Meet the leaders joining WFS Riyadh 2025

Influential decision-makers gathered to design the football we need.

Confirmed speakers at WFS Riyadh 2025

Confirmed speakers at
WFS Riyadh 2025

Alhassan

Abdulshakur

CEO & Founder – Sport Psychology Academy

Alhassan

Abdulshakur

Alhassan is a sport psychology consultant with a passion for enhancing the performance and wellbeing of athletes. Bringing extensive experience in working with elite athletes and teams, he specializes in providing tailored psychological interventions to optimize performance, resilience, and mental health. As a PhD researcher in sport psychology, he is driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to driving positive change in the world of sport, especially in developing sport psychology services.

Abdulaziz

Abuzaid

Misk Sports Director General – Misk Foundation

Abdulaziz

Abuzaid

Strategy-driven leader with 15+ years of experience delivering growth, transformation, and operational excellence across public and private sectors. In recent years, I’ve brought this strategic discipline into the sports sector, where I’ve spearheaded ventures that fuse elite athletic development with education and structured talent pathways, like creating first-of-its-kind elite football academy embedded within a private K–12 school in Riyadh.

Jamil

Ahmad

Networking Country Manager – HPE

Jamil

Ahmad

Jamil Ahmad is the Country manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Networking Business Unit. With extensive experience in the tech industry, Jamil is passionate about helping organizations harness the power of cutting-edge technologies. Associated with Hewlett Packard Middle East for 24 years, he has been successfully handling managerial positions including handling Large Global Accounts needing consultative approach.

Ural

Aküzüm

Executive Board Member – Turkish Football Federation

Ural

Aküzüm

Dr. Ural Aküzüm is a Turkish entrepreneur, investor, and legal expert who has held senior leadership roles in sports management, academia, and business for more than two decades. He served on the Board of Directors of Galatasaray Sports Club for 12 years across six terms, playing an active role in the club’s strategic management, sports planning, and structural transformation processes. Aküzüm currently serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Football Federation.

Loay

Al Alfi

Head of Strategy and Partnerships – Misk City

Loay

Al Alfi

Mr. Alfi is the Head of Strategy and Partnerships at Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk City) — the world’s first nonprofit city, designed to empower youth and innovation. With over two decades of experience shaping national, sectoral, and institutional strategies across government, state-backed, and nonprofit entities, Loay has led transformative programs that bridge vision with execution. At Misk City, he has driven the City’s strategic positioning, ecosystem and cluster development.

Majed

Al Ali

Founder & CEO – M.A. Sports

Majed

Al Ali

Majed AlAli is the Founder & CEO of M.A. Sports, a Saudi advisory firm specializing in sports investment, commercialization, and strategic partnerships. Drawing on two decades of experience, including 17 years of senior commercial experience at Saudi Aramco, Majed uniquely aligns global rights holders with the Kingdom’s sports ambitions. He advises investors and clubs on market entry, acquisitions, and media ventures in Saudi Arabia. M.A. Sports is also the official local partner for the World Football Summit (WFS)

Ahmed

Albahrani

Director of the Grassroots Department – Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Ahmed

Albahrani

Sports Media Professional, Executive Director of the Referees Committee, Executive Director of the Commissioners and Coordinators Department, and Director of the Grassroots Department

Maram

AlButairi

Owner and CEO – Eastern Flames FC

Maram

AlButairi

Maram Albutairi is a pioneering force in Saudi women’s football and the visionary behind Eastern Flames FC, the Kingdom’s first privately owned women’s club. Taking the lead before a formal ecosystem even existed, she built Eastern Flames into a national contender, producing dozens of youth and senior national-team players and setting new standards in player development, governance, and club sustainability.

Nabaa

Aldabbagh

Content Partnerships Manager – TikTok

Nabaa

Aldabbagh

I am a partnerships manager at TikTok who is leading on the partnership with the Saudi League, the Qatari league and the UAE Pro League. Also, I am working closely with clubs and entities in sports within the region in developing them and expanding their reach and also finding ways of work that can benefit them. Within the saudi league, I have been able to activate the league and clubs in several in-app activations that have seen success and we are working further to benefit the league by providing TikTok creators

Abdulaziz

Alenzi

Sports Medicine Manager – Move Comprehensive Sports Center

Abdulaziz

Alenzi

Abdulaziz is one of the founding team Member of Move comprehensive Sports Medicine Centre, and Clinical Lecturer at princess Noura University. With More than 10 years of experience at Alhilal FC, specialized Clinics and Football Clubs with extreme focus on sports injuries Rehabilitation and performance improvement.

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.

Lama

Alhamawi

Senior Reporter, Founder of Discussions – Arab News, Discussions Media

Lama

Alhamawi

Lama Alhamawi: Founder of Discussions | Head of Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Lama Alhamawi is a senior leader and professional dedicated to strengthening international relations and driving public diplomacy through strategic media. As the head of diplomacy and foreign affairs at a leading regional news organization, she is a pivotal figure in shaping critical narratives across the MENA region.

Mai

Alhelabi

CEO – Local Organization Committee – Asia Cup 2027

Mai

Alhelabi

I’m currently the CEO of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Local Organizing Committee. I’ve spent over 20 years working in business development, project management, and international event hosting, and I’ve had the privilege of helping shape the sports and entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia. Over the years, I’ve overseen and delivered more than 100 international sporting events across the Kingdom , always with a focus on excellence, integration, and creating experiences that have a real social.

Ali

AlJehani

Senior Vice President, MENA – Dentsu Sports International

Ali

AlJehani

Overseeing Dentsu Sports International in the MENA region, leading projects spanning sport and entertainment, supporting clients in building long-term brand and commercial impact. Advancing Dentsu Sports International’s regional presence and enhancing its capabilities in delivering insights and advisory services My prior experience at NEOM provided a strong foundation in building strategic relationships, contributing to the growth of NEOM Sectors aligned with Saudi’s Vision 2030.

Maram

Alkadhi

Partner – Thoburns

Maram

Alkadhi

Maram is a Partner at Thoburns, a boutique communications consultancy based in the UK. A dynamic and multilingual communications consultant with nearly 20 years’ experience advising high-profile public and private sector clients across the UK, Middle East, and internationally, Maram is known for delivering high-impact communications strategies for some of the region’s most transformative entities.

