Meet the leaders joining WFS Madrid 2026
Senior decision-makers from across the football industry,
Senior decision-makers from across the football industry, bringing
bringing diverse perspectives and expertise.
diverse perspectives and expertise.
Speakers
WFS MADRID 2026
René
Abril
IT and Digital Development Director | Club Atlético de Madrid
René
Abril
René Abril is IT and Digital Development Director at Atlético de Madrid. A Telecommunications Engineer, he spent two decades in broadcast and audiovisual, including 16 years at Mediapro. Since joining Atlético in 2016, he has led the club’s technology strategy, from IT infrastructure and stadium systems to digital platforms and innovation. He played a key role in the technological development of the Metropolitano and held top technical responsibility at the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final.
David
Aganzo
President | AFE (ASOCIACION DE FUTBOLISTAS ESPAÑOLES)
David
Aganzo
President AFE, President AIF Fútbol, Vicepresident RFEF, Sports director RFEF, Ex-footballer.
Andrea
Albertoni
Co-Founder | Dfend Group
Andrea
Albertoni
Andrea Albertoni is an international entrepreneur and insurance professional specialising in Special Risks. He has extensive experience in business development, client advisory and bespoke insurance solutions, particularly across Sports & Entertainment. His international background includes Switzerland and Luxembourg, working with athletes, artists, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth clients. He is currently developing a specialised Special Risks brokerage focused on international clients.
Mai
AlHelabi
CEO | AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Local Organising Committee
Mai
AlHelabi
Mai Alhelabi is CEO of the Local Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, leading preparations for the Kingdom’s first hosting of the tournament. Previously Deputy CEO, she has held senior roles at the Ministry of Sport and contributed to the delivery of more than 100 international sporting events across Saudi Arabia. She now oversees the strategic and operational delivery of the tournament, working with local and international stakeholders.
Salvador
Alonso
Sports Director | FIA (Fenwick Iribarren Architects)
Salvador
Alonso
Salvador Alonso is FIA’s Sports Director and a key reference for sports-related projects. With over 20 years at the studio, he has extensive experience in the design and development of major sports facilities and deep knowledge of UEFA and FIFA regulations. He has led projects including Nou Mestalla, José Zorrilla Stadium and José Alvalade Stadium, combining strategic vision, technical expertise and operational requirements to deliver high-quality sports venues.
Dorcas
Amakobe
Executive Director | Moving The Goalposts
Dorcas
Amakobe
Dorcas Amakobe is Executive Director of Moving The Goalposts, a sport-for-development organization advancing the rights and well-being of girls and young women in Kenya. With over 20 years in the NGO sector, she specializes in gender equality, child protection, youth empowerment and community development. A trained social worker and counsellor, she serves on boards including Common Goal and the Centre for Sport and Human Rights.
Razan
Amoush
Producer , Football reporter
Razan
Amoush
Razan is a seasoned football reporter and producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. With a Master’s degree in Public Policy, she combines analytical insight with a passion for storytelling. She has worked extensively with international players, creating content that highlights their journeys on and off the pitch. A lifelong football enthusiast, Razan continues to share stories that connect and inspire fans around the world.
Nacho
Asensio
CEO & Founder | Matinal
Nacho
Asensio
Nacho is CEO and co-founder of MATINAL, a Madrid-based creative studio working at the intersection of football, fashion and culture. Founded as a collective around a Sunday-league team, MATINAL became a studio in 2022 and has worked with adidas, Airbnb, European clubs and artists including Aitana and Duki. Nacho focuses on the business side of creative work, helping clubs structure briefs, ownership and approvals. MATINAL has been WFS Creative Partner since 2026.
Rayde Luis
Baez
Founder | The Connect | SPORTHINK
Rayde Luis
Baez
International sports and entertainment executive with nearly 20 years of experience in global partnerships, digital transformation and consumer-led growth. Dominican-born with a career across Europe, EMEA and the Americas, he has worked with organizations including ESPN, Turkish Airlines, Euroleague Basketball, adidas, Rakuten, the New York Yankees and Palladium Hotel Group. His expertise spans sports, media, technology, advertising and international expansion.
Bruno
Bertolotti
Brand & Production Director | Late Checkout
Bruno
Bertolotti
Production Director at Late Checkout, a Madrid-based clothing brand and creative studio. My role spans product development and production, while also contributing to the creative and design process across the brand’s projects. Alongside Late Checkout, we also work independently on football-related creative projects, including design work for RC Celta.
Marijn
Beuker
Sporting Director / Chief Football Officer | On Sabbatical
Marijn
Beuker
Marijn Beuker is a football executive and Sporting Director with 20+ years of experience in professional football. He most recently served as Director of Football at AFC Ajax, after leadership roles at Queen’s Park FC and AZ Alkmaar. His work focuses on building integrated sporting organisations, high-performance environments, talent development and squad strategy. He is currently on sabbatical, exploring global sporting cultures and high-performance models to bring new insights back into football.
Chad
Biagini
President | Excel Search & Advisory
Chad
Biagini
Serves as the global President of Nolan Partners, the world’s leading retained executive search firm for sports, media, and entertainment. The firm specializes in recruiting board members, C-level executive , and Vice Presidents for the top clubs, leagues, federations, broadcasters, gaming developers, sports bettors, and brands.
Chris
Bird
Advisory Committee Member | 1XCare
Chris
Bird
Chris Bird is a senior communications and business leader with more than 40 years of experience across media, sport, PR and corporate communications. Throughout his career, he has held executive and advisory roles with organisations including Manchester City, JD Sports, Sports Tours International and the Raheem Sterling Foundation. He has also advised leading figures and brands across sport, media and entertainment, with extensive expertise in leadership, integrity, communications and governance.
Claire
Bloomfield
Managing Director | Ayresome International
Claire
Bloomfield
Claire Bloomfield is an award-winning women’s football expert with nearly 20 years of experience. She is Managing Director of Ayresome International and Chief of Football Affairs and Governance at World Sevens Football. Previously, she spent over five years as ECA’s first Head of Women’s Football, leading major strategic, governance and competition reforms and launching Be a Changemaker, ECA’s inaugural women’s football strategy. She began her career as a football journalist in England.
Alexander
Bodo
CEO | PACETEQ GmbH
Alexander
Bodo
Alexander Bodo knows what it takes to win at the highest levels of sport. As former Head of Strategy at Mercedes-Benz, he helped shape championship-winning programmes across Formula E and DTM. In 2019, he founded PACETEQ GmbH — now the fastest-growing AI software company in international motorsport, serving 60+ employees, 50+ teams across Formula E, WEC, DTM, and the E1 Series, and generating €4M+ in revenue. Today, Alexander is bringing that same competitive DNA to football. Selected for UEFA Champions Innovate 2
Taoufik
Bounhar
Global Head of Credit Solutions Trading | J.P. Morgan
Taoufik
Bounhar
Nuno Sousa
Cabral
Head of Alternative Credit Distribution for Continental Europe | J.P. Morgan
Nuno Sousa
Cabral
Scott
Cairns
Senior Commercial Partner | Leyton
Scott
Cairns
Scott Cairns is a Senior Commercial Partner at Leyton UK, helping businesses identify and understand the innovation taking place within their organisations. His work connects technical advancement with commercial strategy, from new technologies and data to science and specialist suppliers. At WFS, Scott explores how clubs and partners can recognise innovation, translate it into strategic value and support investment through the wider funding landscape.
Romina
Calatayud
CEO | Girls United
Romina
Calatayud
Romina Calatayud is the Founder & CEO of Girls United, an organisation using football to advance gender equality. Inspired by her own experience growing up in Mexico City, she founded Girls United in 2017 to expand access, confidence and community for girls through sport. Since then, the organisation has reached more than 9,000 girls and women in Mexico and London and now has an international team of 30+ people.
Luis Miguel
Calvo
Head of KNOT | KNOT – YOU FIRST
Luis Miguel
Calvo
Founder and Director at KNOT | Head of Content at You First by GERSH
As a media executive and entrepreneur, Luis operates at the intersection of sports, television, and advertising. With over two decades of international experience, he excels in building digital and content teams while managing robust P&L and financial strategies. Backed by a PhD in Audiovisual Communications, Luis is a recognized industry leader, guest lecturer, and an Emmy®-winning producer dedicated to delivering premium, client-driven results.
Steve
Calzada
Co-fundador de Post United | Grupo PRISA
Steve
Calzada
Steve Calzada es creador de contenido y emprendedor digital especializado en fútbol. Comenzó en YouTube con 16 años y alcanzó los 250.000 suscriptores. Tras colaborar con influencers y asesorar a empresas en marketing, cofundó Post United, medio digital de fútbol con más de 14 millones de seguidores y actualmente parte de PRISA. También es creador y presentador de El After de Post United, un pódcast de entrevistas a futbolistas y profesionales del sector.
Mike
Carlson
Head of the Public Finance Infrastructure Group | J.P. Morgan
Mike
Carlson
Fran
Carrillo Guerrero
CEO | La Fábrica de Discursos
Fran
Carrillo Guerrero
Consultor experto en estrategia de comunicación, política y asuntos públicos, además de conferenciante, formador y profesor universitario. Ex senador y diputado, ha diseñado estrategias de discurso y oratoria para campañas en España, México, Ecuador, Venezuela y EE. UU. Ha entrenado a candidatos, presidentes, directivos y empresarios. Entre sus reconocimientos destacan el Premio Excelencia 2012 de la UC3M y dos Victory Awards como Consultor del Año y Mejor Consultor de Medios.
Teresa
Carvi
Executive Producer- international sports content | Grup Mediapro
Teresa
Carvi
Executive Producer – International Sports Content with 25+ years in sports media. He spent over 15 years at Mediapro / LaLiga, including eight leading the LaLiga TV International network. Today, he develops global content and production projects for sports properties, broadcasters and platforms. His expertise spans content strategy, creative development and production, combining storytelling, team leadership, operational efficiency and international market experience.
Francis
Casado
Co-founder & Chief Revenue Officer | 3D DIGITAL VENUE
Francis
Casado
20 years’ experience and entrepreneur in mobile monetization, VR, AR, social media and sports fan engagement platforms. CS Studies and Associate Prof at Pompeu Fabra University for 15 years. MBA from Ramon Llull University/Manhattan College.
Cristina
Casanova
Responsable de Gestión Estratégica de Infraestructuras y Operaciones | Real Club Deportivo de A Coruña
Cristina
Casanova
Profesional especializada en operaciones de fútbol, infraestructuras y gestión estratégica de estadios. Su experiencia abarca MatchDay, mantenimiento, obras, seguridad, producción audiovisual, hospitality, áreas comerciales y servicios al abonado. Como ex Directora de Partido de LaLiga, cuenta con una visión integral de la competición y la coordinación de múltiples stakeholders. Su enfoque busca transformar los estadios en activos capaces de generar valor los 365 días del año.
Marco
Castellaneta
Marketing Director | FINALSCORE
Marco
Castellaneta
Marco is Marketing Director at Juventus Football Club, where he leads Brand, Media, Data & Performance and Innovation, with responsibility for the club’s global marketing strategy and the Juventus Creator Lab.
Marga
Castro
Amplify Director | You First-Gersh
Marga
Castro
Marga is Amplify Director at You First-GERSH, a global entertainment and sports agency representing 5,000+ clients worldwide. She helps brands maximise the impact and return of their partnerships by designing measurement frameworks, ROI methodologies and collaboration models. Her expertise builds on extensive experience at WPP’s Mindshare, where she developed digital strategies for leading global and Spanish companies, turning media investment into measurable business impact.
Sebastián
Ceria
Director | Racing Innovai
Sebastián
Ceria
Sebastián Ceria is Director of Racing Innovai, a Real Racing Club company developing and commercialising football technology. He is also the club’s majority shareholder, board member and President of its Foundation. A mathematician with a PhD from Carnegie Mellon, he founded Axioma in 1998, later acquired by Deutsche Börse to create Qontigo, where he served as CEO until 2023. He is also a member of the US National Academy of Engineering.
Debbi
Christophers
Cultural and Public Diplomacy Attaché | British Embassy in Madrid
Debbi
Christophers
Debbi Christophers is the Cultural and Public Diplomacy Attaché at the British Embassy in Madrid. She leads programmes that strengthen UK-Spain collaboration across culture, sport, education and the creative industries – building partnerships between institutions and using culture and sport as tools to promote growth, inclusion and international cooperation.
Danny
Cortenraede
Founder & Managing Partner | InStudio Ventures
Danny
Cortenraede
Danny Cortenraede is a Los Angeles-based investor and entrepreneur. He is Founder and Managing Partner of InStudio Ventures and General Partner at leAD, investing across sports, media, technology and healthtech. With over 20 years of experience, he has built and scaled global companies and works with founders, investors and family offices as an investor, advisor and board member. He is also a judge on Unicorn Hunters and completed Harvard Business School’s Executive MBA (PLD).
