and mobility services in Kenya. Alongside consulting and innovation, Habutsu teaches Applied Data Science at Sophia University, reflecting his commitment to business and education.
Adrian
Jacobs
Head of Football – World Sevens Football
Adrian
Jacobs
Adrian Jacob is Head of Football at World Sevens Football (W7F), leading the debut of its global women’s seven-a-side series in 2025. Formerly Executive Manager of Chelsea FC Women, he helped guide the club to seven WSL titles. With a strong business background from roles at The FX Boutique and Currency UK, Jacob now oversees competition operations, club engagement, and player relations, driving equity, innovation, and growth in women’s football.
Ben
Jacobs
Sports Broadcaster – TalkSPORT
Ben
Jacobs
Sports journalist with talkSPORT and GiveMeSport.
Lise
Klaveness
Football President – Norwegian Football Association
Lise
Klaveness
During a 14-year professional career, Lise Klaveness earned 73 caps for Norway and finished as a runner-up at UEFA Women’s EURO 2005. She also helped Swedish club Umeå FC reach the 2007 UEFA Women’s Cup final. While playing, she earned a master’s degree in law, subsequently working as an assistant judge in the Oslo district court and as a special adviser to Norway’s central bank.A return to football came in 2018 when Klaveness was named technical director at the Football Association of Norway (NFF).
Kike
Levy
Head of NJF Sports & Media
Kike
Levy
Kike Levy is an entrepreneur and sports media executive with over a decade of experience at the forefront of the sports, media, and technology intersection. He is currently leading NJF Sports and Media, a pioneering sports investment firm that connects visionary entrepreneurs, investors, and sports properties to redefine the industry.
Rafael
Louzán
President – Real Federación Española de Fútbol
Rafael
Louzán
Rafael Louzán Abal has been President of the RFEF since December 2024, after a decade leading the Royal Galician Football Federation. Known for his expertise in sports management, he drove the modernization and digital transformation of the Galician federation, significantly increasing its asset value. Earlier in his career, Louzán worked in public administration, bringing governance experience to his leadership in Spanish football.
Mafalda
Magalhães
Museum Director – FC Porto
Mafalda
Magalhães
Elias
Mastoras
Freelancer Trainer – GRiiiS
Elias
Mastoras
Elias is Legal Representative of GRiiiS and former IBSA Blind Football Chairman (2021–2024). He served as Technical Director for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Blind Football, delivering its most successful edition at the Eiffel Tower Stadium. Creator of the patented light-sound football, he leads the #ABallforAll campaign, distributing 35,000+ balls in 215 countries. A decorated referee, he has received top EU awards for inclusion and global leadership.
Jovin
Matovu
Chief Commercial Officer – Uganda Premier League
Jovin
Matovu
Matovu Jovin is the Chief Commercial Officer of the Uganda Premier League, where he oversees broadcast sales, sponsorships, and strategic commercial partnerships to drive the growth of Uganda’s top-tier football competition. With a strong background in media and advertising, he previously served as Business Manager at Nation Media Group, where he led commercial operations across multiple platforms.
Maheta
Molango
Chairman – PFA
Maheta
Molango
Maheta Molango is Chief Executive of the PFA, representing footballers in England. A former pro who played for Atlético Madrid, Brighton, Lincoln, Oldham, and Wrexham, he later became a top sports lawyer, advising stars like Antoine Griezmann and Mesut Özil. Fluent in five languages, he was twice ranked among Spain’s best sports lawyers. In 2016 he became CEO of RCD Mallorca, and in July 2021 was appointed to lead the PFA.
Peter
Moore
Owner – Santa Barbara Sky Football club
Peter
Moore
Currently the Owner of Santa Barbara Sky Football Club, Peter Moore brings his vast experience from many leadership roles in major sports and entertainment brands like Liverpool FC, EA Sports, etc to the local football scene. His passion now lies in building a successful and community-focused club.
Seiya
Nobuta
Executive Director – J. League Europe
Seiya
Nobuta
After working in Wall Street, started working in the football industry to pursue the passion. Now working for J. Leageu Europe focusing on bridging the gap betwen Japanese football and European one.