Jürgen

Alker

Founder – Alker

Jürgen

Alker

Jürgen Alker is a strategic advisor and entrepreneur focused on the future of performance in football. He works with former World Cup winners and Premier League players on building meaningful second-career platforms and helping them navigate life beyond the pitch. Alongside his work with talent, Jürgen supports SoccerBible in expanding its global presence, shaping new cultural and creative formats within the modern football landscape.

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.

Majdi

Allulu

Founder and CEO – Grintafy Technologies

Majdi

Allulu

Majdi Allulu is the Founder & CEO of Grintafy, the leading SportsTech platform in the Middle East and the region’s largest amateur football ecosystem. Since launching the platform, he has grown Grintafy to 2.5 million+ players, established partnerships with Serie A, Mahd Academy, the Saudi School League, and multiple professional clubs, and positioned the company as a core player in regional talent discovery.

Lina Khaled

Almaeena

Chairperson – Jeddah United

Lina Khaled

Almaeena

Communication major, French minor, George Maon University, 2000. MA in Psychology, American University in London 2005. Chaiman of the National Sports Talent Co. (Jeddah United Club). Member of the Saudi Shura Council 2016-2020. Member of the Saudi Leadership Society. Winner of the Entrepreneurship award at the Women in Leadership Forum 2010. Columnist and opinion writer. One of 10 Saudi women that climbed Everest Base Camp 2012 as a breast cancer awareness campaign.

Ibrahim

Almoaiqel

Assistant Deputy Minister for Investment and Privatization – Ministry of Sport – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ibrahim

Almoaiqel

Ibrahim Almoaiqel is the Assistant Deputy Minister for Investment and Privatization at the Ministry of Sport in Saudi Arabia, leading efforts to commercialize the sports sector, expand private sector involvement, and oversee the national privatization program—ranging from transforming state-owned sports clubs into private entities to evaluating the privatization of major sports assets including Stadia and Sports cities.

Sultan

Althari

Founding Partner – The Althari Group

Sultan

Althari

Sultan Althari is a Founding Partner at The Althari Group, a global strategic advisory and investment firm, where he leads a portfolio of engagements at the intersection of sports, media, and entertainment. As a member of the Executive and Investment Committees at Al Shabab FC, he oversees strategic investments and global outreach. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the World Football Summit and previously served as a Senior Advisor at Inter Miami CF.

Razan

Amoush

Football reporter and senior producer – Independent

Razan

Amoush

Razan is a seasoned football reporter and producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. Holding a Master’s degree in Public Policy, she brings a unique perspective to sports journalism, combining analytical skills with her passion for storytelling. Her love for football began before she even watched cartoons, shaping a lifelong dedication to the sport. Razan has worked extensively with international players, creating compelling content that showcases their journeys both on and off the pitch.

Abdullah

Aqeel

Portfolio Manager – Ministry of Sports

Abdullah

Aqeel

He works in the Mega Events Department at the Saudi Ministry of Sports, specializing in access control and ticketing for major events. He designs smooth, fan-friendly journeys—from ticket purchase to venue exit—focusing on families and first-time attendees. He collaborates with organizers, ticketing partners, and venue teams to connect all touchpoints, ensuring seamless entry, seating, fan zones, and support for PWD and VIP guests.

Dr Amine

Arezki

Founder & CEO – MarkaMotion

Dr Amine

Arezki

Dr. Amine Arezki is the Founder & CEO of MarkaMotion, a sports-tech startup redefining brand–fan engagement through virtual jersey advertising. With a PhD in Robotics and AI and an Executive MBA from London Business School, he brings 15+ years of global experience in strategy, marketing, and innovation. His work merges computer vision, AR, and creative marketing to drive new revenue models, and he is a frequent speaker on fan engagement, sports monetisation, and AI.

Jesús

Arroyo

Executive – Saudi Pro league

Jesús

Arroyo

Jesús Arroyo is a seasoned football executive with more than 18 years of experience in the professional football industry. He has held several senior positions, most notably serving as Deputy CEO and Head of Legal & Football Administration at Sevilla FC, one of Spain’s leading clubs. His expertise covers football operations, legal and regulatory frameworks, international relations, governance, and club development.

Raj

Athwal

Chief Executive Officer – Odisha Football Club

Raj

Athwal

With over 30 years of experience, I specialise in revitalising football clubs, steering them through challenges & building sustainable paths to success. I have worked across the football ecosystems; from Coventry City during their Premier League tenure to Glasgow Rangers, a club with a rich UEFA Champions League legacy. Currently, as part of Odisha FC’s journey, I’ve focussed on driving grwoth and innovation.

Bernardo

Azevedo

General Manager – Liga Portugal

Bernardo

Azevedo

Bernardo Azevedo is a Board Member of Liga Portugal and General Manager of Liga Comercial Portugal. After spending a significant part of his career at the Heineken Group, he built a path in digital transformation, sponsorship strategy, and Web3 across major global sports — from F1 to football. He later joined A BOLA, Portugal’s most renowned sports-media brand, as Chief Commercial Officer, where he helped lead its digital transformation.

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.

Lamia

Bahaian

Vice President – Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Lamia

Bahaian

Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Lamia Bahaian is the first female Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). A pioneer of Saudi women’s football who has been involved in the game for over 15 years, she also supervises the SAFF Women’s Football Department. During her tenure at the Federation since 2020, she helped establish four women’s national teams, two leagues and four regional training centres across the country.

Mohammed

Basrawi

General Manager of Marketing Communications & Content – Saudi Pro league

Mohammed

Basrawi

A distinguished marketing and branding leader, Mohammed J. Basrawi brings over 16 years of extensive experience cultivated across sectors such as education, real estate, FMCG, hospitality, and sports. In his current role as General Manager of Marketing Communications & Content (MARCOM & Content) for the Saudi Pro League (SPL), Mohammed spearheads initiatives to enhance the league’s profile, reputation, content strategy, and audience engagement.

Khalid

Basyuni

Head of MENA – Bundesliga International

Khalid

Basyuni

Khalid Basyuni is Head of Middle East and North Africa for Bundesliga International, where he oversees all of Bundesliga’s activities in the region. Prior to Bundesliga, Khalid was Head of Partnership Sales, Asia and MENA for the City Football Group and Head of International for Major League Baseball in New York.