Eduardo
Cosin
Presidente | C.D. Leganés
Eduardo
Cosin
Thibaut
Courtois
Co-Founder | NXTPLAY
Thibaut
Courtois
Thibaut Courtois is Co-Founder of NXTPLAY Capital, a sports investment and media platform spanning sports assets, startups and innovation ecosystems. A professional footballer and two-time Champions League winner, he co-founded the firm to position athletes as shareholders, not ambassadors.
Marcel
Cox
Commercial Director | Borussia Mönchengladbach
Marcel
Cox
Marcel Cox is Commercial Director & International Partnerships at Borussia Mönchengladbach, leading commercial growth, strategic partnerships and international business development. Previously, he held senior commercial roles at PUMA across European markets. With experience on both the brand and rights-holder sides, he focuses on building strategic, value-driven partnerships, high-performing commercial teams and sustainable growth.
Glenn
Craib
Consulting Operations Director | Leyton UK
Glenn
Craib
Dr Glenn Craib is Consulting Operations Director at Leyton UK, combining deep technical expertise with experience building and commercialising technology. He holds a doctorate from the University of Aberdeen and has founded tech businesses, served as CTO and held senior product roles. A named inventor on patented technologies, he brings an innovator’s perspective on R&D, product development and the funding mechanisms that support technological advancement.
Eddie
Cummings
Venue Planning Director | CBRE
Eddie
Cummings
Eddie is Venue Planning Director at CBRE, where he develops investment-ready business plans for stadium and arena projects. A Chartered Accountant, he began his career at Deloitte before moving into M&A and later joining Legends Global, where he led feasibility studies across Europe and Saudi Arabia. His experience includes projects for Real Madrid, Valencia CF, FC Porto, Real Betis, Wembley and Maracanã Stadium. Based in Madrid, he is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Pedro
De La Rosa
TEAM AMBASSADOR | Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team
Pedro
De La Rosa
Pedro de la Rosa is one of Formula One’s most experienced drivers and test drivers. His career spans Arrows, Jaguar, McLaren, Sauber, HRT, Ferrari and Jordan, alongside success in Japanese Formula 3, Formula Nippon and GT racing. He later served as technical and sporting advisor at Techeetah in Formula E. Since 2022, Pedro has been Team Ambassador for Aston Martin Aramco, sharing his extensive racing, technical and development expertise across the team.
Rafael De los Santos
De los Santos
Director de NFL España | NFL
Rafael De los Santos
De los Santos
Rafael de los Santos has been Country Manager of NFL Spain since October 2025, leading the league’s growth and positioning in the Spanish market. With 15+ years in sports, technology and digital transformation, he previously worked at AWS, FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Real Madrid CF, where he led digital strategy across web, mobile, social media and data. Earlier, he held senior roles at Microsoft, Amadeus IT Group and PRISA.
Ornella
Desiree Bellia
Director of Professional Football – Relations and Development | FIFA
Ornella
Desiree Bellia
Ornella Désirée Bellia is a senior international football executive, lawyer, author and lecturer with nearly two decades of experience across governance, business and stakeholder relations. Her career spans clubs, leagues, players and international institutions. After overcoming a life-threatening illness, she wrote The Game of Life, exploring resilience, identity, pressure and purpose. She also lectures in Sports Management and Sports Law and speaks internationally.
Kristian
Dobrev
CEO | The Football Business Academy
Kristian
Dobrev
Kristian Dobrev is Co-Founder and Deputy CEO of The Football Business Academy (The FBA), where he focuses on using education to accelerate the professionalisation of the football industry. Through nearly 100 partnerships and hundreds of learners impacted worldwide, he and his team have established The FBA as a global leader in football business education, connecting emerging professionals with industry knowledge, opportunities and an international network.
Laura
Du Ry
Head of Strategy & Communications | Estrella Football Group
Laura
Du Ry
Laura Du Ry is Head of Strategy & Communications at Estrella Football Group, where she helps turn ambitious clubs into sustainable, community-driven institutions. A former professional footballer who played for Ajax, Standard Liège and PEC Zwolle, and represented the Netherlands, she combines first-hand knowledge of the game with experience in tech startups. Today, she brings both worlds together to shape Estrella’s growth and story across Europe.
David
Dwinger
Co-founder & President | Estrella Football Group
David
Dwinger
Leading ve2ventures, a venture-building studio focused on sports and media technology, he develops innovative ventures at the intersection of sport and tech. He also co-founded Estrella Football Group, the first horizontal multi-club ownership model. Previously, he founded JOGO, an AI-driven youth football talent development platform using machine vision and sensor technologies, which was acquired by 433, the world’s largest football community, in December 2021.
Adrián
Espallargas
M&A reporter | The Madrid Ledger
Adrián
Espallargas
Adrián Espallargas is a Madrid-based freelance journalist covering M&A and private equity. He regularly works with Mergermarket, Debtwire and Spanish daily newspaper ABC. He is also the author of The Madrid Ledger, a substack newsletter covering the business of Real Madrid.
Simon
Evans
Founder/Editor | The Soccer Business
Simon
Evans
Simon Evans is the founder of The Soccer Business, a publication focused on the commercial side of football. A former Reuters and AFP journalist, he has covered the World Cup, Serie A, the Champions League, MLS and US sports from Europe and the United States. His career has also included work with CONCACAF. After decades reporting on football’s evolution on and off the pitch, he launched The Soccer Business in March 2025.
Robert
Faulkner
Chief Business & Communications Officer | Wrexham AFC
Robert
Faulkner
Rob Faulkner was appointed Chief Business and Communications Officer of Wrexham AFC in December 2024. A multilingual sports marketing and communications executive with over 25 years of experience, he has worked across agencies, federations, clubs and governing bodies. Before Wrexham, he held senior roles at the European Club Association, European Athletics, Inter Milan and UEFA, and began his career at Jardine PR working on Formula One and MotoGP.
Alberto
Fernandez
Business Director | Baskonia Alavés Group
Alberto
Fernandez
Business and sports executive with broad national and international experience across the sports industry. Currently Business Director at a major sports group with two top-division football clubs and a European level basketball team.
Specialized in leading teams and defining business strategies that drive growth, strengthen global positioning and connect sporting performance with long-term commercial value.
Ignacio
Fernández
Director la Fundación RACE | Fundación RACE
Ignacio
Fernández
Director de la Fundación RACE, de RR.II. y del Circuito de Madrid Jarama – RACE
CEO del Pabellón de España en Shanghai
Director General de la Fundación Madrid 2020
Consejero Delegado/CEO de Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau
Richard
Feuz
CEO | Grasshopper Club Zürich
Richard
Feuz
Richard Feuz is CEO of Grasshopper Club Zürich and a Swiss football executive with international experience across men’s and women’s football. He previously led Servette FC and Chicago Stars FC, where he oversaw organizational and sporting development. His expertise includes sustainable business models, high-performance environments and football professionalization. He is also an international speaker and FIFA expert on leadership, strategy and the growth of the women’s game.
Bernd
Fisa
Owner | FISA CONSULTANCY
Bernd
Fisa
Bernd Fisa is an internationally connected sports-business strategist and trusted advisor with over three decades of experience across football, Formula 1 and global business. He has worked with FIFA, UEFA, Red Bull and Ferrari, served as press officer for Michael Schumacher and advised figures including Cristiano Ronaldo and Sepp Blatter. Through FISA Consultancy, he supports investors and sports organisations on partnerships, internationalisation and business development.
Laura
Font
PR Manager Kilian Jornet | Kilian Jornet team
Laura
Font
Laura is a communications professional with extensive experience in the outdoor and endurance industries. For over a decade, she has worked alongside Kilian Jornet, supporting his communications strategy and managing his communication channels. Her experience also includes working with brands such as Strava, Zwift, Salomon, Coros and NNormal, as well as Olympic gold medallists Alberto Ginés and Oriol Cardona.
Juan
Fuentes Fernández
Co-Chair | Director | EBAN Sports | GSIC Powered by Microsoft
Juan
Fuentes Fernández
Juan is Director of the GSIC Powered by Microsoft Testing Lab, leading technology evaluation and open innovation initiatives across sport, entertainment and health. He connects sports organisations, investors and tech companies globally, and co-chairs EBAN’s sports investment committee. Previously, he spent nearly a decade leading LALIGA’s international expansion across Northern Europe and the Middle East. He has also advised and invested in startups worldwide.
Luis
García Abad
Managing Director | Madring
Luis
García Abad
Since 1998, he has built his career in Formula 1, managing Fernando Alonso for nearly two decades and working with figures such as Iker Casillas and Carlos Sastre. He specialises in attracting global sponsors and developing marketing and communication strategies for brands in F1, WEC and the Indy500. A philologist and skilled negotiator, he previously held senior roles in General Management, Marketing and Sales at LeasePlan and MITAC.
Marcos
García
Head of Partnerships | Substack
Marcos
García
Marcos García has over 15 years of international experience across Europe and the United States, building and scaling partnership frameworks across sports properties, publishers, creators, athletes, platforms and brands. His work focuses on sustainable, audience-led growth models that balance editorial independence with commercial scale. Over the past decade, he has also developed deep expertise in Spain’s digital media market, from social distribution to the creator economy and subscription models.
Miguel Ángel
Gil Marín
CEO | Atlético de Madrid
Miguel Ángel
Gil Marín
Miguel Ángel Gil has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Atlético de Madrid since 2002. Since joining the organization in 1993 as General Manager, he has successfully led the club to 12 domestic and international titles. In addition to his role at Atlético de Madrid, Mr. Gil is the First Vice President of LaLiga and an executive committee member of both UEFA and the EFC (European Football Clubs).
Magdalena
Giuria
Chief of Staff | Club Nacional de Football
Magdalena
Giuria
Magdalena Giuria is Chief of Staff to the Presidency at Club Nacional de Football, supporting sporting strategy, governance, commercial growth and infrastructure. She has led organisational redesign, senior sporting recruitment, revenue diversification and fan-engagement initiatives. She is also Executive Director of MontevideoTech Ventures. A Certified Public Accountant with an MBA and pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration, she focuses on building sustainable, professional football organisations.
Borja
Gómez
Head of Stadium Bowl Design | FIA – Fenwick Iribarren Architects)
Borja
Gómez
Borja Gomez is a key member of FIA’s stadium design team, with 15 years of experience across major sports projects. An expert in stadium functionality and design, he also specialises in developing digital tools for sports architecture. His portfolio includes Al Thumama Stadium, Stadium 974, the Health and Wellness Stadium and the Belgrade National Stadium bowl. He combines technical expertise with digital innovation to improve precision, efficiency and design processes.
Javier
Gómez Molina
Corporate Managing Director | LALIGA
Javier
Gómez Molina
Javier Gómez Molina has served as LALIGA’s Corporate Managing Director since October 2021, following an earlier tenure from 2013 to 2019. He led the introduction of LALIGA’s Economic Control system, which virtually eliminated clubs’ public debts and unpaid player claims. Previously, he worked at AC Talent Sports & Entertainment and held senior financial and executive roles at Valencia CF. He holds a Business degree and postgraduate qualifications in taxation.
Elvira
González-Vallés
Head of Brand | Common Goal
Elvira
González-Vallés
Elvira González-Vallés is a brand and communications leader working at the intersection of sport and social impact. Over the last decade at Common Goal, her work has focused on positioning the organisation as the home of football for good, bringing together community organisations, athletes, brands and the wider football industry around a shared vision, and using communications and campaigns to turn that vision into action.
John
Grabowski
CEO | Dagenham & Redbridge FC
John
Grabowski
Supporting the revival and driving growth at Dagenham & Redbridge FC.
Jurgen
Griesbeck
Co-Founder C_Lab | C_Lab
Jurgen
Griesbeck
Serial entrepreneur in Football for Good, Ashoka and WEF fellow, Inter-Connector and Catalyst for Radical Collaboration & Systemic Change, unlocking footballs full potential.
Arthur
Guisasola
Head of Sports Partnerships, UK | Substack
Arthur
Guisasola
Arthur Guisasola is Substack’s UK Head of Sports Partnerships, leading its sports business plan and growth strategy. With over a decade in the industry, he has negotiated partnerships with UEFA, FIFA, the IOC and other major rights-holders. Previously at TikTok and Atlético de Madrid, he began his career in sports journalism. He has been recognised by Leaders Under 40, Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe and Sport Industry Next Gen Leaders.
