Meet the speakers joining WFS Mexico City 2026

Vanessa Alipio García is Academy Director at Deportivo Cali, one of Colombia’s most recognised football clubs. She specialises in talent development, sports management and the growth of football structures across men’s and women’s pathways. With a strong track record in player development and competitive systems, she has helped strengthen Deportivo Cali’s position as a national reference, including multiple women’s league titles.

Ana is a social entrepreneur and founder of Catalizar, a consultancy dedicated to strengthening ecosystems, with a special focus on football for social transformation in Latin America. With over 20 years of experience, she leads high-impact initiatives that use sport, culture and collaboration as tools for sustainable social change. Her work has been key in building a national network in Colombia and expanding SOMOS Equidad across eight countries.

Commercial Leader at Nielsen Sports & Entertainment, where he helps brands, leagues and media companies turn fan data into clear business strategies. With strong experience in sports, culture and entertainment, he works closely with partners to identify audience trends, strengthen commercial opportunities and build data-led growth plans. His role focuses on making complex fan insights easier to understand and apply across the industry.

Journalist specialized in business and economic affairs. He currently serves as Deputy Editor for the print editions of Forbes México. He has also held editorial and reporting roles at Alto Nivel, Forbes México, Excélsior and El Financiero. His work has been recognized by several national journalism awards in sustainability, biotechnology and energy.

Jorge Balandra is Director of Fan Loyalty & Relationship at Club América, leading digital identity, CRM, loyalty and audience monetisation strategies. With experience in growth and data-driven marketing across sports, retail media and delivery, he previously held roles at Rappi and OXXO. His work focuses on engagement, fan data and new revenue initiatives.

Alejandro Barca es arquitecto y socio de L35 Architects, donde lidera la región LATAM. Graduado por la Universidad de la República de Uruguay, trabajó en estudios de Uruguay y España antes de incorporarse a L35 en 2005. Desde entonces, ha liderado proyectos deportivos, residenciales, comerciales, de oficinas y usos mixtos en Europa, Asia, África y América, aportando experiencia internacional y visión estratégica en proyectos de gran escala y complejidad.

Eric Beard is a Creative Director, filmmaker and founder of Where Is Football. He has worked with EA SPORTS, Nike and others, and now uses football storytelling to drive social impact. Through Where Is Football, he supports the UN Football for the Goals initiative and leads a creative collective, inclusive community and global platform.

Estratega con trayectoria en las organizaciones de mayor impacto del deporte y el entretenimiento en México: Cinépolis, la Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (Dirigiendo la estrategia comercial de Selección Nacional, Liga MX y Liga MX Femenil) y actualmente FIFA World Cup 2026. Especialista en innovación comercial, alianzas estratégicas y desarrollo de negocio. Promotor activo del fútbol femenil desde la estrategia institucional y la generación de valor.

Daniel Benchimol is a sports media and streaming executive specializing in partnerships, distribution, and business development across the U.S. and Latin America. He currently serves as Director of Partnerships at DAZN , leading strategic deals across OTT, telco, and connected TV platforms.

Ricardo Bernal is a football strategist and actuary, currently Director of Strategy & Sporting Development at Audax Italiano. He has experience across federations, leagues, multi-club groups and clubs, including Liga BBVA MX, the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol and Azteca Negocios Fútbol. He has contributed to projects modernising Mexican football, and is also a professor and published researcher.

He is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience, including coverage of eight FIFA World Cups for official rights-holding broadcasters. Throughout his career, he has held executive roles such as Programming Manager, Content Director and Head of News. He has also worked as a host, panelist and football analyst covering Liga MX, the Premier League, the Mexican National Team and the UEFA Champions League, reaching over 180,000 followers on TikTok.

Aisha Calderón is a senior associate at our firm with extensive experience in development and operation of infrastructure projects, as well as mergers, acquisitions and financing. She advises companies, banks and investment funds on the operation, acquisition and financing of assets in Mexico. Her practice focuses on sectors where infrastructure, sustainability, and sports and entertainment converge. She also serves as Pro Bono Coordinator, advising civil society organizations that use sports for social change.