Hatim

Bawazir

Head of visitor experience, events and festival sector – Government entity

Hatim

Bawazir

Dynamic and strategic executive with 15+ years of proven leadership in customer and visitor experience, digital transformation, and marketing communications across public and private sectors. Renowned for establishing Saudi Arabia’s first Visitor Experience Department under the Ministry of Culture, pioneering national CX metrics, and leading innovative projects like the Cultural Metaverse and Gen Z cultural engagement study.

Turki

bin Oudah

General Manager of Sport Sector – Royal Commission for Riyadh City

Turki

bin Oudah

Eng. Turki is the Sr. General Manager of the Sport Sector & Deputy Executive Director of the Green Riyadh at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. In these leadership roles, he has overseen & contributed to a range of initiatives spanning urban development & infrastructure planning, with a particular focus on sport sector development. He has also played a significant role within Green Riyadh, which is one of the Kingdom’s flagship megaprojects & a key contributor to achieving Vision 2030.

Dr. Mugbil

Binjudia

CEO – FG Sports

Dr. Mugbil

Binjudia

With 21 years of managerial experience in marketing, sales, and project management, he has spent the last decade as Founder & CEO of FG SPORTS, a leading sports services firm in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. He has advised 50+ sports organizations and 200+ companies on strategy, revenue growth, sponsorships, and digital marketing. Former Vice Chairman of Riyadh Club, he also teaches, consults widely, and is the author of a sports marketing book.

James

Bisgrove

CEO – Al Qadsiah Club Company

James

Bisgrove

James Bisgrove is a Football CEO who, during his tenure at Rangers F.C. helped transform the club’s business operations by significantly increasing revenues and modernising its commercial infrastructure. A former UEFA executive, James was appointed to the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Board in 2023. During his time in Glasgow, Rangers won the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup, reached the Europa League Final, and qualified for the UEFA Champions League.

Inigo

Bonilla

Client Partner – Sportian

Inigo

Bonilla

Dr. Alice

Burt

Chargé d’Affaires – British Embassy to Saudi Arabia

Dr. Alice

Burt

Dr Alice Burt is His Majesty’s Deputy Head of Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, promoting relations between the UK and Saudi Arabia and supporting British interests in the Kingdom. Previously, Alice was Deputy Director and Head of the Ukraine Recovery and Reconstruction Department for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Esteve

Calzada

CEO – Al Hilal

Esteve

Calzada

Esteve Calzada is a seasoned executive with over 22 years of experience in the global sports industry. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Al Hilal Club Company (Saudi Arabia), the most decorated football team in Asia. Formerly Chief Commercial Officer at City Football Group (Manchester City) and FC Barcelona, he also founded Post United, a leading Spanish digital football media platform. Esteve is recognized for his expertise in sports marketing, having authored the book Show Me The Money!

Luca

Campanile

CEO – Bus for fun

Luca

Campanile

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.

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.

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.

Miguel

Caso

Chief Broadcast Officer – Alamiya Media

Miguel

Caso

Miguel Caso is a seasoned media executive with international strategy experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As Chief Broadcast Officer at Alamiya Media, he leads end-to-end broadcast operations and technology strategy, integrating next-gen solutions, building key partnerships, and advancing media innovation across KSA.

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.

Lorenzo

Ceretto

COO – Fever Sport

Lorenzo

Ceretto

Jose

Collado

Head of International Sports Projects – Sevilla FC

Jose

Collado

Jose Collado is a football professional with a solid background as a physical coach, training methodology specialist, and international project manager. He has developed his career mainly in professional football in Qatar and Spain, working within different club structures and high-performance environments. In Qatar, his work within the Aspetar and Aspire Zone ecosystem allowed him to contribute to the development of players prepared to compete at the highest level, including the World Cup.

Bruno

Costa

Football Executive – CBF

Bruno

Costa

Fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish; Extensive Management, Scouting & Recruitment experience, spending more than two decades in the Brazilian top flight (Série A), the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the Major League Soccer (MLS), USA. CBF Academy (Brazilian Football Confederation) Instructor, former Sporting Director, Assistant Sporting Director, Director of Scouting and Academy Director. Member of ASD (Association Sporting Directors) Technical Committee and also a member of Abex Futebol

Gerry

Cox

CEO – Hayters TV

Gerry

Cox

Gerry Cox is one of the UK’s leading sports journalists, having covered football around the world for over 35 years. Former Chair of the Football Writers’ Association, he has interviewed most of the big names in football, has an unrivalled contacts book and a track record of innovation. In 2001 he set up Hayters TV, which has a global clientbase and a social media following of over 2million, yielding over half a billion video views per year.

Stuart

D'Souza

CEO – AEI Saudi

Stuart

D'Souza

Stuart has lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for nearly 20 years and founded AEI in 2012. The company enables foreign businesses to enter, establish and expand in the Saudi market. The team at AEI have helped over 2,500 foreign companies to achieve success in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mo

Dabbah

Group CTO – Como 1907

Mo

Dabbah

Dr. Mohammad Dabbah (Mo) is the Group CTO at SENT Entertainment, parent company of Como 1907, where he oversees the club’s technological transformation across football, e-commerce, and fan engagement. With nearly 20 years in AI, his work spans sport, defence, space, security and healthcare, including innovations adopted by the Royal Navy and Rolls-Royce, and research published in Nature. He has held senior roles at StatsBomb, Cambridge Consultants, Huma, Roke, Toshiba, and others.

Thiago

De Rose

Strategic Consultant – Arena Events+Venues

Thiago

De Rose

Thiago De Rose is Strategic Consultant at Arena Events+Venues, leading stadium and major-event advisory projects across Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His work spans the FIFA World Cup, AFC Asian Cup, and top-tier club developments, integrating commercial modelling, sustainability, mobility planning, and operational readiness. Thiago helps clients deliver modern, efficient, and future-ready sports venues, positioning Arena as a strategic partner in high-performance stadium development.

Kristian

Dobrev

CEO – The Football Business Academy

Kristian

Dobrev

As Co-Founder and 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.

