Meet the leaders joining WFS Monterrey 2025
Influential decision-makers gathered to design the football we need.
Confirmed speakers at WFS Monterrey 2025
Confirmed speakers at
WFS Monterrey 2025
Grace
Ahrens
Executive Director – Women in Soccer
Grace
Ahrens
Grace Ahrens is the Executive Director of Women in Soccer, an organization committed to creating opportunities for women and people with underrepresented gender identities who work (or want to work) in soccer. Growing up in Mexico and with over 10 years of experience in workforce development, branding and media, she brings a deep understanding of diversity and expertise in driving inclusive solutions.
Víctor
Alvarado
CEO/Founder- Spiel Consulting
Víctor
Alvarado
Mexican-born sports marketing strategist in Berlin. 25+ years connecting fans, brands, and football via digital innovation & strategy. Led “Mi Selección MX” digital growth (2014/2018 World Cups). At [current company in Germany] & Spiel Consulting, helping clubs/leagues engage fans, activate sponsors, and grow with data & creativity. Collaborated with Adidas, Coca-Cola, Movistar, Visa, FC Bayern. Leaders Under 40 nominee (Digital & Tech).
Enrique
Arrambides
Commercial Director Mexico – Nielsen Sports & Entertainment
Enrique
Arrambides
Enrique joined Nielsen Sports in early 2019, bringing to the table a background of over 15 years of market research as a consultant, a brand protection role for the Guadalajara 2011 Pan American and Parapan American Games, along with a strong commercial acumen for the sports business. He firmly believes that the professionalization of the sports commercial ecosystem is what will drive the greatest changes among rights holders, brands, and ultimately benefit fans.
Mikel
Arriola
Commissioner – FMF
Mikel
Arriola
Mikel Arriola, born in Mexico City, holds a Law Degree from Universidad Anahuac del Norte, a master’s in Public Policy from LSE, and a master’s in Law from the University of Chicago, which awarded him the Professional Merit Award in 2017. His public sector career began in 2002 as Litigation Coordinator for Banrural. He served in various roles, including Compliance Officer at Rural Financial, and held several positions in the Finance Ministry (SHCP).
Alfonso
Becerra Cid
Commercial Strategy & Innovation – Federación Mexicana de Fútbol
Alfonso
Becerra Cid
Alfonso is a global leader with 20+ years in innovation, customer experience, and digital transformation across sports and entertainment. As Director of Innovation & Commercial Strategy at the Mexican Football Federation, he drives fan-focused growth. He has worked with Cinépolis, Cisco, Avaya, and ConCrédito, reinvented the cinema experience, and built one of Latin America’s largest digital platforms, blending tech, marketing, and design to boost fan engagement.
Mauricio
Culebro
President – TIGRES UANL
Mauricio
Culebro
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the sports and entertainment industry, Mauricio Culebro is the President of CLUB TIGRES DE LA UANL. Before joining Tigres he was the Chief Operating Officer for the MEXICAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION and Mexico´s leader for the organization of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to take place in the United States, Canada and México. He was the President of CLUB DE FÚTBOL AMÉRICA from 2017 till 2019 where he also held different managerial positions for several years.
Kristian
Dobrev
Deputy CEO – The Football Business Academy
Kristian
Dobrev
As Co-Founder and Deputy CEO of The FBA, Kristian has focused on using education as a platform to accelerate the professionalization of the football industry. With nearly 100 partnerships and hundreds of learners impacted, he and his team have positioned The FBA as a global leader in football business education.
Pedro
Esquivel
President of Administration – Club de Futbol Monterrey (Rayados)
Pedro
Esquivel
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.
Alejandro
Hütt
Host City Manager FIFA Monterrey – FWC26 Monterrey
Alejandro
Hütt
Experienced professional specialized in sports spectacles industry.
Olek
Loewenstein
Global President of Sports – TelevisaUnivision
Olek
Loewenstein
Olek Loewenstein is President of Global Sports Business at TelevisaUnivision, overseeing all sports content operations in the U.S. and Mexico. He leads TUDN’s bi-national production hub, delivering over 4,000 hours of studio shows, 6,000 hours of live TV events, and 4,500+ streaming hours on ViX annually. Under his leadership, TelevisaUnivision holds the largest live soccer portfolio, featuring Liga MX, the Mexican national team, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and more.