Helen
Hardy
CEO | FOUDYS
Helen
Hardy
Helen is a leading expert in women’s football. She founded the worlds first official womens football retailer in 2020 called Foudys. She went on to launch Manchester Laces in 2021 which quickly became the largest women’s football club in the city of Manchester, UK. Helen finished #6 on the BBC Women’s Hour Power List and has been thanked for her work in women’s football by having her face painted on the Wembley Stadium steps.
Craig
Hepburn
CEO Co-Founder | 1706 Studio
Craig
Hepburn
Craig Hepburn is an AI strategist and Perplexity Fellow with 20 years of experience across Microsoft, Nokia, Art Basel and UEFA. As UEFA’s Chief Digital Officer, he led major digital transformation across data, content and emerging technology. He now advises sports bodies, federations and rights holders on agentic AI and writes Ground Truth, exploring how organisations build lasting advantage through proprietary context, orchestration and intelligent systems.
Miguel Ángel
Hernández
CEO | FINALSCORE
Miguel Ángel
Hernández
Miguel Ángel Hernández is a sports business, digital and technology executive with 30+ years of experience. He spent eight years at Real Madrid C.F. as Media Director and International Development Director, contributing to the club’s digital strategy and global expansion. Since 2008, he has led FinalScore, advising clubs, athletes, brands and sports organisations. He is also a lecturer, LinkedIn Top Voice and advocate for innovation, digital transformation and AI in sport.
Jeroen
Huis in 't Veld
CEO – Co-Founder | XS2Event
Jeroen
Huis in 't Veld
A serial entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience across sports, travel and media, he founded his first international sports media company at 18 and later exited both that business and a sports travel agency. All his ventures, including XS2Event, were fully bootstrapped. He later co-founded XS2Event, a leading B2B platform for premium sports and entertainment ticketing, building long-term partnerships with Real Madrid, Manchester United, AC Milan and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix worldwide globally.
Pedro
Iriondo
CEO | FC Badalona Women
Pedro
Iriondo
Pedro Iriondo is CEO of FC Badalona Women, a Mercury13-backed independent women’s football club competing in Spain’s Liga F. At Olympique de Marseille, he served as Deputy General Manager and Board Member, while simultaneously leading the relaunch and professionalisation of the club’s women’s football section.
Ben
Jacobs
Sports Broadcaster | talkSPORT
Ben
Jacobs
Ben Jacobs is a senior football correspondent with talkSPORT and GiveMeSport as well as a Premier League commentator. Ben also works as a consultant focusing on strategy, fan engagement, digital growth and communications with a range of European football clients. Ben was educated at Oxford University in English.
Timm
Jäger
Chairman Digital Advisory Board | Eintracht Frankfurt
Timm
Jäger
Timm Jäger is Chairman of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Digital Advisory Board and CEO of its tech subsidiary, stackwork GmbH. He leads the club’s digital strategy and development of new business models. Eintracht Frankfurt won the WFS Award for Best Digital Transformation in 2022 and was named Bundesliga Digital Champion in 2025. Previously, he worked at Boston Consulting Group and BMW and was named among Sponsors magazine’s Top 40 under 40 in sports business.
Jon
Don-Carolis
Chief Revenue Officer | Fulham Football Club
Jon
Don-Carolis
Jon Don-Carolis is the Chief Revenue Officer at Fulham Football Club and a trustee for the club’s official foundation. He has over 20 years of experience in the commercial side of the sports industry
Kilian
Jornet
Athlete
Kilian
Jornet
Kilian Jornet is widely regarded as one of the greatest mountain athletes of all time, redefining limits in trail running, ski mountaineering and ambitious mountain projects. As co-founder of NNormal, he applies his experience and values to durable, functional and responsible products. He also advocates for mountain preservation and climate awareness, using sport, entrepreneurship and activism to inspire a more conscious and sustainable way of moving through the world.
Baptiste
Jourdan
CRO | EVENTORI
Baptiste
Jourdan
Baptiste Jourdan is Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of the Entertainment division at Wiremind, where he leads the go-to-market strategy, sales, and partnerships for EVENTORI. He has over 15 years of experience in software, digital, and entrepreneurship, including nearly 10 years as co-founder and CRO of Toucan. He joined Wiremind in 2026.
Michele
Kang
Founder and Chief Executive Officer | Kynisca Sports International
Michele
Kang
Michele Kang is a global football club owner, businesswoman and investor. She is Founder of Kynisca, a multi-club organisation dedicated to women’s football, and majority owner of Washington Spirit, OL Lyonnes and London City Lionesses. She also serves as Chairwoman & President of Olympique Lyonnais and Chairwoman & CEO of Eagle Football Group. Her work focuses on sporting excellence, infrastructure, innovation, commercial growth and long-term investment in women’s sport.
Elena
Karadzhova
International Consulting Director | Leyton Group
Elena
Karadzhova
Elena Karadzhova is International Consulting Director at Leyton Group, leading complex multinational innovation and non-dilutive funding engagements across 20+ markets. With expertise in international tax, R&D incentives and strategic consulting, she advises organisations on turning innovation into sustainable commercial value. Her work increasingly focuses on professional sport, connecting funding strategy with advances in science, technology, data, digital and engineering.
Gaspard
Le Roux
Head of Ticketing & CRM | Angers SCO
Gaspard
Le Roux
Head of Ticketing & CRM at Angers SCO, Gaspard has extensive experience in sports ticketing management, notably at ESTAC Troyes for nearly five years and with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He brings an operational and strategic perspective to fan experience at SCO.
Georgina
Leger
CEO | Flat Pink
Georgina
Leger
Georgina Léger is an entrepreneur and media executive specialising in sports content, digital and business. After nearly a decade at FC Barcelona, she moved into entrepreneurship and founded Flat Pink in 2023, scaling it into a profitable international agency. Her work combines creative expertise with an ROI-driven approach focused on sustainable growth, efficiency and measurable value. Under her leadership, Flat Pink has earned recognition for digital, social media and partnership activations.
Kike
Levy
Head of Gameday by NJF Holdings
Kike
Levy
Kike Levy is an entrepreneur and sports media executive with over a decade of experience across sports, media and technology. He has held roles at Real Madrid, Infront Sports & Media, Twitter and Meta, and is co-founder and CEO of Gameday by NJF Holdings, where he leads a portfolio including the Gameday Podcast, Lega Volley Femminile and CayoTV.
Maria Jose
López González
Abogada. Directora político, instItucional de AFE | SINDICATO DE FUTBOLISTAS AFE
Maria Jose
López González
Abogada. Maste de Derecho Deportivo. Miembro Cámara Agente FIFA. Miembro Comisión contra amaños y apuestas ilegales del Gobierno de España.
Vicky
Losada
Football Player | FC Badalona Women
Vicky
Losada
Vicky Losada is an FC Badalona Women player and former Barça captain. A La Masía graduate, she debuted for Barça’s first team at 15, became the first Spanish player to score at a Women’s World Cup in 2015, and captained Barça to its first Champions League title in 2021. After spells at Arsenal and Manchester City, she returned to Liga F with FC Badalona Women, where she now brings her experience, leadership and ambition to a project focused on growing women’s football.
Julio
Maldonado
Journalist | Content Creator – You First
Julio
Maldonado
Sports Journalist and Content Creator at Movistar Plus, COPE and YouTube channel owner: Mundo Maldini (+1,3M subs). More than 30 years in the Job and covered 6 World Cups, almost 20 Champions League finals and more.
Aki
Mandhar
Chief Executive Officer | Chelsea FC Women
Aki
Mandhar
Aki Mandhar is CEO and President of Chelsea FC Women and the first dedicated CEO appointed in the Women’s Super League. With 25+ years across advertising, journalism and digital media, she has led major transformation and growth initiatives. Previously COO of The Daily Telegraph and International GM at The Athletic, she helped drive its global expansion before its acquisition by The New York Times. She also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at STV Group plc.
Angela
Mantilla
Head of Programs | adidas Foundation
Angela
Mantilla
Angela Mantilla es Head of Programs en la adidas Foundation, donde lidera la estrategia global de programas e iniciativas que utilizan el deporte para impulsar inclusión, equidad e impacto social. Con más de una década de experiencia en sostenibilidad y desarrollo internacional, anteriormente ocupó cargos de liderazgo en adidas, incluida la dirección de Community and Social Impact. Es bióloga y cuenta con una Maestría en Gestión Sostenible de Recursos por la Technical University of Munich.
Elena
Mantilla
Directora General | Madrid Excelente
Elena
Mantilla
Elena Mantilla es directora general de Madrid Excelente y una directiva especializada en transformación, crecimiento y gestión de organizaciones complejas. Con más de 15 años de experiencia, combina el rigor financiero del sector privado con la gestión pública. Licenciada en ADE y Marketing por ICADE, ha trabajado en Daimler Mercedes Benz y fue directora financiera de SEPES. En Madrid Excelente ha impulsado un crecimiento del 360 % en nuevas certificaciones en tres años.
Ángel
María Villar
Ex Presidente RFEF
Ángel
María Villar
RFEF, FIFA, UEFA
Massimo
Marinelli
Operating Partner | Corrum Capital
Massimo
Marinelli
Massimo Marinelli is an Operating Partner at Corrum Capital and Founder of Berkida Ventures. He is also a Board Member of AC Monza. He advises investors, family offices and entrepreneurs on acquisitions, financing and transactions across sport, media, gaming and IP-led businesses. Previously, he was CEO and Managing Partner of Aser Ventures, overseeing assets including Leeds United, Eleven Sports, Creed Media and Neo Studios. Earlier, he spent 15 years in investment banking at UBS in London and New York.
Jake
Martens
Head of Commercial Planning | Brentford Football Club
Jake
Martens
Jake is a commercial strategy and partnerships professional at Brentford Football Club. As Head of Commercial Planning, he is responsible for the delivery of the commercial strategy across identified growth areas, including the evaluation and assessment of existing and prospect partners. Jake’s experience in football also covers rights holder management of principal partners across various international markets, as well as leading a brand’s strategy on the partner side.
Gregorio
Martín-Montalvo
Founder & CEO | Badgie
Gregorio
Martín-Montalvo
Gregorio Martin-Montalvo is the founder and CEO of Badgie, an agentic platform for sports clubs and academies. Starting with digital badges, player cards and coach reports, Badgie has evolved into a complete operating system for squads, attendance, training, communications and payments. Since 2026, directors and coaches can manage daily operations through AI agents on WhatsApp. Badgie works with football academies, federations and clubs across 20+ sports.
Keko
Martínez
Founder & President | Ariete Sports & Entertainment
Keko
Martínez
Keko Martínez is a professional footballer and the founder and president of Ariete Sports & Entertainment, Spain’s leading athlete wealth management and financial planning firm. Trusted by more than 200 elite athletes, Ariete oversees assets exceeding €500 million. He holds a degree in Business Studies, a Master’s in Financial Markets from UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF-BSM), and the European Financial Planner (EFP) certification. He connects elite sport, investment strategy and lasting security.
Marc-Philipp
Martins Kuenzel
Entrepeneur, Author of “Stay in the Game” | YES4KNOWLEDGE SA / STAY IN THE GAME
Marc-Philipp
Martins Kuenzel
Marc-Philipp Martins Kuenzel is the author and founder of Stay in the Game, a book and movement helping young people grow with courage, values and character. A father of four and entrepreneur, he explores the human side of performance, from mindset and resilience to leadership and environment. Through his work, he advocates for developing the person behind the player, using sport as a powerful school for life.
Juan
Mata
Co-Founder | C_Lab, Common Goal
Juan
Mata
Juan Mata es una de las figuras más reconocidas del fútbol mundial. Campeón del Mundo, de Europa y de la Champions League, ha jugado en clubes como Valencia, Chelsea, Manchester United, Galatasaray y Vissel Kobe. Fuera del campo impulsa iniciativas sociales y empresariales como Common Goal y C_Lab, e invierte en Mercury13 y San Diego FC. Autor de “Suddenly a Footballer”, reúne más de 24M de seguidores y defiende el poder del fútbol para unir.
Laura
McAllister
Vice-President | UEFA
Laura
McAllister
Laura, former captain of Wales, made history in April 2023 as the first female UEFA Vice-President and the first Welsh person elected to UEFA or FIFA. She chairs key committees on gender equality, social responsibility and sustainability, leading UEFA’s work on inclusion, human rights and environmental accountability. Her leadership has helped drive systemic change in governance, representation and fair play across European football.
Sarah
Melville
Global Head of Sport Research & Media | YouGov
Sarah
Melville
With nearly two decades of experience in the sports industry, Sarah has built her career at the intersection of research, media and commercial strategy. Since 2007, she has led research teams across the public and private sectors, specialising in media, sponsorship, fan engagement and customer experience. She began her career with a doctorate in sport policy at Loughborough University, developed in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust and nine national governing bodies across the UK sports landscape.