Óscar
Ocaña
Chief Marketing Officer – PRISA MEDIA
Óscar
Ocaña
Oscar is CMO at PRISA Media, the largest Spanish-language media group. With a degree from CUNEF and a Master in Marketing Strategy from the University of Sydney, he built his career at Diageo, becoming Marketing Director for Johnnie Walker in Europe. He later served as CEO of FCB&FiRe and co-founded a TV documentary company. He’s also President and Co-founder of Best Buddies Spain, supporting youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Vasily
Odintsov
CFO – FC Zenit
Vasily
Odintsov
Big4 experience before sports
Pedro
Parellada
CEO – DruID
Pedro
Parellada
Computer engineer. Entrepreneur. As CEO of DruID, I lead an innovative company that offers a unique solution in the market, fully integrating the management of the identity of fans and members (CIAM) with the advanced management of their activity and behavioral data (CDP), all under the same secure and scalable environment offering a differential value to organizations. DruID operates globally with clients in Retail, Sports, Leisure, FMCG, Fintech…
Lorin
Parys
CEO – Pro League
Lorin
Parys
Lorin Parys is CEO of the Belgian Pro League, leading its strategic vision, operations, and stakeholder engagement while promoting innovation, integrity, and sustainability in Belgian football. With 15+ years of leadership in law and business, he also sits on the boards of European Leagues and the World Leagues Association, chairs the Belgian Brewers Federation, and lectures at KU Leuven, driving growth and inclusion in the game.
Pedro
Pinto
CEO – Empower Sports
Pedro
Pinto
I am the founder and CEO of a sports communications agency called Empower Sports. We advise athletes, coaches, clubs, sports organisations and brands on communications, PR and digital content. I currently also work with ELEVEN in Portugal, as a presenter and executive producer of content.
Before starting my own business, I worked in the sporting industry for 20 years as a journalist, broadcaster and communications director, mostly with CNN and UEFA respectively.
Grant
Russell
Marketing Lead – West Ham United Football Club
Grant
Russell
Grant specialises in growing sports properties through brand, marketing and storytelling strategies. He is currently with West Ham United in the English Premier League, focusing on expanding the club’s supporter base and revenue streams, both locally and internationally. Additionally, Grant has provided advisory services to teams and players in other major European leagues.
Dimitrios
Sakellaris
Founder & CEO – Statathlon
Dimitrios
Sakellaris
Dimitrios Sakellaris is the CEO and co-founder of Statathlon, a pioneering company in sports analytics and AI, specializing in injury prevention and performance optimization for elite football and basketball. Under his leadership, Statathlon has partnered with some of the biggest clubs and federations in Europe, contributing to European championship titles and shaping the future of data-driven decision-making in elite sport.
Raúl
Sanllehí
President of Football Operations – Inter Miami CF
Raúl
Sanllehí
Raúl Sanllehí, with nearly 30 years in football leadership, is President of Football Operations at Inter Miami CF. He began at Nike before joining FC Barcelona, where as Director of Football he contributed to one of the club’s golden eras. Later, he became Arsenal’s Head of Football, overseeing operations and strategy. From 2022–2024, he served as CEO of Real Zaragoza. In July 2024, he brought his global expertise to MLS with Inter Miami.
Julio
Senn
Managing Director and Founder – Senn Ferrero Sport & Entertainment
Julio
Senn
Julio Senn began his career at Arthur Andersen before joining Grupo Prisa’s AS newspaper in 1998. In 1999 he became General Manager of Real Madrid, leading its reorganization. Later, he joined Garrigues as Partner of Sports & Entertainment. In 2011, he co-founded Senn Ferrero Asociados, today Europe’s largest boutique specialized in sports and entertainment advisory. He is also an auditor (ROAC) and member of the Colegio de Economistas de Madrid.
Nozibusiso
Sibiya
TV, Radio and Multimedia Journalist – SABC Sport
Nozibusiso
Sibiya
Nozibusiso Sibiya is an accomplished multimedia, radio, and TV sports journalist with a passion for storytelling. She studied journalism at the Durban University of Technology and began her career with Cosmopolitan Magazine. Nozibusiso excels in connecting with audiences through various platforms, including content creation on Instagram, as well as MC’ing, moderating, and speaking at high-profile events. Notably, she was the only Africa-based journalist to contribute to Manchester United’s 2019/20 yearbook.
Zubair
Timol
Partner & Global Vice President, Culture- Meltwater
Zubair
Timol
Zubair Timol brings a diversified background in tech, communications, consulting, law, sports, and luxury. With a career spanning multiple continents—including stints in Singapore, Amsterdam, and Cape Town—Zubair has cultivated a deep understanding of global business dynamics. 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.
Jenna
Trabulus
Chief Business Officer – Next League
Jenna
Trabulus
Jenna Trabulus is Chief Business Officer at Next League, driving commercial growth in women’s sports, emerging leagues, and tech/media partnerships since 2024. She previously led client strategy with NASCAR and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Passionate about innovation, Jenna champions athlete empowerment, fan-first platforms, and disruptive tech, reinforcing Next League’s vision at the intersection of sports, culture, and commerce.