A professional with 18 years of experience in the sports and entertainment industries, specializing in growth strategies and business development. She currently serves on the NFL’s Mexico team as Director of Business Operations, leading initiatives focused on expanding flag football in the country, fostering fan engagement with clubs through the Global Markets Program, and developing platforms to drive the NFL’s growth in Mexico.

Claudia Carrión Rojas leads the growth of one of the most ambitious women’s football projects in Mexico. A graduate of the FIFA Diploma in Club Management, she has played a key role in strengthening Club América Femenil’s sporting structure and long-term vision. As Sporting Director, she guided the team to the Liga MX Femenil Clausura 2023 title. Now Corporate Director, she is focused on establishing Club América as a global benchmark in women’s football.

His professional career has led him to his current role as CEO of Volvo Car Mexico, where he has focused on strengthening the brand’s position in the premium automotive segment and its role as a strategic partner for Latin America. Under his leadership, Volvo Car Mexico has expanded its dealer network, increased visibility and advanced a long-term vision centred on innovation, customer experience and sustainable growth.

Gustavo Cecilio is Senior Director at PepsiCo Foods North America, where he leads the company’s 2026 FIFA World Cup initiative. With nearly 15 years at PepsiCo, he has driven growth through consumer-focused innovation, inclusive marketing and large-scale brand leadership. He previously led Multicultural Marketing, helping grow the portfolio through authentic engagement with diverse consumer communities.

José Luis Chavez is VAR IT Manager at the Mexican Football Federation, where he manages the technology infrastructure behind elite match officiating in Mexican football. Working at the intersection of football operations, VAR and innovation, he plays a key role in implementing advanced tools such as Semi-Automated Offside Technology, helping improve accuracy, consistency and efficiency in match decisions.

Veteran football and sports innovation manager, currently leading the Sports Department at Multiverse Computing, focusing on quantum-inspired AI and computer vision for performance, scouting, injury prediction and major event management. He previously worked with European Platform for Sports Innovation, Blocksport and OneFootball, and has consulted clubs, leagues and federations worldwide.

Allan Couttolenc is a specialist in experiential marketing, event production and brand experience, with over 20 years of experience across sports, fashion and entertainment. Passionate about the evolution of running and sports experiences, he has led projects combining innovation, community building and new participation formats. As CEO of The Line Production Lab, he creates experiences that connect brands with consumers through creativity, innovation and flawless execution.

Izamná Crail Romero is Head of Marketing for Mexico at the NFL and a leading figure in sports marketing. Under his leadership, the NFL earned an Emmy for Spanish-language content and produced stories such as El Sueño de Cieneguitas, connecting football with Mexican traditions. With experience at Amazon, Danone and William Grant & Sons, he also partners in Copal, a restaurant rooted in contemporary Oaxacan cuisine.

Ryan Croft is Director of Latin America at Teamworks, leading expansion across Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and beyond. An entrepreneur, investor and operator, he helps sports organisations adopt technology to improve athlete performance and operations. He also serves on the board of Sizzle SPAC, mentors founders at Georgetown University, and previously co-founded Pacto in Mexico.

Regina Dávalos is Commercial Director at Ticketmaster Mexico, where she leads commercial strategy and key account management, driving growth and strengthening relationships with venues, sports teams and promoters. With a strong background in live entertainment, she focuses on connecting fans with memorable experiences. She holds an Executive MBA from Harvard Business School and champions innovation, digital transformation and continuous improvement.

Alejandra de la Vega is a businesswoman and Industrial and Systems Engineering graduate from ITESM Monterrey. She is co-owner and Chairwoman of FC Juárez, and co-owner and board member of MountainStar Sports Group, operator of El Paso Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive FC. She has also served as Secretary of Innovation and Economic Development for Chihuahua, building a career defined by binational leadership, entrepreneurship and regional impact.