Maheta
Molango
CEO | Professional Footballers’ Association (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.
Ángel
Monzón
Founder & CEO | KAIS FC
Ángel
Monzón
Ángel Monzón is a former Chief of Staff at high-growth, VC-backed startups and founder of KAIS FC. He is applying a startup operating model to football, building a media and brand business around a club to create scalable revenue and competitive advantage. Based on the Lisbon coast, KAIS FC is closing its funding round ahead of its first season in 2027/28, with every step of the journey filmed, produced and monetised through an audience the club owns.
Nuno
Moura
Managing Director | Legends Global
Nuno
Moura
Nuno Moura is Managing Director of Legends Global in Iberia, leading growth across Spain and Portugal. Previously, he spent nine years as Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer at the Portugal Football Federation and served on UEFA’s Marketing Advisory Committee. He also held senior roles at Nike and Viacom, leading digital, brand and commercial transformation. Nuno was named a Leaders in Sport “Leader Under 40” in 2016 and 2019.
Carlos
Muriel
Managing Director | FIA – Fenwick Iribarren Architects
Carlos
Muriel
Carlos Muriel is Managing Director of FIA (Fenwick Iribarren Architects), an international practice specialising in sports and entertainment venues. He leads the studio’s strategic development, global expansion and delivery of major projects across Europe, the UK, Middle East, US and LATAM. With extensive experience in architecture and construction, he combines design leadership with commercial, operational and strategic expertise in sports infrastructure.
Milos
Nenadovic
Head of Stadium Revenue | LALIGA
Milos
Nenadovic
Milos Nenadovic is Head of Stadium Revenue at LALIGA, with over 10 years of experience in sports and live entertainment. After eight years at Euroleague Basketball, where he led ticketing, hospitality and club business consultancy, he joined LALIGA’s Clubs’ Office. He now leads the Stadium Revenue vertical, working with clubs to maximise income from ticketing, premium and hospitality, events, MICE and other stadium revenue streams.
Seiya
Nobuta
Executive Director | J. League Europe
Seiya
Nobuta
Seiya is Executive Director of J.LEAGUE Europe, based in Barcelona, leading the league’s strategy and international development across Europe. He works with J.LEAGUE clubs to support their global growth and build relationships across European football. Before joining J.LEAGUE, he spent over a decade at leading financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs in New York. He now applies his expertise in finance, strategy and international business to connect Japanese football with the global game.
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.
Joao
Paiva
Player Relation Manager | Swiss Association Football Players (SAFP)
Joao
Paiva
João Paiva is a former professional footballer, UEFA A-licensed coach and sports entrepreneur. He won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship and Toulon Tournament with Portugal before moving into coaching in Swiss football. He most recently led Grasshopper Club Zürich Women to the 2025 championship final and also coaches the SAFP Team. He is Co-Owner and Director of Match Up GmbH, focused on player development, welfare and sustainable careers.
Liam
Parker
Chief Communications and Corporate Relations Officer | Formula 1
Liam
Parker
Liam Parker is Chief Communications and Corporate Relations Officer at Formula 1 where he is responsible for all the communications, digital and political engagement strategy, and activity.
Tammy
Parlour
CEO | Women’s Sport Trust
Tammy
Parlour
Tammy Parlour MBE is CEO and co-founder of the Women’s Sport Trust, where she has spent more than a decade helping shape the growth of women’s sport through research, advocacy and strategic leadership. She works with governing bodies, clubs, brands, broadcasters and policymakers to build a stronger, more visible and commercially sustainable women’s sports sector.
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.
Thomas
Preiss
Chief Strategy Officer I Playmakers Co-Founder | SportsTechX
Thomas
Preiss
Thomas is Chief Strategy Officer at SportsTechX, a leading market intelligence platform for sports tech innovation and investment. He also co-founded Playmakers, a private network for high-growth sports tech founders, and serves on the Steering Committee of EBAN Sports. Previously, he worked in venture capital at IBB Ventures and co-founded Common Goal, helping mobilize over €80 million for football-driven social impact worldwide.
Andrea
Previati
Strategic Revenue Manager | Como 1907
Andrea
Previati
Andrea Previati is Strategic Revenue Manager at Como 1907, focused on turning ideas, relationships and opportunities into value for the club. Before joining Como, he spent seven years at Juventus, most recently as Media Network Manager, working across sport, media, content and business. A former student-athlete at St. John’s University in New York, his approach is built on passion, positive attitude, strategy, relationships and love for the beautiful game.
Carla
Recover
Partnerships and Business Development Manager | Real Betis Balompie
Carla
Recover
Carla Recover is a sports partnerships and commercial professional at Real Betis Balompié, developing strategic partnerships with global brands across sponsorship, hospitality, digital, media and stadium assets. Her experience spans professional football, sports marketing and grassroots sport, including work with Real Betis, Laces Community Club, The Sideline and East London Sports. She focuses on partnerships that connect clubs, brands and fans through sport, travel and culture.
Pablo
Requeni
Head of South Europe | Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team
Pablo
Requeni
Entrepreneurial business leader with 17+ years of international experience in revenue growth, strategic consulting and digital transformation in the sports industry. Previously held the roles of Global Head of Client Strategy and Managing Director South Europe & Latam at Nielsen Sports.
Iñigo
Riestra
Secretary General – CLO | FMF
Iñigo
Riestra
Iñigo holds a Law degree from Universidad Anáhuac and master’s degrees in Corporate Law (Universidad Panamericana) and International Sports Law and Management (ISDE, Madrid). He worked nearly 10 years as a corporate lawyer, focusing on contracts, debt placements, and regulatory compliance. He joined FMF in 2013 as Manager of International Affairs and became Director in 2015, representing FMF before FIFA, CONCACAF, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Sandra
Riquelme
FOUNDER | EL PATIO
Sandra
Riquelme
Spanish sports journalist, presenter and content producer specialising in football and women’s football. She works with DAZN and Disney+ and contributes to El País, having covered two FIFA Women’s World Cups, three UEFA Women’s EUROs and four UWCL finals. Formerly at LaLiga, Relevo and Mundo Maldini, she is also founder of Trivela Lab and leads El Patio, combining journalism, storytelling and digital production to bring football closer to new audiences.
Patrick
Rode
Partner | Attorney-at-Law | WINDORFER RODE
Patrick
Rode
Patrick Rode is a German attorney and founding partner of WINDORFER RODE, advising on corporate law, M&A and sports law. A former M&A lawyer at a leading US firm, he works with investors, clubs and agencies on transactions and regulatory matters in professional football. His expertise includes German club investments, ownership structures, licensing requirements and the 50+1 rule. He is also a FIFA-licensed football agent.
José Manuel
Rodríguez Uribes
Presidente | Consejo Superior de Deportes
José Manuel
Rodríguez Uribes
José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes (Valencia, 1968) es Doctor en Derecho y Profesor Titular de Filosofía Jurídica y Política en la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Ha sido Ministro de Cultura y Deporte de España, Delegado del Gobierno en la Comunidad de Madrid y Diputado en la Asamblea de Madrid. También dirigió el Instituto Universitario de Derechos Humanos Bartolomé de las Casas y, entre 2021 y 2023, fue embajador de España ante la UNESCO.
Tom
Rogers
Co-Executive Producer | Box to Box Films
Tom
Rogers
Tom Rogers is a 2x Emmy Award-winning Co-Executive Producer of the Netflix juggernaut Formula 1: Drive to Survive. The series, produced by Box to Box Films, helped revolutionise sports content and contributed towards the rapid growth seen by Formula 1.
Hector
Romero
CEO | FXP
Hector
Romero
Héctor Romero is founder of FXP, a platform that unifies fragmented fan data from clubs, leagues and federations and turns it into measurable, monetizable activation. Its network, FANXP, enables brands to reach fans through relevant content rather than logo placement. Before FXP, Héctor spent 20 years across data, marketing and technology, helping 300+ companies connect with customers. He holds an Executive MBA from Kellogg School of Management.
Mateo
Salvatto
CEO & Founder | Asteroid
Mateo
Salvatto
Mateo Salvatto is an Argentine entrepreneur, author and speaker. At 17, he created Háblalo, a free communication app for people with disabilities, now used by over 500,000 people in 70+ countries. Through Asteroid, the platform works with 60+ companies across 10+ countries. He also co-founded Grondplek and Apgreid, has written three bestselling books, and has been recognised by One Young World and MIT Technology Review.
Gian Piero
Sammartano
Global Co-Head of Sports Investment Banking | J.P. Morgan
Gian Piero
Sammartano
Mario
Sanjurjo
Creador | Offsiders Podcast
Mario
Sanjurjo
Creador de Offsiders, proyecto lanzado en 2023 para contar el fútbol desde una perspectiva diferente, centrada en las historias y las personas. Con un background más ligado al negocio que a la comunicación, trabaja en la creación de formatos capaces de generar atención, construir audiencias y desarrollar marcas y modelos de negocio. Además de Offsiders, impulsa otras iniciativas dentro y fuera del fútbol, siempre con el contenido audiovisual como punto de partida.
Stefano
Schnell
Managing Director | Assifin & Partners Sagl
Stefano
Schnell
Stefano Schnell is a Swiss insurance professional and entrepreneur based in Lugano. He is the owner and director of Assifin & Partners Sagl, specializing in insurance brokerage and international risks.
Rick
Scholte
CEO | Sorama
Rick
Scholte
Rick Scholte is Founder and CEO of Sorama, a Dutch technology company transforming sound into actionable data and visual experiences. With a background in acoustics and technology, he applies innovative audio solutions to sports and entertainment. Through Sorama’s FanSound technology, crowd reactions can be measured and visualised to enhance fan engagement, in-stadium experiences, digital content and sponsor activation, helping connect fans, teams, venues and partners.
Maurits
Schön
Managing Director / COO | OneFootball
Maurits
Schön
Maurits is leading Commercial and Operations at OneFootball, the biggest global football media platform.
Tim
Self
Head of Public Finance & Infrastructure Direct Lending | J.P. Morgan
Tim
Self
Julio
Senn González
Managing Director and Founder | SENN FERRERO ASOCIADOS SPORTS&ENTERTAINMENT SLP
Julio
Senn González
Julio Senn is a leading figure in the sports and entertainment industry. Former CEO of Real Madrid, he led the club’s transformation and professionalisation before becoming Managing Partner of Garrigues’ Sports & Entertainment practice. In 2011, he co-founded Senn Ferrero Asociados S&E with Javier Ferrero. Known for combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership, he advises clients across the global sports and entertainment sector.
Audra
Shallal
Co-Founder and Co-Chair | EBAN Sports
Audra
Shallal
Audra Shallal is Co-founder and Co-chair of EBAN Sports, working at the intersection of sport, innovation and venture capital. With 25+ years in venture building and investor readiness, she connects founders, athletes, investors and sports organisations with capital and market access. She serves on several angel and innovation boards, advises European and international institutions, and is a former ballet dancer, fencer and show jumper.
Donna
Soane
Director of Global Sponsorship | Orange
Donna
Soane
Donna Soane is Director of Global Sponsorship at Orange, with 25+ years of experience in brand development, sponsorship and partnerships. For the past two decades, she has helped shape Orange’s global sponsorship strategy, using sport to drive engagement, promote digital safety, challenge stereotypes and support greater inclusion. She also leads Orange’s major international football sponsorships, including its long-standing partnership with CAF.
Ignacio
Solana
Director de marca y acción social | RFEF
Ignacio
Solana
Director Marca y Acción Social de la Real Federación Española de Fútbol.(2025/26)
Fundador y CEO de OEOE MARKETING (2014-2025).
Fundador Fundación Blanca de Apoyo al Deportista.(2021/2025)
Jefe Patrocinios Seleccion Nacional de Fútbol (2005/2012 (RFEF y Santa Mónica)
Jefe Patrocinios Club Baloncesto Estudiantes (2001/2005)
Javier
Tebas
President | LALIGA
Javier
Tebas
Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA since 2013, is a Spanish lawyer with more than three decades of experience in football. His leadership has focused on financial control, the collective sale of audiovisual rights, internationalisation, innovation and data. He has also driven LALIGA’s fight against piracy and violence in football, while supporting the growth of the women’s game and sharing the league’s expertise to help football develop globally.
Zubair
Timol
Global Vice President, Culture | Meltwater
Zubair
Timol
Based in Dubai, Zubair Timol is a global executive and strategic advisor working across technology, elite sport and the luxury economy. With experience scaling tech companies from startups to IPOs, he focuses on culturally attuned commercial solutions. A recognised voice on AI, data and social media in football, chess and endurance sports, he has engaged with FIFA and Europe’s Big 5 leagues, and moderated dialogues with global figures including Ryan Reynolds.