Jurgen
Mainka
Chief Tournament Officer, Mexico – FWC2026
Jurgen
Mainka
Jurgen currently serves as the Chief Tournament Officer, Mexico, FIFA World Cup 2026™, where he leads the tournament’s strategy and planning for the Host Country and its three Host Cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City. Jurgen is part of FIFA’s Executive Team across Canada, Mexico and the United States that is charged with delivering the biggest FIFA World Cup™ ever in 2026.
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.
Débora
Saldanha
Head of Innovation – Clube Atlético Mineiro
Débora
Saldanha
Débora Saldanha is Head of Innovation and New Business in sports, with over 10 years of experience in digital transformation, technology, and fan experience. Named one of Brazil’s Top 50 Innovation Executives (2024) and Latin America’s Best Sports Executive (2023), she leads award-winning initiatives at Clube Atlético Mineiro and speaks internationally on innovation, digital culture, and the future of sports.
Consuelo
Sanchez
Tourism Deputy Director – Florida’s Sports Coast
Consuelo
Sanchez
Consuelo Sanchez has led Florida’s Sports Coast/Pasco County to global prominence since 2015. Now Deputy Director of Tourism, she was named 2024 Florida Sports Tourism Professional of the Year and 2025 Woman to Watch in the Event Industry. With 20+ years of experience, she drives key initiatives, secures events, and promotes inclusive tourism, backed by certifications in strategy, hospitality, and autism travel. Originally from Colombia, she is a leader in sports tourism.
Giovanni
Solazzi
Vice President and General Director – Cancún FC / Blue Crow Sports Group
Giovanni
Solazzi
Football executive and sports investment strategist with experience working for football ownership groups in Europe, the US and Latin America. I’m part of the Founding Team of Blue Crow Sports Group and I’ve built Cancún FC, the NewGen Club.
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.
Rodrigo
Yavarone
Head of Business Development, Image & Communication – CF Cruz Azul
Rodrigo
Yavarone
Rodrigo is a strategic and results-driven executive with over 10 years of experience in business development, partnerships, and commercial leadership within the sports and media, including experiences at Valencia CF, Copa del Rey, World Padel Tour, Club Nacional de Football. Rodrigo brings an extensive international experience across various fields such as account management, activation, strategy, sales and negotiation, international events, research and data analysis, image rights and OTT services.
Grace
Ahrens
Executive Director – Women in Soccer
Grace
Ahrens
Grace Ahrens is the Executive Director of Women in Soccer, an organization committed to creating opportunities for women and people with underrepresented gender identities who work (or want to work) in soccer. Growing up in Mexico and with over 10 years of experience in workforce development, branding and media, she brings a deep understanding of diversity and expertise in driving inclusive solutions.
Víctor
Alvarado
CEO/Founder- Spiel Consulting
Víctor
Alvarado
Mexican-born sports marketing strategist in Berlin. 25+ years connecting fans, brands, and football via digital innovation & strategy. Led “Mi Selección MX” digital growth (2014/2018 World Cups). At [current company in Germany] & Spiel Consulting, helping clubs/leagues engage fans, activate sponsors, and grow with data & creativity. Collaborated with Adidas, Coca-Cola, Movistar, Visa, FC Bayern. Leaders Under 40 nominee (Digital & Tech).
Enrique
Arrambides
Commercial Director Mexico – Nielsen Sports & Entertainment
Enrique
Arrambides
Enrique joined Nielsen Sports in early 2019, bringing to the table a background of over 15 years of market research as a consultant, a brand protection role for the Guadalajara 2011 Pan American and Parapan American Games, along with a strong commercial acumen for the sports business. He firmly believes that the professionalization of the sports commercial ecosystem is what will drive the greatest changes among rights holders, brands, and ultimately benefit fans.
Mikel
Arriola
Commissioner – FMF
Mikel
Arriola
Mikel Arriola, born in Mexico City, holds a Law Degree from Universidad Anahuac del Norte, a master’s in Public Policy from LSE, and a master’s in Law from the University of Chicago, which awarded him the Professional Merit Award in 2017. His public sector career began in 2002 as Litigation Coordinator for Banrural. He served in various roles, including Compliance Officer at Rural Financial, and held several positions in the Finance Ministry (SHCP).
Alfonso
Becerra Cid
Commercial Strategy & Innovation – Federación Mexicana de Fútbol
Alfonso
Becerra Cid
Alfonso is a global leader with 20+ years in innovation, customer experience, and digital transformation across sports and entertainment. As Director of Innovation & Commercial Strategy at the Mexican Football Federation, he drives fan-focused growth. He has worked with Cinépolis, Cisco, Avaya, and ConCrédito, reinvented the cinema experience, and built one of Latin America’s largest digital platforms, blending tech, marketing, and design to boost fan engagement.