Chris DeVolder is Director of Sports with over 20 years of experience in sports design, specialising in football venues and training facilities. He has helped define Major League Soccer venue design guidelines and contributed to projects including Energizer Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, FIFA Arrowhead Stadium, KC Current facilities and Notre Dame Stadium. His work focuses on innovation, sustainability and community-driven design.

Alejandro Díaz lidera la práctica de Propiedad Intelectual y entretenimiento de la firma y cuenta con más de 20 años de experiencia. Asesora en marcas, derechos de autor, litigios, privacidad, tecnología y regulación publicitaria. Su práctica abarca entretenimiento y deportes, incluyendo franquicias, patrocinios y contenidos digitales. Destaca en protección de activos de PI en entornos digitales, combate a la piratería y litigios sofisticados en diversas industrias.

Currently CEO for the Americas at GGTech Entertainment, he leads multi-country operations across gaming, esports, music, sports, culture and live experiences. With 20+ years in sports and entertainment, he has held leadership roles at LVP and Argentina’s National Basketball League, and contributed to FIFA World Cup projects in 2010 and 2022. He has delivered experiences reaching 120M+ attendees across 50+ markets.

Juan Ernesto Serrano is a senior marketing and business leader with extensive experience in the automotive industry, specializing in brand strategy, customer experience, digital transformation and commercial performance. With a strong background in premium and luxury automotive marketing, he has led multidisciplinary teams across communications, CRM, product, retail and media strategy, helping global brands strengthen their position, grow and build lasting customer relationships.

Pedro Esquivel is the President of Administration at Club de Futbol Monterrey (Rayados) since August 2024, after serving as Executive VP from 2020. He has focused on strengthening the club’s structure, fan experience, and strategic projects. He leads Rayados’ role in the 2026 World Cup organization in Monterrey. Under his leadership, BBVA Stadium became the first in Latin America to earn LEED Gold certification for sustainability in 2024.

Aníbal Fájer is President of Atlas FC, bringing experience across academies, finance, M&A, commercial strategy and operations. He leads the club with a global perspective, focusing on long-term competitiveness, organisational alignment and sustainable growth, combining football performance with a strong business vision.

Degree in Business Administration with postgraduate studies in Marketing, Communication, Journalism and Advertising from institutions in Mexico and Spain, including Universidad Iberoamericana, ITAM, Tec de Monterrey, Carlos III University and the University of Navarra. He has international experience in commercial and marketing roles at CANAL+ and MOVISTAR+, was a columnist for Diario Milenio, and is now VP of Media & Coms at Grupo Pachuca.

A sports and entertainment executive, he currently serves as the NFL’s commercial director in Mexico. In this role, he oversees the league’s commercial strategy in one of its most important international markets, driving economic growth, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding the fan base.

Strategic Growth Lead for Tradable Bits in LATAM with a focus in advanced and data analytics responsible for the success of key partners and special projects that impact the sports tech ecosystem

Walter Franco is Principal and Project Director at Victus Advisors, where he specialises in soccer business, league expansion and sports facility planning. Since joining in 2015, he has led market research, feasibility studies and economic impact analyses for stadium and arena projects across the US and Mexico. Fluent in English and Spanish, he advises municipalities, investors and franchises on sustainable sports and entertainment districts.

Alicia Fraser specialises in client relations, partnerships and business development within the sports and events industry. Born in the land of hockey and now based in Spain, she works closely with FutbolJobs and Evento, helping organisations manage tryouts, camps and sporting events through fully branded digital platforms for registrations, payments, communication and attendee management.