Jenna
Trabulus
Founder | Captain Ventures
Jenna
Trabulus
Jenna Trabulus is a sports business executive specializing in growth, digital innovation and commercial strategy. She led engineering and product teams at Deltatre and later served as Chief Business Officer at Next League, working with organizations including the NWSL, LPGA, USTA, NASCAR, PWHL and USOPC. Based in Los Angeles, she focuses on women’s sports and emerging leagues, helping organizations unlock new revenue and build sustainable growth.
Nadia
Tronchoni
Sports Editor in Chief | El País
Nadia
Tronchoni
Editor-in-Chief of the El País Sports section and a motorsports specialist after 12 years following MotoGP. She has covered five Dakar Rallies and is passionate about football and politics. She began her career in radio and later started writing for the newspaper. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Valencia, a Master’s Degree in Football from the University of Valencia, and an Executive Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing from IEBS.
Gerard
Tsobanian
CEO Mutua Madrid Open | Madrid Trophy Promotion
Gerard
Tsobanian
A French business executive and prominent figure in international professional sports, he has extensive experience in tennis, sports management and major events. A UCLA Economics graduate, he began his career at UNESCO before joining Ion Țiriac in 1992, becoming a leading executive within Țiriac Holdings’ tennis division. He has managed high-profile players including Boris Becker, Goran Ivanisevic, Marat Safin and Dinara Safina.
Luis
Ureta
CEO | Sportian
Luis
Ureta
Luis Ureta is CEO of Sportian, Globant’s sports product division, where he leads growth strategies and digital experiences for fans and athletes through its sports operating system. He has overseen sports-specific products powered by centralised data and specialised AI agents for organisations worldwide. He previously held senior roles at Globant and has led high-growth digital companies for groups including Dentsu, Havas and Alibaba.
Stephen
Van Zutphen
CEO and Founder | TheSportExchange
Stephen
Van Zutphen
Steve is a Canadian-born attorney, developer and system architect specialising in intellectual property. Founder of TheSportExchange.com, he created a Shariah-compliant marketplace designed to enable trading based on sports team performance, using patent-pending bonding-curve technology. Previously, he founded companies processing billions in transactions and served as an aide to the US delegate to the UN on international trade. He holds multiple patents and is based in Cyprus.
Marc
Vázquez
R&D Senior Team Lead | LEYTON
Marc
Vázquez
Marc Vázquez García is an innovation specialist at Leyton Spain, helping organisations identify, assess and support investment in R&D and technological advancement. With a background from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and training in machine learning, he brings a technology-led perspective to innovation. At WFS, Marc explores how data science, emerging technologies and Spain’s innovation ecosystem are transforming football and its wider technology and supply-chain landscape.
Luis
Vicente
Chairman | Apex
Luis
Vicente
Luis Vicente is a global sports executive with 34+ years of experience in commercial growth, media, digital transformation and brand strategy. He is Chairman and shareholder of APEX, with board and advisory roles at Mercury 13, Baller League, Liga Portugal, Northern Super League and Common Goal. Formerly Group CEO of ELEVEN SPORTS and FIFA’s first Chief Digital Transformation & Innovation Officer, he has also held senior roles at Manchester City and Valencia CF.
Gonzalo
Vila
CEO & Co-Founder | NXTPLAY
Gonzalo
Vila
Gonzalo Vila is CEO & Co-Founder of NXTPLAY Capital, a sports investment and media platform spanning sports assets, startups and innovation ecosystems. He sits on the board of several football clubs, including KRC Genk and Le Mans FC.
David
Aganzo
President | AFE (ASOCIACION DE FUTBOLISTAS ESPAÑOLES)
David
Aganzo
President AFE, President AIF Fútbol, Vicepresident RFEF, Sports director RFEF, Ex-footballer.
Nacho
Aguilar
CEO – PFC Costa del sol – Profutcamps
Nacho
Aguilar
Nacho Aguilar, is an entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience. After earning an MBA, he combined his passion for sports with business by founding Profutcamps and PFC Costa del Sol, initiatives that unite youth worldwide through football. He is driven by four pillars: uncertainty, education, sport, and values, viewing sport not just as competition, but as a path to learning, community, and life.
Zakariya
Alanwah
Stadium Commercial Manager – Aramco
Zakariya
Alanwah
Zakariya Alanwah is the Commercial Manager at Aramco Stadium, where heads strategic partnerships, commercial operations, and revenue optimization initiatives. With a Master of Engineering and extensive experience at Saudi Aramco, Zakariya has driven commercialization and organizational transformation across major infrastructure and sports-venue projects.
Khalid
Alaraifi
Chief Experience Officer – Misk City
Khalid
Alaraifi
Khalid Alaraifi is the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Misk City, where he leads strategic initiatives that enhance the city’s position as a hub for culture, innovation, and youth empowerment. With a background in strategy, consulting, tourism, sports, culture, media, and business development, Khalid brings extensive experience in driving projects aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Rocío
Albert López
Consejera de Economía, Hacienda y Empleo – Ayuntamiento de Madrid
Rocío
Albert López
Ha desempeñado diferentes puestos en la Administración Pública en distintas áreas de gobierno relacionadas con el ámbito económico y educativo, entre los que destaca, Viceconsejera de Política Educativa de la Vicepresidencia, Consejería de Educación y Universidades, Viceconsejera de Innovación, Industria, Comercio y Consumo de la Consejería de Economía, Empleo y Hacienda,
Wael
Alfayez
Chief Commercial Officer – Saudi Pro league
Wael
Alfayez
Wael AlFayez is Chief Commercial Officer of the Saudi Pro League, leading its global growth through strategy, sponsorships, media rights, and fan engagement. With 20+ years in media and entertainment, he helped launch Asharq News with Bloomberg, led digital shifts at AlKhaleejiah, and founded NAJD Media. A cultural leader, he drives impact through creative strategy and community-focused initiatives.
Shayne
Allise
Founder & CEO – 3XV Sports
Shayne
Allise
Shayne Allise Steyteyieh is a Palestinian-Irish American former Grand Prix dressage rider and the Founder of 3XV Sports. She began her career as a full-time sponsored athlete, earning USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals by 25 and training under some of the sport’s most accomplished Olympic athletes. Her own experiences navigating sponsorship as a Palestinian athlete revealed inequities and cultural blind spots within global sport – insights that became the foundation for 3XV’s athlete-first model.
Beatriz
Álvarez
President Liga F
Beatriz
Álvarez
Beatriz Álvarez Mesa is currently the President of Liga F since June 2022 and vice president of Spanish Football Federation. A former footballer for Oviedo Moderno, she was also the President of the club from July 16, 2009 until in September 2019, when she became the first woman to hold the position of General Director of Sports of Asturias in that province. Having played football since 12, she went through all the lower leagues with OM until reaching the first team in 2000, from which she retired at the age of 22.
Pablo
Alzaga
Photographer & Co-Founder – MATINAL
Pablo
Alzaga
Pablo Alzaga (b. 1992, San Sebastián) is a creative director and photographer with 10+ years of experience. His minimalist style bridges fashion, sport, and culture, highlighting identity through imagery. In 2022, he founded MATINAL, a studio focused on football and culture. He has worked with Adidas, Puma, New Balance, Universal Music, and VICE, and portrayed figures from Billie Eilish to the Spanish National Team.
Gabrielle
Amado
Television Presenter – Mediapro
Gabrielle
Amado
Gabrielle Amado is an Emmy Award–winning multimedia journalist and television presenter with a decade of international experience spanning Europe and North America. She has shaped brand narratives and presented global campaigns for organizations including LaLiga, FOX, Major League Soccer, and beIN SPORTS.
Andre
Amaral
CEO – Liga Portugal
Andre
Amaral
André Mosqueira do Amaral is CEO of Liga Portugal, leading media rights centralization and football’s strategic growth. With 20+ years in global investment banking (Credit Suisse, UBS), he advised major clients on M&A and capital markets. An entrepreneur and LSE Economics grad, he bridges finance, strategy, and innovation across sports, wellness, tech, and industry.
Razan
Amoush
Producer , Football reporter
Razan
Amoush
Razan is a seasoned football reporter and producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. With a Master’s degree in Public Policy, she combines analytical insight with a passion for storytelling. She has worked extensively with international players, creating content that highlights their journeys on and off the pitch. A lifelong football enthusiast, Razan continues to share stories that connect and inspire fans around the world.
Elliot
Arthur-Worsop
Founding Director – Football For Future
Elliot
Arthur-Worsop
Elliot Arthur-Worsop is the Founder and Director of Football For Future (FFF), a non-profit driving climate action through football. FFF works with clubs, leagues and players on education, strategy, and advocacy. Elliot leads “Pitches in Peril,” a global campaign on climate threats to football ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His work bridges sport, sustainability and culture to raise awareness and inspire action.
Anita
Asante
Player Advisory Council Member – World Sevens Football & BBC Sport pundit
Anita
Asante
Anita Asante is a former England international with 71 caps and a 19-year career spanning top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and FC Rosengård. A Champions League winner and 2012 Olympian, she now coaches England’s U23s, works in media, and advocates for diversity in sport. Inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame in 2023, she remains a powerful voice for social change and talent development.
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.
Júlia
Bartel
Football player – Atletico de Madrid
Júlia
Bartel
FC Barcelona player (2019–2024), Chelsea (2024–2025), Liverpool (2025), and currently playing for Atlético de Madrid since 2025.
Jerome
Belaygue
Communication CSR Director
Jerome
Belaygue
Communication Corporate and CSR Projects
Roger
Bennett
Founder and CEO
Roger
Bennett
A writer, broadcaster, filmmaker, Bennett is the founder, CEO and co-host of NBC’s Men In Blazers Show, which has become one of the most listened to football platforms in the world.
S.E Sra. Karima
Benyaich
Ambassador – Kingdom of Morocco in Spain
S.E Sra. Karima
Benyaich
Her Excellency Mrs. Karima Benyaich, appointed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Spain, was born on April 2, 1961, in Tetouan. She holds an honorary doctorate from Nova University of Lisbon and a master’s degree in Economic Sciences from the University of Montreal. She is noted for her diplomatic role in promoting Morocco’s bid to host the World Cup.
Cosme
Bergareche
Creative Director – Pompeii
Cosme
Bergareche
Cosme Bergareche is the founder and creative director of Pompeii, a Spanish lifestyle brand born in 2014 that bridges the worlds of fashion and sport. Raised between the UK and Spain, his lifelong passion for football —playing, watching, and collecting— shaped his vision for how the game could be represented beyond the pitch. Through Pompeii, he explores football from the fan’s perspective, creating collaborations that celebrate its cultural and emotional impact.
Mayur
Bhanji
Chief Communications Officer – Raiola Global Management
Mayur
Bhanji
Mayur has close to two-decades of experience as a broadcaster and in the PR & Communications space. In this time Mayur has worked across the Middle East and North Africa region, South East Asia, India and across Europe for many leading organisations such as the BBC, beIN SPORTS, LaLiga and Sky Sports.
Currently Mayur leads PR, Communications and Media Relations for Raiola Global Management, supporting many of the leading athletes from the world of football.
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.”
Luca
Campanile
CEO – BUSFORFUN.COM SRL
Luca
Campanile
CEO | Builder of High-Impact Teams With over 20 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my career to transforming ideas into scalable businesses and leading teams through international expansion, operational excellence, and sustained growth. As CEO of BusForFun.com an official sponsor & partner of Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, I focus on delivering measurable results — not just in revenue but in creating meaningful partnerships and long-term value for consumers and stakeholders alike.
Pepe
Cano
Socio Director – IHWA Consulting
Pepe
Cano
Pepe Cano Castiñeira is a sports industry leader with 15 years’ experience in strategy and business development. An Executive MBA from ESADE, he’s led global projects and now serves as President of the ESADE Alumni Sports Business Community. He also founded IHWA Consulting, advising on strategy and partnerships to drive innovation and long-term value in sports.
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.
Lara
Carballo
Head of Marketing – Club Nacional de Football
Lara
Carballo
Lara is a marketing and commercial executive with extensive experience in brand strategy, sponsorship management, and business development. She currently leads the Marketing & Commercial Department at Club Nacional de Football, one of the most prestigious sports institutions in South America.
Beatriz
Carrasco
Communications and Project Officer – Integrated Dreams
Beatriz
Carrasco
With a background in translation and interpreting, Beatriz is Integrated Dreams’ communications expert. With a special interest in inclusion and accessible communication, With a special interest in inclusion and accessible communication, her work focuses on removing both physical and communication barriers.She is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in the field of data science at Loyola University.
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.