David

Dybman

Director of Content and Production – Consultant

David

Dybman

David Dybman is an international sports-media executive with more than 25 years of experience leading high-performing teams and driving strategic transformation across Europe, the Middle East, Africa. He has held senior roles at Eurosport/Discovery, Lagardère Sports, and the French Football Federation, and most recently served as Director of Content & Production for the Saudi Pro League, where he built and manage the entire content and production department, oversee multi-platform strategy across YouTube, TikTok..

Hicham

El Amrani

Senior Advisor – Saudi Arabia Football Federation

Hicham

El Amrani

Hicham is an expert in Sports Development and Football Management. After graduating from the FIFA Master in Sports Humanities, Management and Law in 2004, he joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, dealing with event management, marketing and sponsorship matters for over 4 years.

Amr

Elrawi

CEO – Game Changers

Amr

Elrawi

Amr Elrawi is an award-winning sports business leader with over 25 years of experience spanning Telecom, Technology, Financial Services, Sports, and Retail. Known for delivering transformative projects and driving innovation, he has a proven track record of creating significant commercial impact across the sports industry. Investor and Advisor to several sports businesses, including Game Changers, a Sports Digital Transformation Agency, PSK Analytics, which focuses on measuring young players’ performance.

Sayed

Farouk

Director of Information Technology – Saudi Pro League

Sayed

Farouk

Director of Information Technology at the Saudi Pro League, leading the league’s technology and digital transformation agenda. With over 20 years’ experience in sports technology and IT leadership, he has previously held key roles at Manchester United and Arsenal in the UK. Sayed oversees major strategic platforms such as the AlDawri competition system and the Qima football intelligence, integrating league-wide operations, and analytics to support performance, governance and fan engagement.

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.

Esteban

Galan

Business Development Global Events EMEA – Riedel Communications

Esteban

Galan

An international executive with experience in broadcast technology, innovation, product and business management in the converged Digital-Telco-Media and Sports industries.

Michael

Gawith

Chief Executive Officer – NexVenue

Michael

Gawith

Proven senior leader within facilities and operations management specialising in mega assets, projects and events.

Leonardo

Giammarioli

Chief Global Business Development Officer – SSC Napoli

Leonardo

Giammarioli

Chief Global Business Development Officer SSC Napoli

Giulio

Giovetti

International Media Development Manager – La Seria A

Giulio

Giovetti

I am responsible for the International Media Development projects within Serie A, which include the identification, coordination and implementation of special projects together with the International broadcast partners of Lega Serie A

Eileen

Gleeson

Women’s Football Expert

Eileen

Gleeson

Eileen is a seasoned leader in women’s football with more than 30 years of experience spanning international, national, and professional environments. She has held senior strategic and technical roles across national federations, professional clubs, and government organizations, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the systems and structures that underpin success in participation, performance, and player pathways.

Mia

Guasch

Technical Director – Riyadh School Football Academy

Mia

Guasch

Mia Guasch is the Technical Director of the Riyadh Schools Football Academy and a specialist in player-development methodology with experience across leading European and international academies. He has held key roles at Barcelona Academy U.S., CF Reus, and Nàstic de Tarragona, and has taught methodology and tactics in official coaching licenses. His work integrates technical training, cognitive growth, and behavioral development to produce adaptable, intelligent players.

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.

Mohamed

Harb

Head of Partnerships – TikTok

Mohamed

Harb

Mohamed (Mo) Harb is the Head of Partnerships at TikTok for the Middle East and North Africa, where he focuses on cultivating a robust ecosystem through collaboration with publishers and business partners. With over 18 years of international experience in online operations, sports business, and partnerships across MENA and Europe, Mo brings a wealth of expertise to his role.

Ben

Harburg

Chairman – Harburg Group

Ben

Harburg

Ben Harburg is a Managing Partner of Novo Capital a global, multi-stage investment firm. He is the principal of Harburg Group, a multi-club ownership group that is the owner of Al Kholood Club of the Saudi Pro League, and co-owner of Cádiz Club de Fútbol of LaLiga Hypermotion and Querétaro Fútbol Club of Liga MX. He is a board director of various private companies, as well as those of several foundations in the arts, geopolitical and academic arenas.

David

Henry

CEO – Mohammed Bin Salman Non Profit City

David

Henry

An industry veteran with over four decades of experience in property development, David Henry leads the team responsible for developing Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City. From the project’s inception, Henry has been committed to the goal of establishing Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City as a premiere ecosystem for youth, and a global center for incubating innovative, educational, and creative enterprises.

Peter

Hutton

Board Director – Saudi Pro League

Peter

Hutton

Board director at Saudi Premier League. Former CEO/Managing Director at Eurosport, Fox Sports Asia, Ten Sports, MP and Silva, IMG South Asia

Basim

Ibrahim

Sport Investments Director – Ministry of Investment

Basim

Ibrahim

Basim is the Investment Development Director for the Sport Sector at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment. He supports local and foreign investment across education, training, sport, and quality-of-life sectors. Formerly in the private sector, he attracted global companies to Saudi Arabia. He now leads the expansion and transformation of the Saudi sports ecosystem, creating strong investment opportunities and a smooth business environment.

Nicola

Innocentin

CEO – Global Football Service Ltd

Nicola

Innocentin

Nicola Innocentin is an international sporting director and former professional player with experience across Europe and the U.S. He is the Founder & CEO of Global Football Service, specializing in high-performance training, scouting, and strategic partnerships. He holds the FIFA Diploma in Club Management and works with SAFF and Mahd Sports Academy, leading programs in Italy. He is known for driving youth development, global collaborations, and innovative sports projects.

Cosmin

Ivan

CEO – Platinumlist.net

Cosmin

Ivan

Cosmin Ivan is the CEO of Platinumlist, a leading online ticketing platform in the MENA region. Since 2009, he has been deeply involved in the events industry, focusing on revolutionizing how events are organized, promoted, and accessed. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in digitalizing the event experience, making ticket purchasing more seamless and secure for audiences across the Gulf countries.

Andy

Jackson

SVP Middle East – Footballco Arabia

Andy

Jackson

Andy has a global publishing and media career spanning the last 35 years with extensive experience in Europe, Australia, Asia and the USA. He is an alumni of the Stanford University Professional Publishing Course. For the last 20 years, he has worked exclusively in the football media industry, holding senior positions for FourFourTwo, DAZN and now Footballco, leading his teams to multiple industry awards in that time.