Alejandra Frausto Guerrero is a Mexican attorney, cultural manager and public servant, currently serving as Secretary of Tourism for Mexico City. She previously served as Federal Secretary of Culture from 2018 to 2024, becoming the first woman to lead the ministry. With over 25 years of experience in cultural promotion, community development and social inclusion, she now focuses on sustainable tourism, urban renewal and preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Sascha Fussmann is the founder of One Life, a global football platform connecting top talent from Latin America with European and MLS clubs through a live, content- and data-driven format. With a background in talent management and digital media, he is building a new ecosystem at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and player transfers.

Pedro A. García Ampudia enfoca su práctica en fusiones y adquisiciones y gobierno corporativo. Ha asesorado a empresas en adquisiciones, escisiones, joint ventures, transacciones de capital privado y OPIs, tanto locales como internacionales. Cuenta con experiencia en diversas industrias, incluyendo consumo, telecomunicaciones, deportes y entretenimiento, así como en derecho del deporte, asesorando a entidades nacionales y extranjeras.

Currently serving Olympique de Marseille, he focuses on building a forward-looking vision for the football industry, anticipating the game of tomorrow and leading strategic initiatives across the club to strengthen competitive advantage and continuous innovation. His football journey began in 2019 with the due diligence and acquisition of Venezia FC.

Leading the strategy and business of the Innovation and Technology Center at the Mexican Football Federation. Background in sports analytics at Club Tigres, management consulting, and high-growth operations at DiDi Mexico. At CITEC, connecting Mexican football with the global sports tech ecosystem and building a revenue-generating hub with a global vision.

Ramon is Sportian’s Business Manager for North America, covering the United States, Mexico and Canada. Based in Miami, he leads commercial efforts across the region, building strategic partnerships with leagues, clubs, broadcasters and stadium operators. Sportian, a joint venture between Globant and LaLiga, delivers technology solutions in fan experience, data analytics and performance intelligence for the sports industry.

Entertainment & Business | Sales & Storytelling 24/7

With over two decades of experience in information technology, he specialises in operational control, technology strategy and supervisory operations. As CTO/CIO at Grupo Ollamani, he has helped define the company’s IT direction, develop data infrastructure and implement advanced systems such as S/4HANA Public Cloud across multiple entities. His work focuses on improving operational efficiency and supporting organisational goals through innovative technology solutions.

Katie Hannam is a senior diplomat with over ten years of experience at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. She currently leads the World Cup Strategy for the UK Embassy in Mexico and the soft power campaign “Football Is Our Language”, promoting women and girls in football. A strong advocate for gender equality, she previously served in Sierra Leone, where she received a British Empire Medal for her work on death penalty abolition and supporting women off death row.

Tiago Hendges is passionate about technology and innovation, with nearly 30 years of experience leading projects that turn complex challenges into practical solutions. Currently at Grêmio, he works in large-scale, high-pressure operations where every detail matters. He specializes in integrating people, processes and technology, applying retail best practices to improve the fan journey inside and outside the stadium.

With over 13 years at PPG Comex, she leads Communications, Public Affairs, and CSR. She founded “Comex por un México Bien Hecho,” the nation’s largest social impact program, benefiting 30 million people. Recognized as a sustainability leader and Arise Mexico board member, she secured Comex’s #1 industry rank in ESG. An Iberoamericana alumna with a Master’s in Social Impact (IDB), she is a dedicated advocate for community resilience, social transformation, and animal welfare.

Adrián Hidalgo is CCO of 4S Real Estate, the leading real estate consulting firm in Latin America. He works with developers, architects and investors to create projects driven by market intelligence, real estate marketing and technology. At 4S, he has contributed to 1,000+ projects across Mexico, the US and Latin America. He also leads 4S’s global expansion strategy and partner network across 20 countries.

Francisco Ibáñez is a lawyer from Universidad Panamericana with experience in banking and finance law, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and corporate practice. He advises investors and financial institutions on complex transactions. He previously worked at América Móvil, strengthening his M&A expertise, and has participated in public offerings, structured financings and projects across the sports and entertainment industries.