Fabrizio
Caruso
General Manager – M-I Stadio srl
Fabrizio
Caruso
After 15 years in consulting, I now serve as General Manager of M-I Stadio, managing San Siro—home to AC Milan and Inter. I oversee its infrastructure, commercial activities, events, and the Museum&Tour. Focused on innovation and strategic growth, I work to preserve San Siro’s legacy while expanding its role as a global cultural and entertainment destination.
Francis
Casado
Co-founder & Chief Revenue Officer | 3D DIGITAL VENUE
Francis
Casado
20 years’ experience and entrepreneur in mobile monetization, VR, AR, social media and sports fan engagement platforms. CS Studies and Associate Prof at Pompeu Fabra University for 15 years. MBA from Ramon Llull University/Manhattan College.
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
Castellaneta
Marketing Director – Juventus
Marco
Castellaneta
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.
Mariana
Chamelette
Vice-president of Sports Court of Justice – São Paulo’s Football Federation
Mariana
Chamelette
Lawyer, postgraduate in Sports Law and Compliance, specialist in sports integrity. Member of the Board of the Brazilian Institute of Sports Law (IBDD), Vice President of the Sports Court of Justice of São Paulo Football Federation, and Secretary-General of the Special Committee on Gaming, Betting, and Responsible Gambling of the São Paulo Bar Association (OAB/SP).
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.
Aldo
Comi
CEO – Soccerment
Aldo
Comi
Aldo Comi is the co-founder and CEO of Soccerment, an Italian sports technology company pioneering the integration of AI, wearables, and video analysis in football. His mission is to democratise access to advanced analytics, empowering players and teams to make data-driven decisions and promoting greater meritocracy in the sport. Before founding Soccerment, Aldo worked as an equity analyst in leading international investment banks.
Henrique
Conceição
Head of Sustainability – Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Henrique
Conceição
Henrique is a management specialist with extensive experience in marketing and sales across sports activities, telecommunication services, FMCG, and the publishing industry. With highly developed problem-solving, leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, he is now focused on Sustainability at Sport Lisboa e Benfica — acting, leading by example, and influencing behaviours. At the end of the day, brightening the future.
Jone
Conde
Head of Creators and Public Figures – TikTok Spain
Jone
Conde
Jone joined TikTok in 2020 as part of the team for Southern Europe, contributing to the platform’s early expansion in Spain and Portugal. As Head of Creators and Public Figures, she leads strategy and partnerships with top public figures, athletes, and creators in the Spanish market, working closely with names that shape culture both on and beyond the platform. Prior to TikTok, she held leadership roles in communications and international growth within the tech startup ecosystem.
Chris
Davis
Chief Marketing Officer – New Balance
Chris
Davis
In his role as Brand President and CMO, Chris Davis is responsible for New Balance’s product and demand creation initiatives around the globe to maximize the brand’s impact with a consumer first vision through elevated branding vision, world-class partnerships and articulated product distribution strategies. Chris Davis is recognized by Forbes as one of the Most Influential CMO, ranking 12th in 2023, 8th in 2024, and 2nd in 2025.
Federico
De Vicente
Founder & CEO – KOP Stadium
Federico
De Vicente
CEO for Wellhub (ex Gympass) for Spain, Portugal and France.
Alban
Dechelotte
CEO – G2 Esports
Alban
Dechelotte
Alban is the CEO of G2 Esports, the foremost esports organization globally, renowned for its dominance in major tournaments, industry accolades, and captivating partnership collaborations. With a dedicated fanbase exceeding 40 million globally, G2 has solidified its position as a trailblazer in the esports industry.
Kristian
Dobrev
CEO | The Football Business Academy
Kristian
Dobrev
Kristian Dobrev is Co-Founder and Deputy CEO of The Football Business Academy (The FBA), where he focuses on using education to accelerate the professionalisation of the football industry. Through nearly 100 partnerships and hundreds of learners impacted worldwide, he and his team have established The FBA as a global leader in football business education, connecting emerging professionals with industry knowledge, opportunities and an international network.
Gbenga
Elegbeleye
Chairman – Nigeria Premier Football League
Gbenga
Elegbeleye
I have been involved in grassroots Football development and management or decades. I was chairman of the sports committee in the Nigeria federal parliament (House of Representatives)
Katie
Ellis
Head of Partnerships – LFC Foundation
Katie
Ellis
With 7+ years at the LFC Foundation, Katie leads commercial partnerships, international delivery, research and impact, EDI, and safeguarding. She has extensive experience across sport, leisure, and charity sectors, specializing in women in sport, inclusion, volunteer management, and programme evaluation. Passionate about sport as a tool for social change, she is committed to driving healthier lives and greater opportunities.
Aintzane
Encinas
President – Tximist Foundation
Aintzane
Encinas
I am a dynamic leader with 20+ years in professional football — first as a Real Sociedad player, then as an ambassador, director, and advocate for equality. As Founder & Executive Director of the Tximist Cup, I’ve united 20,000+ players globally, building one of the most influential women’s football tournaments and fostering collaboration between clubs, federations, and communities. Through the Tximist Foundation, I lead programs promoting gender equality, youth development, and leadership in sport.
Judit
Farré Ribera
Business advisor – Women’s Football
Judit
Farré Ribera
Judit Farré – Business Advisor – Women’s Football Experienced Executive Director with a solid background in the innovation and technology industries. Judit Farré joined FC Barcelona in 2020, bringing expertise in leading and boosting technological projects and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of the Mobile World Congress. Initially joining the Barça Innovation Hub due to her extensive experience in the tech industry,
Alejandra
Fenwick
Senior Architects, Marketing & COMMS – FIA
Alejandra
Fenwick
Alejandra Fenwick is an architect and partner at Fenwick Iribarren Architects (FIA), where she leads the marketing and communications area of the practice. Her work focuses on developing competition materials, business development, and strategic communication management, helping position FIA as an international benchmark in architecture and innovation.
Mark
Fenwick
President & Founder – Fenwick Iribarren Architects (FIA)
Mark
Fenwick
Mark Fenwick is President and founder of Fenwick Iribarren Architects, now part of Egis. With 35+ years of experience, he has led over 50 stadium projects worldwide. A pioneer in sports architecture, his work includes Stadium 974 for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He co-authored UEFA’s stadium guidelines and is a frequent global speaker, driving innovation in sustainable, cutting-edge sports design.
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.
Juan
Fuentes
Director Global Testing Lab – GSIC Powered by MICROSOFT
Juan
Fuentes
Juan Fuentes is the Director of the Global Sports Innovation Testing Lab in Valencia, recently appointed by GSIC Powered by Microsoft. He previously spent nine years as Head of International Expansion for LALIGA, leading growth across MENA and Northern Europe from bases in Cairo and Copenhagen. Juan is recognized for his expertise in sports tech consolidation, international development, and cross-border investment.
Paulo
Futre
Business Advisor – StepOut
Paulo
Futre
Paulo Futre Junior is a sports entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. The eldest son of Futre, the Atlético de Madrid legend, he has been involved in player transfers, club acquisitions, audiovisual production for Amazon Prime, sponsorship deals with brands such as EA Sports, and collaborations with LaLiga and UEFA. He currently advises athletes on their investments and serves as an advisor and investor in Sport Tech startups. In addition, he is also a guest lecturer at universities such as IE.
Marc
Garnica
Lead Data Engineer
Marc
Garnica
Marc Garnica is Lead Data Engineer at Gemini Sports AI, where he builds data platforms to unify football data and enhance club performance, scouting, and decision-making. With a PhD in data-intensive sports applications, he’s published in big data and knowledge management, and has consulted for top European clubs. Originally from Barcelona, he’s passionate about turning complex data into strategic value in sport.
Sayak
Ghosh
Founder and CEO – StepOut
Sayak
Ghosh
Sayak Ghosh is the Founder and CEO of StepOut.ai, a global sports technology company redefining how football talent is discovered and developed through AI-driven video analytics. Driven by a vision to make elite-level performance insights accessible to every player and team, Sayak has grown StepOut into a global platform, partnering with professional clubs and elite academies including AFC Ajax and Rayo Vallecano, while also supporting grassroots talent worldwide.
Óscar
González
Co-Founder & Licensed FIFA Agent – The Marketing Jersey
Óscar
González
FIFA agent and co-founder of TMJ, focused on supporting female players and promoting the global growth of women’s football.
Chris
Gratton
Managing Director – Ticketmaster Sport
Chris
Gratton
Chris Gratton is Managing Director of Ticketmaster Sport, leading its UK business with a focus on innovation, client growth, and fan engagement. Since joining, he has driven adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as 3D virtual venues and fully digital away-ticketing, streamlining operations and reducing costs for clubs and venues.
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.
Masaaki
Hamada
Managing Director – Asuene APAC Pte. Ltd.
Masaaki
Hamada
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.
Frans
Hammer
Vice President – Danish Olympic Commitee
Frans
Hammer
Frans Hammer is Vice President of the Danish Olympic Committee and a senior sports leader with extensive experience in governance, innovation, and commercial development. He is recognized for building partnerships that connect data, technology, and sustainable growth across European sport.
Adrian
Jacob
Head of Football – World Sevens Football
Adrian
Jacob
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
Ben Jacobs is a senior football correspondent with talkSPORT and GiveMeSport as well as a Premier League commentator. Ben also works as a consultant focusing on strategy, fan engagement, digital growth and communications with a range of European football clients. Ben was educated at Oxford University in English.
Hans
Jagnow
Director, Club, National Team and Player Relations | Esports World Cup Foundation
Hans
Jagnow
Hans Jagnow is Director for National Team, Club & Player Relations at the Esports Foundation, leading global engagement with clubs, federations and national ecosystems. He oversees EWC club partnerships and helps build the Esports Nations Cup framework across 100+ nations. Formerly VP at ESL FACEIT Group and president of Germany’s esports federation, he brings expertise across esports, sport, law and international affairs.
Courtney
Jeffries
Founder / CEO – VRTL
Courtney
Jeffries
Courtney Jeffries is a former sports exec turned founder & CEO of VRTL, a platform that scales in-person fan experiences to virtual audiences. With 15+ years in sports (Raiders, Pac-12, MSG), she was COO at Satisfi Labs. A D1 softball alum, she holds a Master’s in Sport Management and serves on diversity-focused sports committees.
Matt
Jones
Supply Lead – UK & Ireland – Klook Travel Technology
Matt
Jones
Matt Jones has been a driving force at Klook for the past five years, where his expertise has been instrumental in expanding the company’s supply network across multiple destinations, with a current focus on the UK & Ireland. With more than a decade of experience spanning attractions, transportation, and tour operations, Matt has led initiatives that deliver both innovation and commercial growth.
Cindy
Jonhson
Chief Legal, HR and Corporate Officer and President – Toulouse Football Club
Cindy
Jonhson
With nearly 20 years of experience in the legal field, I am currently Chief Legal, HR, and Corporate Officer at Toulouse Football Club. In this role, I contribute to the strategic management of legal aspects, regulatory compliance/corporate matters, and human resources optimization in a demanding sports environment. My skills in sports law and quality management enable me to support the club’s operational and strategic objectives.
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.
Mark
Lewis
CEO – The Sports Effect
Mark
Lewis
Former UN Program Manager, now improving social impact in sports through fundraising, grants management, research and advocacy. The Sports Effect.
Manuel
Leyes
Head of Traumatology&Orthopedic surgery – Olympia
Manuel
Leyes
Dr. Manuel Leyes, a top orthopedic surgeon in Madrid, is internationally renowned for his expertise in sports medicine and complex knee and shoulder surgeries. With nearly 30 years of experience, he has treated elite athletes from the NBA, NFL, MLB, and top European football clubs. Trained at the Cleveland and Mayo Clinics, he leads the Orthopedic Department at Olympia Quirónsalud and La Luz Hospital, combining innovation and precision to help patients return to peak performance.
Vladimir
Liulka
CEO – Blocksport
Vladimir
Liulka
As a CEO and Founder of Blocksport, Vladimir leads the development of digital experience solutions that help sports organizations with data acquisition and analytics, data-driven insights, innovative fan experience, and monetization of fandoms. His mission is to democratize the sports industry, empowering organizations and their executives to make informed decisions, create new revenue streams, and accelerate the growth of their global fan communities.
Mafalda
Magalhães
Museum Director – FC Porto
Mafalda
Magalhães
Director of the FC Porto Museum and board member of the Porto and Northern Portugal Tourism Association. With extensive experience in cultural and museum management, she has led technological innovation and sustainability projects that position the FC Porto Museum as a benchmark in smart sports tourism.