Ben

Jacobs

Sports Broadcaster – TalkSPORT

Ben

Jacobs

Sports journalist with talkSPORT and GiveMeSport.

Hans

Jagnow

Director – Esports World Cup Foundation

Hans

Jagnow

Hans Jagnow is the Director for Club & Player Relations at the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), the organisation behind the Esports World Cup and the inaugural Esports Nations Cup in 2026. He leads global partnerships with top esports organisations and drives the growth of the clubs’ ecosystem at the world’s largest esports event, which brings together over 2,000 athletes from 100 countries and 200 clubs competing across 24 games for a $70m+ prize pool.

Yohei

Kasuga

Board Mamber and Chief Global Strategy Officer – Kashima Antlers Football Club

Yohei

Kasuga

Board Member and Chief Global Strategy Officer at Kashima Antlers, the most decorated club in the history of the J.League.Since joining the organitation in 2011,he has driven the club’s communications, commercial operations and marketing initiatives,and in 2022 became one of the youngest board members in its history.A graduate of the inaugural FIFA Diploma in Club Management, he has worked at multiple FIFA tournaments and was responsible for press operations at the Kashima venue during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

Patrick

Kessel

Founder RefCam & professional football referee – RIEDEL Communications GmbH

Patrick

Kessel

As a passionate referee in the German Bundesliga, I thought about what it would be like if everyone in the world had the opportunity to experience the game from the referee’s perspective. That’s how we started developing RefCam seven years ago, and today we have successfully launched it on the market with partners such as Serie A, Bundesliga, Premier League, FIFA.

Noman

Khawaja

CEO – Wilber and Forsyth Consulting Partners

Noman

Khawaja

Dr Noman Khawaja is the Founder and CEO of Wilber & Forsyth Consulting Partners, a London-based, boutique, strategic advisory firm operating across global sport, investment, and cross-border expansion. A former dentist turned multi-sector entrepreneur, he has become a leading voice in women’s football, sports governance, and sports-driven social impact. Noman advises clubs, federations, and investment groups across Europe and the Middle East, with active projects in women’s football restructuring.

Jürg

Kronenberg

Vice President – Bain and Company Middle East Inc.

Jürg

Kronenberg

Jürg Kronenberg is a Partner based in Bain & Company’s Middle East offices and is recognized as one of the leading expert in sports in the Middle East. He leads the Sports Practice in EMEA, and is part of Bain’s Global Strategy and Customer Experience Practices.

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.

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.

David

Lucas

Head of Sport UK – YouGov Sport

David

Lucas

David is a highly experienced Research & Insight Director with over 25 years involvement in the UK and international media and market research industries. Following stints at Channel 4, TVNZ, Ipsos and YouGov, 15 years ago David designed, built and delivered the revolutionary research programme for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, providing insight and understanding to key functional areas within the business and informing strategic decision-making at all levels.

Dave

Mace

Consultant Media & Entertainment, Games and Sports safari – AWS

Dave

Mace

Dave Mace is a Global Leader in our Media & Entertainment, Games and Sports Industry. His areas of expertise include sports data & analytics, live production in the cloud, interactive direct-to-consumer capabilities, smart venue, fan analytics, and more. Prior to joining AWS, Dave has led multiple technology and development teams in their migration to the cloud and scaled platforms globally. He has worked with several leading global sports brands including Sky Sports, UFC, WBD and Premier League.

Aneesh

Madani

Founder – Game Tech Match (Ex-IOC and Twitter)

Aneesh

Madani

Aneesh Madani led global digital partnerships at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Asia Pacific sports partnerships at Twitter. He’s currently exploring the intersection of sports, tech, entertainment and media partnerships as the founder of Game Tech Match while being based in Lausanne in Switzerland. Aneesh’s career mission is to make at least one dream come true for every fan.

Jes

Madsen

Director of Football and Data Science – Saudi Pro league

Jes

Madsen

Experienced football director and cognitive science specialist with proven success in leading high-performance, data-driven strategies at the elite level. Currently serving as Director of Football and Data Science at the Saudi Pro League, where I oversee sports data, technology, and performance innovation projects across the league. Former Head of Research & Development at FC Copenhagen, integrating neuroscience, cognition, and data science into club-wide methodology.

Dr Amal

Maghazil

Chairman, Runners Association. Co-Founder, RUR

Dr Amal

Maghazil

Chairman of the Runners Association, a not-for-profit founded with support from the Misk Foundation, which began as a community initiative called Riyadh Urban Runners (RUR) in 2016. With a background in speech-language pathology and health & wellness, she combines professional expertise with a passion for healthy living to inspire inclusive, active communities through movement.

David

Matthews

Chief Executive Officer – Greater Western Sydney GIANTS

David

Matthews

David Matthews has over 25 years experience as sports management Executive with a focus on designing and executing growth strategies. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of a start-up – the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS – a role he has held since October 2011. The GIANTS have grown rapidly off field and been successful on-field and have established both mens and womens pathways and teams.

Nuno

Mena

Business Development Director – Urban Zoo

Nuno

Mena

With over 17 years of international experience in the sports and entertainment industry, Nuno Mena is a specialist in Data, Digital Transformation, New Business, and Innovation across sports organisations. He has worked with clubs, leagues, and federations on strategic projects focused on fan engagement, data ecosystems, internationalisation, and revenue growth. Nuno is currently the Business Development Director at Urban Zoo (UK), a global leader in digital and video platforms for clubs and leagues.

Stig

Meylemans

Partner – Double Pass

Stig

Meylemans

Stig is Managing Partner at Double Pass, a global leading company in Team Value Management and Talent Development working wordlwide with Federations, Leagues, and Clubs. As a Sports and Football Enthousiast, Stig has always believed that football is more than a game. Driven by a commitment to advancing football beyond the pitch, Double Pass Group helps football organisations realise their full potential through strategic connections and innovative solutions.