Ion
Vilcu
Director, Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration Department – UN Tourism
Ion
Vilcu
Ambassador Ion Vilcu has served since 2018 as Director of Affiliate Members & Public-Private Collaboration at UN Tourism. A Romanian career diplomat, he was Ambassador to Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile, and previously Secretary of State and Head of Protocol of Romania. From 2011–2016, he was Romania’s Permanent Representative to UNWTO. He also teaches International Relations at Nebrija University in Madrid and is fluent in Spanish, English, and Romanian.
Grace
Ahrens
Executive Director – Women in Soccer
Grace
Ahrens
Grace Ahrens is the Executive Director of Women in Soccer, an organization committed to creating opportunities for women and people with underrepresented gender identities who work (or want to work) in soccer. Growing up in Mexico and with over 10 years of experience in workforce development, branding and media, she brings a deep understanding of diversity and expertise in driving inclusive solutions.
Shayne
Allise
Founder & CEO – 3XV Sports
Shayne
Allise
Shayne Allise, a former pro athlete and founder of 3XV Sports, earned USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals by 25. Early on, she secured sponsorships by mailing photos and letters to brands. Her journey across the US, Europe, and the Middle East exposed inequities in sport, inspiring her to launch 3XV to empower future athletes and challenge traditional power structures.
Razan
Amoush
Football reporter and senior producer – Independent
Razan
Amoush
Razan is a seasoned football reporter and producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. Holding a Master’s degree in Public Policy, she brings a unique perspective to sports journalism, combining analytical skills with her passion for storytelling. Her love for football began before she even watched cartoons, shaping a lifelong dedication to the sport. Razan has worked extensively with international players, creating compelling content that showcases their journeys both on and off the pitch.
Rayde Luis
Baez
Founder & Chief Connections Builder – The Connect
Rayde Luis
Baez
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.
Greg
Baker
Chief Revenue Officer – Southampton Football Club
Greg
Baker
Greg Baker is currently Chief Revenue Officer at Southampton Football Club, leading the club’s Commercial teams, delivering their Ticketing, Hospitality, Catering & Events, Commercial Partnerships, Football Partnerships, Marketing, Content and Digital functions. A lifelong fan of the club, he has been with Saints for more than a decade, with the majority of that time spent as Chief Executive Officer of Saints Foundation, the club’s charity.
Greg
Bettinelli
Partner – The Chernin Group
Greg
Bettinelli
Greg Bettinelli is a Partner at TCG, investing in sports, media, and passion-led brands. Formerly at Upfront Ventures, he backed companies like GOAT and ThredUp. He was CMO at HauteLook (acquired by Nordstrom), held executive roles at Live Nation, and led StubHub’s acquisition while at eBay. He sits on several boards and holds a BA from the University of San Diego and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
Michael
Broughton
Sports Industry Consultant & Advisor
Michael
Broughton
“For over two decades Michael has worked across the top levels of sports, media, and technology. In addition to his role as an OTT Sports principal and co-host, he is also a partner at Acceleration Equity, based in London. He has served as a senior executive at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, responsible for its strategic relationships and investment strategy with big data and tech companies globally, while also supporting its emerging Gaming and eSports group.”
Carlos
Canto
CEO – SPSG Consulting
Carlos
Canto
Carlos Cantó has over 30 years of experience in sports and entertainment. Former VP at IMG and Lagardère Sports, he founded SPSG Consulting in 2016. He serves on the boards of AMKT and BStadium, was a board member at RC Deportivo, and teaches at ESADE, IE, and LALIGA Business School. He holds a BBA and MBA from ESADE and studied at HEC Paris through CEMS.
Fernando
Carro
CEO – Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH
Fernando
Carro
Fernando Carro has been CEO of Bayer 04 Leverkusen since 2018, leading the club to its first Bundesliga title in 2024, along with the DFB Cup, Supercup, and a Europa League final. He represents the Bundesliga as an ECA board member, sits on Bundesliga International’s supervisory board, and contributes to UEFA committees. Previously, he spent 24 years at Bertelsmann, including as CEO of Arvato, and served as international president of AIESEC.
Teresa
Carvi
Production Manager Director – Mediapro
Teresa
Carvi
I am a Produccion Manager and purpose-driven leader with over 25 years of experience in the sports media industry. As Head of Production at LaLiga’s international channel, I’ve led teams and projects that bring football’s emotion and complexity to the screen with creativity and coherence. My journey has expanded beyond production into exploring how sport, especially football, can become a platform for transformation: raising awareness, promoting ethical leadership, and reconnecting us with values that matter.
World Football Summit Speakers
World Football Summit
Speakers
Since 2016, WFS has welcomed the football industry leaders who are shaping the future of football
World Football Summit Speakers On stage
World Football Summit Speakers
On stage