Daniel Infante is a FIFA-licensed football agent, entrepreneur and speaker, and founder of Elite IFM. He has created opportunities for 300+ players across 70+ countries, while supporting LaLiga clubs in their international expansion through strategic partnerships with academies and clubs worldwide. Known for his direct approach, he connects global talent with elite European football.

Mauricio Iturralde es gerente de operaciones de Uber México, posición desde la que lidera la estrategia, operación y crecimiento del portafolio de productos enfocados en usuarios, impulsando soluciones innovadoras para mejorar la experiencia de movilidad en la plataforma. Cuenta con más de ocho años de experiencia en la compañía, donde ha ocupado diversos roles estratégicos a nivel regional e internacional.

Matthew oversees technology, data analytics, and strategy for the Miami HEAT and Kaseya Center as Executive Vice President of Business Strategy. He also co-founded 601 Analytics, an analytics platform purpose-built for teams, leagues, and venues. Before sports and entertainment, he built a mobile startup from the ground up, shipping products for major brands across industries before the company was acquired.

She is a specialist in cultural planning and policy, with 17 years of experience across public and private institutions in the creative sector, arts and cultural heritage in more than 10 Mexican states. Strongly committed to culture as a tool for change, human rights advocacy and social development, she currently focuses on cultural governance and “culture with purpose” projects that protect cultural rights beyond political agendas.

Javier Adrián is Commercial Director of PRODU in Mexico, the leading media outlet for the audiovisual industry in Ibero-America with global reach. He brings over 15 years of experience in business development, commercial strategy and brand positioning across media, entertainment and technology. Beyond his executive career, he is also an actor, voice talent and content creator, connecting storytelling, audiences and digital communication trends.

Darshan Kaler is Co-Founder and CEO of Tradable Bits, one of the leading fan data and engagement platforms for sports, music and entertainment. A technology entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience, he has led the company since 2010, helping global organisations turn fragmented data into personalised fan experiences through data, AI and experience design.

Jimena holds degrees from the University of York and the University of Sussex. With over 15 years of experience in early childhood development across Latin America, she has worked with the IDB and contributed to key strategies in Mexico’s health and education sectors, focusing on policy, curriculum, teacher training and institutional strengthening.

Executive Director of Technology, AI, Data & Process @ SAF Clube Atlético Mineiro · Arena MRV | Founder @ Neuryon | AI-driven revenue in sports, entertainment & enterprise | Board & Advisory

Harry Lennard is Director of Officiating Operations at Genius Sports, leading the delivery of advanced officiating technology, including Semi-Automated Offside Technology. A former elite Assistant Referee, he spent 17 years as a National List, Premier League and International Assistant Referee making over 500 professional appearances and representing the FA on 50 occasions.

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.

International sports and football development executive with extensive experience in strategic projects. With experience in different markets, he has work as a delegate of LALIGA in Russia & CIS Counties, in the Impulso Project (LALIGA & CVC) and currently as a CEO of UNAFUT (Costa Rica Football League)

Former Brazilian Women’s Soccer National team player. I participated in the first and second Fifa Women’s Soccer World Cup in 1991 and 1995, and the First time that Women’s soccer was in the Olympic Games in 1996. I was the US Women’s Futsal National team coach from March 2023 to January 2025.

Marketing executive with over 16 years of experience in brand building, creative communications, product marketing, media strategy and growth. She is currently Marketing Director at Uber Mexico, where she leads brand positioning and business growth. She has worked with brands including Nubank, Aeroméxico, Wall’s, Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s across LATAM, North America and Europe.

Great career as a sports journalist for more than 20 years.​ Coverage of 5 FIFA World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006).​ Coverage of the Olympic Games from 1988 to 2008.​ Full coverage of Mexican soccer, baseball and Olympic sports.​

Daniel Martín Casas is a sports management professional specialised in international sports projects and consultancy. He is currently CEO of NextEra Sport and linked to the general management of Rayo Ciudad Alcobendas CF. His work focuses on youth football professionalisation, international expansion, talent development and creating academic and sporting opportunities for young athletes.