Pedro
Malabia Sanchis
Chief Strategy Officer – Liga F
Pedro
Malabia Sanchis
Sports Executive with more than 22 years of experience in strategic and business management at club, league and Football Governing Bodies level. Passionate on the value of women´s sport, with a wide experience in professionalisation and development of Women’s Football, including coordination of competitions, commercial, international development, digital and comms, broadcasting or legal.
Thomas
Marsden
Head of Global Sports Marketing Football – New Balance
Thomas
Marsden
Over a decade shaping global football sports marketing at New Balance, from signing world-class players and clubs to leading strategy and cross-market teams. My experience and passion lie in working on a global scale, collaborating across every facet of the business, and believing in the power of sport and its culture to drive meaningful connections.
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.
Diana
Matheson
Founder and Chief Growth Officer – Northern Super League, Canada
Diana
Matheson
Diana Matheson is a two-time Olympic bronze medalist who was a member of Canada’s Women’s National Soccer Team from 2003-2021. During her career Diana represented Canada over 200 times, played in four FIFA World Cups and three Olympic Games, and earned a bronze medal in both London 2012 and Rio 2016. Diana is perhaps best known during her soccer career for scoring the game-winning goal in the bronze medal against France in the London Olympic Games in 2012.
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.
Tom
McCann
Venue Director – Arsenal Football Club
Tom
McCann
Tom has overall responsibility for the sales, service and operational delivery of all commercial revenue streams directly relating to Emirates Stadium.
Luke
McCoy
Co-Founder and CEO – LIGR
Luke
McCoy
Co-founder of LIGR Live. Passionate founder and technologist specialising in sports and media tech. Personally all in on the democratization of live sports and how automated, cloud and remote broadcast technologies will enable this to happen. Driven by the fact I never got to see myself play sport, let alone it be broadcast live in a professional looking broadcast without making it to the pros.
Andrew
McGarty
Director Sports Marketing Global Football – New Balance
Andrew
McGarty
Andrew serves as the Global Director of Football Sports Marketing at New Balance. He is responsible for the brand’s emerging presence and strategic vision in global football. His 15-year career at the brand has been marked by challenging the industry’s status quo, leading with a boutique and curated approach, and orienting with community purpose at the forefront of his approach.
Antón
Meana
Sports Journalist – Cadena SER
Antón
Meana
Anton Meana es a sports journalist with nearly 20 years experience in tier-1 sports outlets. Throughout his career he’s covered the world’s biggest sports events, from FIFA World Cups to Olympic Games.
Emma
Meehan
Founder, CEO & CTO – KinetikIQ
Emma
Meehan
AI for Human Movement – KinetikIQ provides real-time feedback and analysis on exercise technique to reduce risk of injury, maximise performance and increase participation in strength & conditioning and physiotherapy. Combing LiDAR 3D scanning technology on mobile phones and AI, KinetikIQ brings the data quality and quantity of a motion capture lab into the palm of your hand in real-time: more than 95% the accuracy in <1% of the time.
Marc
Menchén
CEO – 2Playbook
Marc
Menchén
Marc Menchén has developed his entire professional career in the economic press, and for six years he has specialized in the sports industry. In 2020 he founded 2Playbook, a business platform for sports professionals, which includes a communication medium, networking network, market intelligence unit, supplier search engine and education.
Marc Menchén is the co-founder and CEO of 2Playbook, a business platform for the sports industry in Spain.
Albert
Minguillon
Major Events – COO
Albert
Minguillon
COO of Major Events at Atos, with 20+ years of experience in delivering technology for global sporting events. Starting as a developer, he rose through roles in systems integration and operations to lead the unit’s full operations. He has supported multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games, as well as worked with national and international federations, including UEFA.
Maheta
Molango
CEO | Professional Footballers’ Association (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.
Sara
Moreno Montero
Head of Operations – Head of Operations
Sara
Moreno Montero
Sara Moreno leads Content Operations at TikTok Spain, empowering the TikTok community to create content that brings joy, creativity, and cultural relevance to the platform. She has worked hand in hand with creators and publishers, redefining the path of content creation and how audiences connect with stories, both on and beyond the screen. From sports fandoms to entertainment trends, she has helped build and scale communities that evolve into cultural movements.
Eymeric
Moura
Partner , Continental Europe and Middle East – Excel Search & Advisory
Eymeric
Moura
Partner for Continental Europe and Middle East at Excel Search & Advisory, the Executive Search for Football Leaders across the world.
Jorge
Mowinckel Sagnier
Global Sports Executive
Jorge
Mowinckel Sagnier
With over 15 years of dedicated experience in sporting governance and international relations, my expertise lies at the intersection of strategic planning and global sports diplomacy, most recently with the YallaVamos 2030 FIFA World Cup Bid. At the core of my professional ethos is a commitment to fostering unity and excellence within the sports community.
Ainara
Muga
Project Manager – Fundación Real Sociedad
Ainara
Muga
Ainara Muga (Gipuzkoa, 1980) holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Mondragon and a master’s degree in Public Relations. She began her professional career in the Purchasing department within the industrial sector and later gained international experience in Ireland. Upon returning to Gipuzkoa, she worked as a strategy consultant, which allowed her to work in the field of nutrition and applied research from business management position.
Sergio
Muster
Customer Success Manager – Riterz
Sergio
Muster
Sergio Muster is the Customer Success Manager at Riterz — the one who doesn’t just satisfy our clients, but truly excites them. He has founded several companies, including Sneakerness, and brings deep expertise in fashion, sports, technology, and Web 3.0. With his passion and experience, he helps brands and rights holders build genuine, impactful, and lasting partnerships that drive real success.
Imani
Naki
Founder & Creative Director – DAR
Imani
Naki
Imani Naki is a Barcelona-born entrepreneur and founder of DAR, a creative agency and community at the intersection of sport, culture, and creativity. Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list, she has worked with global brands including Nike, Adidas, Spotify, and FC Barcelona, leading campaigns, strategies, and experiences that authentically connect with new generations.
Eric
Negraru
Researcher – The Sports Effect
Eric
Negraru
I am a UCFB graduate in Sports Business and Sports Law that has been working as a researcher for The Sports Effect since November and now as Community Coordinator / Club Administrator at Wealdstone FC. I am also a semi-professional footballer.
Armel
Negret
Sports Lead – Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Armel
Negret
Driven triathlete and sports enthusiast, Armel has 10+ years’ experience in Sportech industry. Since joining AWS in 2019, he has been supporting sports organizations to shape and deliver their digital strategies, helping them leverage cloud technologies to enhance performance analytics, fan engagement, venue operations, and media workflows.
Ángel
Niño
Concejal de Innovación y Emprendimiento – Ayuntamiento de Madrid
Ángel
Niño
Ángel Niño es Ingeniero técnico en Informática de gestión y licenciado en Administración y Dirección de Empresas por la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Máster en Bussiness Intelligence y Big Bata por el MBIT School.
Inició su carrera profesional como consultor informático y de estrategia empresarial. En 2010 dio el salto al ecosistema de emprendimiento como director de diferentes empresas.
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.
Urko
Pardo
CEO – MentisVR
Urko
Pardo
Urko Rafael Pardo Goas (born 28 January 1983 in Brussels) is a former professional football goalkeeper of Spanish origin who later turned entrepreneur. After a playing career spanning clubs such as FC Barcelona’s youth setups, Olympiacos, APOEL and others, Pardo transitioned into the technology & sports-training space.
Pedro
Parellada
CEO – DruID
Pedro
Parellada
I am Pedro Parellada, a computer engineer and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience leading projects that combine technology, data, digital identity, and customer knowledge. I have founded and managed companies such as One Way Clear and DruID, where I promote innovative solutions that connect data, people, and experiences in omnichannel environments, obtaining international recognition, high recurrence, and proven results.
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.
Matias
Patanian
Vicepresident – River Plate
Matias
Patanian
I am Vicepresident of River Plate since 2013.
Madeleine
Penfold
Photographer & Director – Madeleine Penfold Studios Ltd
Madeleine
Penfold
Madeleine Penfold is a visionary photographer/director with a passion for capturing the immense potential of sports to achieve social change. Mads tells powerful stories authentically, creating portraits and films that engage audiences and feel alive. She is now one of the most recognised photographers operating in the world of sports and storytelling.
Luca
Percassi
Chief Executive Officer – Atalanta B.C.
Luca
Percassi
Luca Percassi is an Italian businessman and the CEO of Atalanta B.C. after retiring from a football career in which he played as a defender for clubs including Chelsea and as a youth player at Atalanta before entering the family business. As CEO, he has overseen significant international success for Atalanta, including reaching the Champions League quarterfinals and winning the Europa League.
Laura
Perez de Mendiola
Head of Communications – Vertical
Laura
Perez de Mendiola
After more than twenty years of experience in strategic communication, her focus lies deeply in high-performance sports and brand management. Her career began in the world of tennis, working for the prestigious Mutua Madrid Open and Rafa Nadal’s team. After, she spent eight years at Red Bull Spain, where she spearheaded communications for high-impact global projects, including milestones such as the epic Red Bull Stratos jump.
Jesse
Perl
Strategic Advisor – StepOut
Jesse
Perl
Jesse Perl, former VP of MLS, is a seasoned brand and marketing leader with expertise in sports and entertainment. At MLS, he led brand, creative, and culture marketing, including esports. Known for blending strategy with storytelling, he builds impactful narratives that drive fan engagement and growth. His work focuses on brand building, cultural relevance, and connecting audiences through innovation and emotion.
Pau
Pia
Director – 25 Gramos & Lenders Magazine
Pau
Pia
Director and founder of 25 Gramos, I have been working professionally in communication and brand and trends consulting for more than 10 years.
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.
Gaia
Pretner
Head of Sustainability – European Football Club
Gaia
Pretner
Gaia Pretner joined ECA in May 2023 as Head of Sustainability and launched ECA’s first sustainability strategy in April 2024. She is a sustainability management expert with experience in different sectors from major events, MNCs, Federations and trade associations. Before joining ECA she worked as Sustainable Procurement Manager for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, Sustainability and Circular Economy researcher and consultant for Bocconi University and as Sustainability expert for EXPO Milano 2015 and UNI.
Iñigo
Riestra
Secretary General – CLO | FMF
Iñigo
Riestra
Iñigo holds a Law degree from Universidad Anáhuac and master’s degrees in Corporate Law (Universidad Panamericana) and International Sports Law and Management (ISDE, Madrid). He worked nearly 10 years as a corporate lawyer, focusing on contracts, debt placements, and regulatory compliance. He joined FMF in 2013 as Manager of International Affairs and became Director in 2015, representing FMF before FIFA, CONCACAF, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Rupert
Robinson
Partner – NEWMA360
Rupert
Robinson
Rupert Robinson is a global finance and sustainability leader with over 30 years’ experience at the intersection of capital, real assets, and climate transition. He has led and advised on landmark regeneration and sports projects worldwide, including the Olympics, World Games, Manchester City’s Commonwealth Games, and FC Barcelona, as well as wider sports and entertainment capital regeneration and sustainability programs.
Hector
Romero
CEO | FXP
Hector
Romero
Héctor Romero is founder of FXP, a platform that unifies fragmented fan data from clubs, leagues and federations and turns it into measurable, monetizable activation. Its network, FANXP, enables brands to reach fans through relevant content rather than logo placement. Before FXP, Héctor spent 20 years across data, marketing and technology, helping 300+ companies connect with customers. He holds an Executive MBA from Kellogg School of Management.
Lola
Romero Martin
Directora Femenino – ATLETICO DE MADRID SAD
Lola
Romero Martin
Director of the Women’s Team at Club Atletico de Madrid for 24 seasons.
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.
Mina
Rzouki
Sports reporter and Broadcaster – The National
Mina
Rzouki
Mina Rzouki is the Sports Reporter for the National, Abu Dhabi. A broadcaster and familiar face on multiple sports channels across Europe and the US, Mina spent 15 years as a sports broadcaster for the likes of BBC, Sky Sports, CNN and ESPN and has featured in several sports documentaries including Netflix’s Bad Sport. An expert on European football, she is fluent in English, Arabic and Spanish.
Elma
Saiz Delgado
Ministra – Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones
Elma
Saiz Delgado
Licenciada en Derecho y Máster en Asesoría Fiscal por la Universidad de
Navarra.
Inició su trayectoria profesional en 1999 como socia-directora de IMEL,
Consultoría Jurídico Tributaria, S.L, empresa especializada en la consultoría tributaria y asesoramiento jurídico a empresas y particulares.
En el ámbito académico, fue colaboradora en el Máster Universitario en Derecho de Empresa y en el Máster Universitario en Asesoría Fiscal de la Universidad de Navarra, así como en la Escuela de Práctica Jurídica.
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.