Hamdi

Missaoui

Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer – Webook

Hamdi

Missaoui

Hamdi Missaoui is the Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of webook.com, the super-app for fun. A software engineer turned product and growth leader, Hamdi blends UX, architecture, and go-to-market to scale high-demand platforms, from national sports and entertainment programs in Saudi to the region’s biggest esports community. Educated at Harvard Business School Executive Education, MIT Sloan Executive Education, and ENSI, he turns complex systems into simple, revenue-driving experiences.

Nacho

Moros

Head of Major Events – Atos

Nacho

Moros

With more than two decades of experience in sports and technology, Nacho is Head of Major Events at Atos, driving digital transformation and operational excellence for global competitions, including UEFA and CONMEBOL, among others. As a senior leader, he has spearheaded technological innovation, optimized operations, and developed cutting-edge solutions to elevate major sporting events and organizations.

Joe

Morrison

TV Presenter

Joe

Morrison

Joe Morrison has been a Live TV Broadcaster for over 20 years and is a well known face of football to millions of sports buff’s across the Middle East, Indian Sub-continent and Asia.

Tom D.

Mueller

Chief Revenue Officer – OneFootball

Tom D.

Mueller

Tom D. Mueller is a seasoned leader in sports, advertising and partnerships. Starting his career at Grey/WPP, he built a strong foundation in brand and communications before moving deeper into the sports and digital ecosystem. Today, he leads OneFootball’s global advertising business, with a team of 180 under his responsibility. Tom oversees strategy, ad-tech, and both direct and programmatic revenue streams, ensuring innovative, data-driven solutions for clients.

Omar

Mugharbel

CEO – Saudi Pro League

Omar

Mugharbel

Omar Mugharbel is a dynamic and visionary leader, currently serving as the CEO of the Saudi Pro League (SPL). With a proven track record of driving organizational transformation and operational excellence, Mugharbel is spearheading the SPL’s efforts to transform Saudi Football. His mission centers on creating a sustainable and commercially viable league while preserving the essence of the sport.

Farkhunda

Muhtaj

Professional Footballer & Social Activst

Farkhunda

Muhtaj

Farkhunda Muhtaj is an Afghan-Canadian footballer, activist, and humanitarian. She led the 2021 evacuation of 300+ Afghans, including the women’s national team, featured in the Cannes Lions–winning *We Are Ayenda*. Captain of Afghanistan’s national team and midfielder for Calgary Wild FC, she co-founded Scarborough Simbas to support refugees through sport. She’s a global speaker and ambassador for several NGOs, advising Canada Soccer and FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto.

Greta

Nardeschi

Regional Director, MENA – AC Milan

Greta

Nardeschi

Nawal

Nashed

Regional Partner Development Manager – Adrenaline

Nawal

Nashed

armed with a Communication MA degree from Nice Sophia Antipolis University in France, brings industry experience and large networking connection in the region. From Governmental Relations in Equatorial Guinea Embassy to Business Development in Business France, the French Embassy Trade office, and finally Partnerships Management role in the sports world, she now focuses on Business Development in MENA with Adrenali.ne.

Roland

Nikolaou

VP, Football, MENA – IMG

Roland

Nikolaou

Roland Nikolaou joined IMG in May 2023 to oversee the company’s football media business in the MENA region. Bringing more than 24 years’ of experience and expertise to the role, Roland is responsible for developing new commercial opportunities for the football division and delivering transformative growth and value for partners, which include the Saudi Pro League (SPL) and Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF).

Steve

Nott-Macaire

VP of Sales & Strategy – EMEA & APAC – Fortress GB

Steve

Nott-Macaire

I’ve spent over two decades working internationally across sport, entertainment and hospitality, helping rights-holders understand, engage and monetise their fan bases. At Fortress, I focus on smart-stadium innovation — connecting access, payments, loyalty and data to create seamless fan experiences and stronger commercial outcomes for clubs and leagues around the world.

Yasuhide

Okabe

Executive Fellow – Japan Football Association

Yasuhide

Okabe

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

David

Olim

CEO – FootAR

David

Olim

David Olim is the Co-Founder and CEO of FootAR, an award-winning sports-tech company redefining how fans experience live sports through augmented reality. With a background in electronics and telecommunications engineering, David has built a career at the intersection of immersive technologies, data, and fan engagement. Under his leadership, FootAR has partnered with leading sports organizations, media groups, and telcos to turn real-time match data into dynamic 3D visualizations for betting, broadcast.

Raúl

Ostalé

Commercial & Marketing Director – MENA & SA – LALIGA

Raúl

Ostalé

Raúl Ostalé is an experienced marketing and commercial partnerships executive with a strong background in the sports and entertainment industry. During his tenure at LALIGA, he played a pivotal role in expanding the league’s global footprint through strategic brand positioning, international marketing initiatives, and high-value commercial alliances.

Jan

Peters

Managing Partner – BPTC Sports

Jan

Peters

Jan Peters is GP of the majority investor group at Aalborg BK (Denmark), where we drive long-term value creation through a clear talent and player development strategy. Before entering club management, he was part of the founding team of HYROX, helping to build and scale the global event series across Germany, the USA, Spain, and Mexico. He later founded and currently leads BPTC Sports as Managing Partner, a multi-asset sports firm with business areas in advisory, education and club investments.

Francesca

Petriccione

CEO – Petriccione International Sports Lawyer

Francesca

Petriccione

Francesca Petriccione is a leading figure in the international legal landscape, with over fifteen years of experience gained between Europe and the Middle East. Her professional career has developed mainly in the Arab world, in particular in Saudi Arabia, today a hub of investments and transformations at a geopolitical and economic level.

Vasco

Pinheiro

Managing Partner – Virtual Venue

Vasco

Pinheiro

Vasco Pinheiro holds a degree in Software Engineering, with specialization in Artificial Intelligence, by Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon and Post-Graduate in Marketing from ISEG, has a wide experience in Business Consulting, Solutions and Information Technology, Geographic Information Solutions and has served as Technical Director, Operations Manager Director and Executive Director, in consulting and information technology companies.

Magda

Pozzo

Chief Commercial Officer – Udinese Calcio

Magda

Pozzo

The main purpose of her role is to manage all international partnership projects between the teams of the Pozzo Ownership Group. Magda, always passionate about innovation, was the first to introduce the concept of naming rights for a stadium in Italy, signed in 2015. The Bluenergy Stadium currently aims to become the first green stadium in Italy given the great commitment she has made in the green policy of Udinese Calcio, indicated as the most sustainable club in Italy and fourth in the world by the BFFSI.