Alexia Martínez is the Senior Marketing Manager for Saucony Mexico. With over a decade of experience in marketing, brand building and retail, she creates strong connections between brands, communities and culture. She leads Saucony’s strategy in Mexico, strengthening the brand’s presence and its relationship with the running community. A runner, mother and wellness enthusiast, she believes sport can transform lives and inspire meaningful impact beyond the product.

With 20+ years in communications and content, he has worked as a journalist for Univisión, Televisa, Diario Deportivo RÉCORD and Estadio W, and as an executive at FMF, Liga MX, Univisión, Chivas and Televisa. He has covered three World Cups and one Olympic Games. He is currently VP of Content for Mexican football, leading an 80-person team focused on fan experience and commercial content across TV, digital and live environments.

Marcelo Martínez is CEO and founder of Raidar.io, a customer intelligence and engagement platform powered by data and AI. With over a decade of experience across technology, marketing and sport, he has built products and teams focused on turning fans and customers into measurable relationships. His work supports SocioTigre and clients across retail, sports and entertainment.

Matthew Gura is Chief Operating Officer at NZero, an energy intelligence platform using machine learning to turn complex energy data into actionable decisions. He leads operations across go-to-market, delivery and finance, supporting the company’s growth and transformation. Previously, he held senior operations roles in agriculture and controlled-environment production. He holds an Executive MBA from Notre Dame and a B.S. from Cornell University.

Baptiste Maurel is an international sports business and marketing executive with experience across multiple continents. Specialised in brand strategy, fan engagement and strategic alliances, he currently serves as Marketing Director at Club América. In his role, he drives the growth of one of the region’s most influential football brands, strengthening engagement across its dual-market presence in Mexico and the United States.

Thomas P. Mayo is an international sports executive, entrepreneur and former elite middle-distance athlete with over 20 years of leadership experience across the United States, Asia-Pacific and Oceania. He has led major sporting events and high-growth consumer brands, specialising in strategy, sponsorship, operations and business transformation. He currently serves as Executive Director of Leagues Cup at Major League Soccer.

Focused on Mexico and LATAM, where he leads research, strategic analysis, and editorial products. With an MSc in Sports Management from Birkbeck, University of London, his work focuses on making sense of market trends, audience shifts, and the business forces shaping the industry across the region.

MDDI. Santiago Montes, is a innovation strategist and intra/entrepreneur with 15+ years of experience in sports, media, and digital transformation. He was among the first professionals in Mexico to explore digital communication as a business model in sports. He led ChivasTV, developing new monetization strategies, and founded Chivas Esports. He also create the Innovation League, focused on innovation-driven business transformation and emerging technologies.

Michele Montesi is Chief Strategy Officer of FC Porto, leading the club’s long-term strategy, transformation agenda, governance evolution and international development. Appointed in 2024, he brings over 10 years of experience in strategy, leadership and large-scale transformation, including his previous role at Monitor Deloitte. He holds an Executive MBA from Columbia Business School and a UEFA Certificate in Football Management.

Andrew is a Partner at Innovatio Capital, owner of Querétaro FC, where he focuses on the evolution of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy operations. He previously led major football and sports investment projects at Bilkul Football Group, Cerro Capital, Dugout and MP & Silva. With experience across club acquisitions, media rights and sports M&A, he has worked with West Bromwich Albion, Bologna FC, Como FC and Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Over two decades of international experience across sport, entertainment and hospitality, helping rights-holders understand, engage and monetise their fan bases. At Fortress, he focuses on smart-stadium innovation, connecting access, payments, loyalty and data to create seamless fan experiences and stronger commercial outcomes for clubs and leagues worldwide.

27 year experience in Sports Brands New Balance, adidas, Puma and Reebok.