Sanchez
Consuelo
Tourism Deputy Director
Sanchez
Consuelo
Consuelo Sanchez has led Florida’s Sports Coast since 2015, transforming Pasco County into a top sports tourism destination. As Tourism Deputy Director, she’s earned major honors including 2024 Florida Sports Tourism Professional of the Year. With 20+ years of experience and key certifications, she drives inclusive tourism and global partnerships, making her one of the event industry’s Women to Watch in 2025.
Enrique
Sánchez
CEO & Visionary Officer – ADmefy
Enrique
Sánchez
Enrique is the CEO of Admefy, a disruptive company in the Digital Out Of Home (DOOH) advertising sector. He also serves as director of the Ibiza Tech Forum, a leading event for technology and innovation. Alongside these roles, Enrique is an active business angel, having invested in over 25 startups within sports, longevity, and health & wellness industries. His combination of entrepreneurship, event leadership, and investment expertise positions him as a key catalyst for innovation and impact in his fields.
Carmelo
Sanz de Barros
President – FIA Senate and RACE
Carmelo
Sanz de Barros
Economist, 35 years of business experience in banking, healthcare and automobile industry. President of the Senate of FIA and President of Royal Automobile Club of Spain. Member of 11 sport federations and expert in motorsport.
Rafael
Sardinha
CEO & Co-Founder – Sports Bion, Lda.
Rafael
Sardinha
Before founding the company, he built over 20 years of experience in football – first as an athlete and later working in the football market – combined with a career in technology consulting at Portugal’s largest IT services company, where he also led high-performance teams. He holds a degree in Sports Science, a Master’s in Business Management, and a postgrad in Digital Enterprise Management.
Álvaro
Sebastián
Performance Analyst & Head of High Performance – Rayo Vallecano Academy
Álvaro
Sebastián
Álvaro Sebastián Romero is Performance Analyst for Rayo B and Head of High Performance at Rayo Vallecano Academy. He blends data analysis with coaching to improve player and team performance. Leading programs in strength, recovery, and tactics, he ensures a holistic, evidence-based approach to development, driving results and long-term growth across the academy.
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 a multimedia sports journalist skilled in TV, radio, and digital storytelling. A journalism graduate from Durban University of Technology, she has worked with Cosmopolitan and contributed to Manchester United’s 2019/20 yearbook. She’s moderated global sports events, spoken at the Africa Aviation Summit, and reported live for SABC at major European matches, showcasing her talent across media and international platforms.
Claire
Singer
VP Partnerships – Condé Nast
Claire
Singer
Claire Singer is VP of Partnerships at Condé Nast UK, leading collaborations that align brands with Vogue’s purpose through Vogue Values. She focuses on impactful, authentic partnerships at the intersection of fashion, culture, and sport, working with brands like Nike, eBay, and Google. Claire also curates industry Q&As, writes travel features, and supports the Barnes Charity Fashion Show.
Bex
Smith
CEO – Crux Football
Bex
Smith
Founder CEO Crux Football (Investment into European Women’s Football clubs) – an internationally successful footballer who’s transitioned to a global executive in sports and business.
Ignacio
Solana
Director de marca y acción social | RFEF
Ignacio
Solana
Director Marca y Acción Social de la Real Federación Española de Fútbol.(2025/26)
Fundador y CEO de OEOE MARKETING (2014-2025).
Fundador Fundación Blanca de Apoyo al Deportista.(2021/2025)
Jefe Patrocinios Seleccion Nacional de Fútbol (2005/2012 (RFEF y Santa Mónica)
Jefe Patrocinios Club Baloncesto Estudiantes (2001/2005)
Javier
Tebas
President | LALIGA
Javier
Tebas
Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA since 2013, is a Spanish lawyer with more than three decades of experience in football. His leadership has focused on financial control, the collective sale of audiovisual rights, internationalisation, innovation and data. He has also driven LALIGA’s fight against piracy and violence in football, while supporting the growth of the women’s game and sharing the league’s expertise to help football develop globally.
Adam
Thomas
Executive Director – Florida’s Sports Coast
Adam
Thomas
Adam Thomas is the Tourism Director for Pasco County’s Destination Marketing Organization. With over 12 years of experience, he has led marketing efforts for Pasco and Citrus Counties, rebranding them as Florida’s Sports Coast and The Manatee Capital of the World. He holds a BS in Business with a Hospitality Certificate and the CDME accreditation. Before his tourism career, he played professional baseball for 12 years across four MLB organizations and three continents.
Zubair
Timol
Global Vice President, Culture | Meltwater
Zubair
Timol
Based in Dubai, Zubair Timol is a global executive and strategic advisor working across technology, elite sport and the luxury economy. With experience scaling tech companies from startups to IPOs, he focuses on culturally attuned commercial solutions. A recognised voice on AI, data and social media in football, chess and endurance sports, he has engaged with FIFA and Europe’s Big 5 leagues, and moderated dialogues with global figures including Ryan Reynolds.
Rocío
Torres
Head of Sustainability and Responsible Business
Rocío
Torres
Professional in the field of sustainability with more than 10 years of experience in social and environmental projects and sustainable investments that improve the ESG performance of companies in different areas and sectors at national and international level.
Rocío
Trujillo
RGM – Spain, Italy & Portugal – Fever
Rocío
Trujillo
Rocío Trujillo is Regional General Manager for Spain, Italy, and Portugal at Fever. She oversees strategy and operations across Southern Europe, drawing on earlier experience at McKinsey & Company and Amazon. At Fever, she plays a key role in the company’s collaborations with top football clubs in Spain and major sports organizations worldwide.
Habib
Turki
Chief Development Officer – FIA
Habib
Turki
Habib Turki is Chief Development Officer of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), where he leads the Strategic Development Department, focusing on global expansion, institutional partnerships, and innovation in tourism and motorsport. A Tunisian-Swiss national, he brings more than 15 years of international experience, including work with the United Nations and the International Road Transport Union, with emphasis on sustainable transport, trade, and customs.
Luis
Ureta
CEO – Sportian
Luis
Ureta
Luis Ureta is CEO of Sportian, Globant’s sports tech division, leading digital innovation to transform fan and athlete experiences. He drives global growth through AI-powered, data-centric solutions for sports entities. With prior roles at Dentsu, Havas, Alibaba, and as VP Europe at Globant, he brings deep international expertise in scaling digital businesses.
José
Vallejo
Founder 958 | PR & Digital & Comms | Ex – Adidas – 958
José
Vallejo
Founder 958 | PR & Digital & Comms | Ex – adidas
Stephen
Van Zutphen
CEO and Founder | TheSportExchange
Stephen
Van Zutphen
Steve is a Canadian-born attorney, developer and system architect specialising in intellectual property. Founder of TheSportExchange.com, he created a Shariah-compliant marketplace designed to enable trading based on sports team performance, using patent-pending bonding-curve technology. Previously, he founded companies processing billions in transactions and served as an aide to the US delegate to the UN on international trade. He holds multiple patents and is based in Cyprus.
Luis
Vicente
Chairman – Apex
Luis
Vicente
Luis Vicente is a seasoned sports executive with over 30 years of experience driving innovation, growth, and digital transformation in sport. He’s Chairman of APEX and advisor to Mercury 13, Baller League, and Common Goal. Formerly Group CEO of ELEVEN SPORTS and FIFA’s first Chief Digital Transformation Officer, he has held key roles at Valencia CF, Manchester City, and advised top clubs like Real Madrid. He’s also represented football legends like Figo, Ronaldo, and Shevchenko.
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.
Juan Andres
Villamil Osorio
International Manager – FutbolJobs
Juan Andres
Villamil Osorio
Born in Colombia, sports reporter for EFIFA, football commentator, sports journalist, club communicator graduted from EU Real Madrid UEM. In charge of international relations at FutbolJobs, business and international partnerships in various languages.
Steve
Watts
Marketing Director – Brentford FC
Steve
Watts
Steve has 25+ years in sports marketing across brands, agencies, and rights holders, working with Coca-Cola, FIFA, the IOC, and more. Since 2020, he’s led Brentford FC’s marketing transformation, overseeing brand, content, strategy, and global growth. Passionate about affordable football, he introduced innovations like a two-year shirt cycle, Every Seat Counts, and Gen10—capping all U18 Premier League away tickets at £10.
Jasper
Yildirim
Executive Director – Amissos Sports & Entertainment B.V
Jasper
Yildirim
Jasper is an Executive Director at the newly established multi-club ownership group, Amissos Sports & Entertainment. Amissos is the majority owner and operator of Turkish Süper Lig club Samsunspor and France’s Ligue 2 club USL Dunkerque. In addition to his role at Amissos, Jasper serves as Chief Investment Officer of Corex Holding B.V., an industrial and logistics group, where he has been involved in over a dozen corporate acquisitions and takeovers.
Zeycan Rochelle
Yildirim
Chief Marketing Officer – Samsunspor
Zeycan Rochelle
Yildirim
Zeycan Rochelle YILDIRIM Chief Marketing Officer, Samsunspor FC | CMO, Amissos Group Zeycan Rochelle Yildirim is the Chief Marketing Officer of Samsunspor FC, where she leads marketing, communications, and merchandising to position the club as the modern face of Turkish football. As part of the ownership family and CMO of Amissos Group, she drives the group’s multi-club strategy across Europe.
Iñaki
Zoco
Associate Director – Catenon
Iñaki
Zoco
Iñaki Zoco Ostiz has built a solid career in the Hospitality industry, combining business insight with a human-centered vision focused on people and talent. He has led diverse teams and projects driven by excellence, continuous improvement, and meaningful service. Guided by the core values of sports—effort, discipline, sacrifice, and teamwork—Iñaki applies a competitive and resilient mindset to talent development and organizational culture.
René
Abril
René
Abril
René Abril is IT and Digital Development Director at Atlético de Madrid. A Telecommunications Engineer, he spent two decades in broadcast and audiovisual, including 16 years at Mediapro. Since joining Atlético in 2016, he has led the club’s technology strategy, from IT infrastructure and stadium systems to digital platforms and innovation. He played a key role in the technological development of the Metropolitano and held top technical responsibility at the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final.
David
Aganzo
David
Aganzo
President AFE, President AIF Fútbol, Vicepresident RFEF, Sports director RFEF, Ex-footballer.
Andrea
Albertoni
Andrea
Albertoni
Andrea Albertoni is an international entrepreneur and insurance professional specialising in Special Risks. He has extensive experience in business development, client advisory and bespoke insurance solutions, particularly across Sports & Entertainment. His international background includes Switzerland and Luxembourg, working with athletes, artists, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth clients. He is currently developing a specialised Special Risks brokerage focused on international clients.
Mai
AlHelabi
Mai
AlHelabi
Mai Alhelabi is CEO of the Local Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, leading preparations for the Kingdom’s first hosting of the tournament. Previously Deputy CEO, she has held senior roles at the Ministry of Sport and contributed to the delivery of more than 100 international sporting events across Saudi Arabia. She now oversees the strategic and operational delivery of the tournament, working with local and international stakeholders.
Salvador
Alonso
Salvador
Alonso
Salvador Alonso is FIA’s Sports Director and a key reference for sports-related projects. With over 20 years at the studio, he has extensive experience in the design and development of major sports facilities and deep knowledge of UEFA and FIFA regulations. He has led projects including Nou Mestalla, José Zorrilla Stadium and José Alvalade Stadium, combining strategic vision, technical expertise and operational requirements to deliver high-quality sports venues.
Dorcas
Amakobe
Dorcas
Amakobe
Dorcas Amakobe is Executive Director of Moving The Goalposts, a sport-for-development organization advancing the rights and well-being of girls and young women in Kenya. With over 20 years in the NGO sector, she specializes in gender equality, child protection, youth empowerment and community development. A trained social worker and counsellor, she serves on boards including Common Goal and the Centre for Sport and Human Rights.
Razan
Amoush
Razan
Amoush
Razan is a seasoned football reporter and producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. With a Master’s degree in Public Policy, she combines analytical insight with a passion for storytelling. She has worked extensively with international players, creating content that highlights their journeys on and off the pitch. A lifelong football enthusiast, Razan continues to share stories that connect and inspire fans around the world.
Nacho
Asensio
Nacho
Asensio
Nacho is CEO and co-founder of MATINAL, a Madrid-based creative studio working at the intersection of football, fashion and culture. Founded as a collective around a Sunday-league team, MATINAL became a studio in 2022 and has worked with adidas, Airbnb, European clubs and artists including Aitana and Duki. Nacho focuses on the business side of creative work, helping clubs structure briefs, ownership and approvals. MATINAL has been WFS Creative Partner since 2026.
WFS Madrid Past Speakers
WFS Madrid
Past Speakers
Since 2016, WFS has welcomed the football industry leaders who are shaping the future of football