Mauricio
Culebro
President – TIGRES UANL
Mauricio
Culebro
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the sports and entertainment industry, Mauricio Culebro is the President of CLUB TIGRES DE LA UANL. Before joining Tigres he was the Chief Operating Officer for the MEXICAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION and Mexico´s leader for the organization of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to take place in the United States, Canada and México. He was the President of CLUB DE FÚTBOL AMÉRICA from 2017 till 2019 where he also held different managerial positions for several years.
Kristian
Dobrev
Deputy CEO – The Football Business Academy
Kristian
Dobrev
As Co-Founder and Deputy CEO of The FBA, Kristian has focused on using education as a platform to accelerate the professionalization of the football industry. With nearly 100 partnerships and hundreds of learners impacted, he and his team have positioned The FBA as a global leader in football business education.
Pedro
Esquivel
President of Administration – Club de Futbol Monterrey (Rayados)
Pedro
Esquivel
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.
Alejandro
Hütt
Host City Manager FIFA Monterrey – FWC26 Monterrey
Alejandro
Hütt
Experienced professional specialized in sports spectacles industry.
Olek
Loewenstein
Global President of Sports – TelevisaUnivision
Olek
Loewenstein
Olek Loewenstein is President of Global Sports Business at TelevisaUnivision, overseeing all sports content operations in the U.S. and Mexico. He leads TUDN’s bi-national production hub, delivering over 4,000 hours of studio shows, 6,000 hours of live TV events, and 4,500+ streaming hours on ViX annually. Under his leadership, TelevisaUnivision holds the largest live soccer portfolio, featuring Liga MX, the Mexican national team, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and more.
Jurgen
Mainka
Chief Tournament Officer, Mexico – FWC2026
Jurgen
Mainka
Jurgen currently serves as the Chief Tournament Officer, Mexico, FIFA World Cup 2026™, where he leads the tournament’s strategy and planning for the Host Country and its three Host Cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City. Jurgen is part of FIFA’s Executive Team across Canada, Mexico and the United States that is charged with delivering the biggest FIFA World Cup™ ever in 2026.
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.
Débora
Saldanha
Head of Innovation – Clube Atlético Mineiro
Débora
Saldanha
Débora Saldanha is Head of Innovation and New Business in sports, with over 10 years of experience in digital transformation, technology, and fan experience. Named one of Brazil’s Top 50 Innovation Executives (2024) and Latin America’s Best Sports Executive (2023), she leads award-winning initiatives at Clube Atlético Mineiro and speaks internationally on innovation, digital culture, and the future of sports.
Consuelo
Sanchez
Tourism Deputy Director – Florida’s Sports Coast
Consuelo
Sanchez
Consuelo Sanchez has led Florida’s Sports Coast/Pasco County to global prominence since 2015. Now Deputy Director of Tourism, she was named 2024 Florida Sports Tourism Professional of the Year and 2025 Woman to Watch in the Event Industry. With 20+ years of experience, she drives key initiatives, secures events, and promotes inclusive tourism, backed by certifications in strategy, hospitality, and autism travel. Originally from Colombia, she is a leader in sports tourism.
Giovanni
Solazzi
Vice President and General Director – Cancún FC / Blue Crow Sports Group
Giovanni
Solazzi
Football executive and sports investment strategist with experience working for football ownership groups in Europe, the US and Latin America. I’m part of the Founding Team of Blue Crow Sports Group and I’ve built Cancún FC, the NewGen Club.
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.
Rodrigo
Yavarone
Head of Business Development, Image & Communication – CF Cruz Azul
Rodrigo
Yavarone
Rodrigo is a strategic and results-driven executive with over 10 years of experience in business development, partnerships, and commercial leadership within the sports and media, including experiences at Valencia CF, Copa del Rey, World Padel Tour, Club Nacional de Football. Rodrigo brings an extensive international experience across various fields such as account management, activation, strategy, sales and negotiation, international events, research and data analysis, image rights and OTT services.
World Football Summit Speakers
World Football Summit
Speakers
Since 2016, WFS has welcomed the football industry leaders who are shaping the future of football.
World Football Summit Speakers On stage
World Football Summit Speakers
On stage