Camilla

Prando

Football Executive & Strategic Advisor – Independent Football Advisor / Former CBF

Camilla

Prando

A multilingual football executive, former player, and executive advisor with extensive experience at top organisations including CBF, São Paulo FC, TransferRoom, TransferMarket, and Saudi Media Company. Specialised in football strategy, international relations, transfer market, sports management, and business development across global markets, with expertise in the Middle East, Europe, and LATAM. Recognised as the youngest female executive in Brazilian elite football.

Mike

Puig i Vall

Executive Vice President of Sports – MAHD Sports Academy

Mike

Puig i Vall

Mike Puig is a global expert in youth football development with 20+ years of experience. He spent a decade at FC Barcelona as La Masia and Academy Director, leading player development and coach education worldwide. He later ran his own consultancy for 11 years, advising clubs and federations, and recently contributed to Saudi Arabia’s MAHD Academy. He is widely recognised for building elite talent ecosystems.

Gareth

Quinn

GM of EMEA – Teamworks

Gareth

Quinn

Gareth, based in Northern Ireland, is an accomplished entrepreneur with a history of founding and successfully exiting two businesses over the past decade. His career began in the public sector, where he managed electoral operations in Northern Ireland and oversaw the Lord Mayor’s Office at City Hall, Belfast, alongside senior political advisory roles. In 2018, Gareth co-founded Kairos, a sports tech Saas business working with pro teams all over the world, which was later acquired by Teamworks in 2023.

Zineb

Rechiche

CEO – ZYA

Zineb

Rechiche

Born in Rabat, Morocco, Zineb Rechiche is a trailblazer in sports and business. A former footballer for clubs in France, Canada, Spain, the US, Switzerland, and the UAE, she also holds a Trilingual Finance Degree from HEC Montreal and studied at ICADE. Fluent in four languages, she joined GE’s Financial Management Program, later becoming Global Finance Director at Baker Hughes. Zineb is the first Arab female FIFA agent in the Middle East and leads ZYA, a player-founded agency.

Ralf

Reichert

CEO – Esports Worldcup Foundation

Ralf

Reichert

Ralf began his esports journey in the 90s, co-founding SK Gaming and later ESL, helping turn esports into a global phenomenon. As Chairman of ESL Faceit Group, he oversaw its rise into a billion-dollar brand. In 2023, he became CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, leading efforts to elevate esports to a premier global sport and grow the foundation as a driving force in the industry.

Izabella

Rekiel

Presenter – Impact Media & Events

Izabella

Rekiel

Izy Rekiel is a presenter, content producer, and storyteller known for her work across major international sporting events and media platforms. She collaborates with athletes, brands, and sports organizations to create impactful content, lead live stages, and shape digital strategy. With experience across global events, she focuses on elevating athlete voices and supporting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for sports innovation.

Sam

Sadi

CEO – LiveScore Group

Sam

Sadi

Sam Sadi is a seasoned executive with an extensive 25-year career, primarily in leadership roles in sports and adjacent industries. As the current CEO of LiveScore Group since 2019, he has played a pivotal role in the company’s pursuit of its vision to Fuel Fans’ Passion for Sport and positioning LiveScore as one of the world’s leading brands in fan engagement.

Andrea

Santoro

International Partnerships & Sales – Bologna FC

Andrea

Santoro

Andrea

Sartori

Founder & CEO – Football Benchmark

Andrea

Sartori

Andrea is the Founder and CEO of Football Benchmark and Ace Advisory, a spinoff of KPMG’s Sports and Leisure Centre of Excellence. With nearly 30 years of experience across sport, leisure, and real estate, Andrea has led over 300 projects in more than 35 countries. Previously, he served as Global Head of Sports at KPMG and led its Real Estate, Leisure and Tourism practice in Central and Eastern Europe for a decade.

Marco

Savino

CEO – IterPro

Marco

Savino

Marco Savino is the CEO & Founder of Iterpro, with a decade of experience building systems of intelligence to centralize operations and data in football. A former athlete and performance coach, he blends deep football expertise with strong sports-tech and applied sports-science know-how. His mission is to help sports organizations operate more efficiently and make smarter, faster, data-driven decisions to maximize performance, from the pitch to the boardroom.

Asia

Sheikh

Chief Technology Officer, Innovation – Lenovo

Asia

Sheikh

Asia Sheikh is the CTO of Technology & AI Innovation at Lenovo Global, leading next-generation Smart Sports and Smart Venue solutions for FIFA and global football partners. She R&D and architects AI-driven fan engagement, immersive hologram technologies, and digital-twin command centers powering major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026. Her work is transforming how millions of fans experience football through intelligent, sustainable, and human-centered innovation.

Mikael

Silvestre

CEO – Elevate Sports Agency

Mikael

Silvestre

Mikael Silvestre is a former French International player, product of Stade Rennais FC youth system. In 1998-99 he signed for Inter Milan. Then he became a fantastic asset for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson for nine seasons amassing 361 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils recording 5 Premier League Titles , the FA Cup, the Football League Cup , two FA Community Shield.

Jodie

Sinclair

CEO & Founder – Theo Health

Jodie

Sinclair

Jodie Sinclair is the Founder & CEO of Theo, a sports-tech company redefining injury prevention, recovery, and performance optimisation for elite athletes through their smart-clothing. A former Scottish champion in football and rugby, Jodie’s journey changed after an ACL rupture that left her sidelined for three years. What began as her university project – born from the lack of real-time feedback during her own rehab – has evolved into a category-shaping innovation in elite sport.

Richa

Singh

Co-Founder – Spectatr.ai

Richa

Singh

Spectatr.ai is an AI-driven sports tech platform that transforms fan engagement and content monetisation for federations, leagues, broadcasters, and OTTs. Using computer vision, it auto-detects key moments and creates instant highlights, while AI agents deliver personalised experiences. Trusted across 20+ sports, it boosts engagement and viewership for global partners. Backed by Series B funding, including Sequoia, Spectatr.ai is redefining sports storytelling.