Marketing and Revenue Management Director with extensive experience in developing commercial strategies and optimizing revenue. Specialist in market analysis and brand positioning. Leads cross-functional teams to maximize profitability and brand visibility. Focused on results, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Alexis is one of the region’s most recognized creatives, with leadership experience across agencies in Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico. A drummer as well, he sees music as a natural complement to creativity and advertising. He has created award-winning campaigns for brands such as Coca-Cola, Heineken, Netflix, P&G, Sanofi, Danone, Volvo and McDonald’s, with work recognized at Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clio, LIA and Effies.

Rodolfo Augusto Ostolaza Berlanga is Deputy Director of Economic Studies at Banamex, where he monitors and analyses developments in the real sector of the Mexican economy. He holds degrees in Economics and Finance from El Colegio de México, UNITEC and UNAM. Previously, he held senior roles at CEMLA, OECD, INEGI and the Bank of Mexico. He also contributes to media outlets including Imagen Radio, El Heraldo TV and Fortuna Magazine.

She is a sports executive specialized in marketing, commercial strategy, operations and cultural programming for major sports and entertainment properties. She currently serves as Marketing Director for Host City Mexico City for the FIFA World Cup 2026, overseeing brand strategy, partnerships, commercial initiatives, operational projects and cultural legacy programs. With over 15 years of experience, she has held leadership roles at Club América, Estadio Azteca and international projects.

Award-winning journalist and consultant Ivan Pérez is a leading authority on the Latin American sports ecosystem. Formerly of Forbes México and Univisión, he founded El Míster, the region’s premier sports business intelligence platform. Ivan bridges journalistic rigor with strategic vision, forging alliances with major properties including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, F1 Mexico City GP, and the Mexican Baseball League. His work redefines industry narratives by blending high-level content with actionable business intell

Raúl is one of SFA’s most trusted references, with a long career in sports and entertainment. After starting at Deloitte and CUNEF, he joined Real Madrid CF, where he spent eight years contributing to the club’s modernisation across stadium operations, asset development, members and fans. In 2008, he founded Zertior Sports & Entertainment. Since January 2026, Zertior and SFA have integrated under the SFA brand, with Raúl leading Strategy, Business and Communications.

Tania Rincón is one of Mexico’s most recognized sports and entertainment hosts. She has participated in FIFA World Cup coverage and major international sporting events, standing out for her strong connection with audiences and her ability to bring sports closer to broader television and digital audiences.

Marta Román Tabanera is Founder and CEO of Potentiia. A psychologist specialised in high-performance psychology and behavioural methodology, she has worked with elite athletes and organisations including the Spanish Olympic Committee, C.F. Monterrey and C.F. Pachuca, helping individuals and teams build discipline, resilience and sustainable performance under pressure.

Héctor Romero is CEO and co-founder of FXP, a startup helping sports properties turn fan data into monetisation opportunities with brands and commercial partners. With over 18 years’ experience in data, CRM, loyalty and customer experience, he has worked with organisations such as FMF, Chivas, Toluca and Boletomóvil. His work focuses on fan data strategies that drive sponsorship value, digital monetisation and stronger audience relationships.

Aldo Sales is the Founder and CEO of Playbook, the leading sports-business media platform in LATAM, with over 25,000 subscribers, including top industry executives. He previously co-founded art-focused financial ventures and worked at Endeavor Mexico, supporting high-growth companies. Aldo holds an MBA from EGADE and a Master’s from Yale, where he earned multiple honors and delivered his class’s commencement speech.

Entrepreneur and operator with experience building and scaling businesses across healthcare, real estate, and technology. Columbia Business School graduate.

Paulina Sánchez’s climate activism began after hearing Felix Finkbeiner’s call to action at COP16 in Cancún. Inspired, she helped bring Plant-for-the-Planet to Mexico, organizing talks, launching the country’s first Academy and becoming a Climate Justice Ambassador. Her work has taken her to several UN Climate Conferences. Today, as Regional Lead for Latin America, she empowers young changemakers through summits, academies, mentorship and forest restoration efforts.

Country Manager at NewC Sport and sports business leader with 25+ years of experience managing international events, developing successful sponsorship projects, and driving revenue growth in the global sports market. Proven ability to lead and execute high-profile events such as 6 FIFA World Cups, Olympic Games, and 4 CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana Finals.

23 years of career, he joined Televisa Deportes in 2001.​ Participated in Univision’s first coverage of Super Bowl LVII.​ Host for the radio program MVS Noticas.​ Participated in the coverage of several World Cups, 18 Super Bowls, Olympic Games, Pan American Games, World Cups, Champions League and WWE and UFC fights. Additionally, he has covered MLB, NHL, PGA and LPGA Golf, F1, NASCAR, Boxing, Tennis and E-Games.​

Andy Sola is a Mexican sports TV host and content creator known for her work with TV Azteca Deportes. Her career connects television, live sports coverage, digital content and brand collaborations. With a fresh, confident and relatable style, she has built a personal brand that blends sports, entertainment, social media and commercial influence.

Spiegel is a serial entrepreneur and investor in sports and technology. After founding Rubicon Technologies, which scaled to 20+ countries, 500+ employees and over $700M in annual revenue, he created 502Circle, a leading NIL Collective for the University of Louisville. In 2023, he launched Innovatio Capital to invest in sports as an alternative asset class, later acquiring 100% of Querétaro FC in 2025.

Jorge Taboada is responsible for the Sports content area at TikTok for Latin America, where he previously served as Director of Operations for Spanish-speaking markets. He has over 20 years of experience working in media and technology companies, leading digital transformation processes, and developing content partnerships, distribution strategies, new business models, and digital marketing and content strategies.

Commercial Director of Club Tigres, one of Mexico’s leading football clubs, where he has led commercial strategy for over four years. Before joining Tigres, he was part of the NBA’s Global Partnerships team for Latin America. He holds an MBA in Sports Business from the University of Oregon’s Warsaw Sports Marketing Center.

Co-founder of El Míster, investigative journalist, strategist in content dissemination and editorial products. Winner of the Prende Ibero Scholarship 2015. He has a master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Universidad Iberoamericana. Content Director at El Míster, writer for Olympics.com. I was Content Coordinator at Noticieros Televisa and Azteca Noticias.

Partner-Director of Senn, Ferrero, Asociados México since 2019. He has extensive experience in Sports and Entertainment Law, Industrial Property, Arbitration and Litigation. He previously worked at Garrigues Sports & Entertainment and led the Sports & Entertainment Law area at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes. He has participated in cases before the CAS, FMF, FIFA, CONCACAF, and various Mexican federal courts and tribunals.

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.

Great career as a sports journalist for more than 20 years.​ Coverage of 5 FIFA World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006).​ Coverage of the Olympic Games from 1988 to 2008.​ Full coverage of Mexican soccer, baseball and Olympic sports.​

Carlos Valenzuela is Executive Vice President at Club Tigres and a FIFA Women’s Football expert. With over 16 years of experience in professional football, including roles at Club América and Tigres, he has led initiatives across operations, strategy and organizational development. His work focuses on building integrated models that connect sporting performance with institutional strength, supporting the growth of women’s football through long-term vision.

Sports psychologist and former professional footballer with 24 years of experience in elite competition. Specialized in combining evidence-based psychological approaches with firsthand elite level experience to optimize individual and collective performance. Adept at working collaboratively with coaching staff and sports management to foster mental resilience, athlete development and sustainable competitive success.

Isra Villalpando is Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations & International Growth at On Location, the official hospitality provider for many of the world’s biggest sports and entertainment events, including FIFA World Cup 2026, the Olympic Games, Super Bowl, WWE and UFC. Previously, he founded a sports business consultancy, IV Sports, and held senior leadership roles at the IOC and IPC, overseeing global commercial programs, event operations, and corporate finance.