Mikkel

Skou

CEO – NewC Sport

Mikkel

Skou

NewC Sport is a strategic development partner for football clubs world-wide. Our aim is to empower clubs to grow their matchday economy. We achieve this by unlocking new digital revenue streams and improving the fan experience together with the club. With the right digital solutions, clubs can turn every matchday into a powerful driver of financial growth and long-term success. Feel free to connect – and please get in touch to learn more about what we do.

Shahrukh

Sohail

Senior Sports Business Manager – Xplere

Shahrukh

Sohail

Shahrukh is a seasoned sports management professional with over 14 years of experience, having held senior roles in the sports industry across South Asia, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, with a strong focus on football. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of East London and is a regular contributor and analyst on various media platforms. In 2022, Shahrukh won the prestigious SportsPro Hackathon, demonstrating his innovative expertise in the industry.

Karim

Soueid

Partnership Manager – TikTok

Karim

Soueid

Sports creator & partnerships manager at TikTok middle east

Katy

Storie

Director of Sport – Newcastle University

Katy

Storie

Director of Sport at Newcastle University with over 24 years of experience working within the Higher Education sport and physical activity equality sector delivering Future Female Leaders in Sport national women’s empowerment through sport program to over 1100 women across KSA. Member of Board of Directors for British Universities and Colleges Sport following her role as the first female Chair of the National Rugby Union Sport Advisory Group.

Amir

Tawfik

Chief Commercial Officer – Al Ahli FC Saudi

Amir

Tawfik

Amir Tawfik is currently the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Al Ahli FC Saudi, an esteemed position within one of the most dynamic football environments in Saudi Arabia. As part of a Club with a passionate and extensive fan base, Amir plays a key role in harnessing the excitement surrounding the sport in the region. Previously, he held positions as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Al Ahly FC (Egypt), the largest football club in Africa.

Javier

Tebas

President – LALIGA

Javier

Tebas

Javier Tebas Medrano (San Jose, Costa Rica, 1962), of Spanish nationality, holds a degree in Law from the University of Zaragoza. He has been a practising lawyer since 1987 and founded his own legal firm, specialising in Company Law and, subsequently, in sports and bankruptcy law. Tebas’s direct involvement in football began in 1993, when he was named president of Sociedad Deportiva Huesca, a position he held until 1998 (a period during which the club competed in Spain’s Tercera Division and Segunda Division B).

Zubair

Timol

Partner & Global Vice President, Culture- Meltwater

Zubair

Timol

Zubair Timol brings a diversified background in tech, communications, consulting, law, sports, and luxury. With a career spanning multiple continents—including stints in Singapore, Amsterdam, and Cape Town—Zubair has cultivated a deep understanding of global business dynamics. He is particularly skilled in nurturing high-performance teams and driving strategic, culturally attuned commercial solutions for a range of clients, from emerging startups to established Fortune 500 companies.

Miguel

Torró Nadal

Commercial & Digital Strategy Manager – Villareal CF

Miguel

Torró Nadal

Dynamic and seasoned Sports Manager with a rich background spanning diverse roles and organizations within the sports industry. Over 7 years of hands-on experience, I have honed a comprehensive skill set that encompasses strategic planning, team leadership, event management, etc.. My passion for sports extends beyond the field, driving me to excel in both operational and strategic aspects of sports management.

Stephen

Van Zutphen

Founder – The Sport Exchange

Stephen

Van Zutphen

Steve van Zutphen is a Canadian inventor and entrepreneur, currently residing in Cyprus, whose work spans law, technology, and economics. He is the founder of the CORE platform, a system that merges data architecture with decentralized technologies. Over the course of his career, he has focused on creating solutions that drive efficiency and transparency in commerce, finance, and government operations.

Soheil

Var

Club Owner – Palm City FC

Soheil

Var

Soheil Var is the founder and owner of FC Palm City, a professional football club in Dubai that was built in only 365 days – a world record. With over 2 million followers across platforms, he is widely regarded as one of the pioneers in combining football entrepreneurship with digital influence.

Marc

Veelenturf

Head of Middle East & Türkiye – Atos

Marc

Veelenturf

Marc Veelenturf has over 25 years of international experience in the Information Technology sector. He has held senior leadership roles at top global companies, including Nokia, Ericsson, Amdocs, Optiva, British Telecom, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Marc is widely recognized for his strategic vision, innovation leadership, and exceptional ability to drive business turnarounds.

Nicolás

Velasco

Director – NextEra Sport

Nicolás

Velasco

He is a Head Football Coach, Technical Manager, and PE Teacher, currently serving as the Director of NextEra Sport. He brings extensive experience in the football industry, having built a strong professional career over several years in the United Arab Emirates. Earlier in his career, he also played for Real Valladolid, which laid the foundation for his passion and dedication to the sport.

Maite

Ventura

Managing Director – LALIGA

Maite

Ventura

Maite Ventura is the Managing Director for MENA and South Asia at LALIGA. With over 10 years working in the Middle East, she joined LALIGA in 2017 as part of LALIGA Global Network, a project to select young talent to grow LALIGA´s International image. Before being promoted to Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa in 2019, Maite was the LALIGA Delegate for UAE, managing different institutional, sport focused and socio-educational projects across the MENA region hoping to grow the business.

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.

Cynthia

Villasclaras

Chief Strategy, Investment & Organizational Excellence – AlUla Sports Club

Cynthia

Villasclaras

A dynamic force at the intersection of sports, strategy, and investment, Cynthia brings over a decade of transformative leadership across Europe and the GCC, fueling the evolution of sports organizations and events. As Chief of Strategy and Investment at AlUla Football Club, she played a pivotal role in establishing the club’s corporate structure, leading strategic planning, and shaping governance and risk management frameworks essential for world-class sports management.

Soren

West

Chief Executive, Middle East / North Africa – TAIT

Soren

West

Soren West is the Chief Executive, Middle East / North Africa at TAIT, where he leads strategy, client relationships, and regional expansion across the MENA region. With more than 25 years of experience in live entertainment and production, Soren has built a global career delivering high-impact projects across concert touring, live broadcast, corporate events, sporting ceremonies, and brand activations. Before joining TAIT, Soren served as CEO of ATOMIC, a production design and scenic fabrication company.

Samuel

Westberg

CEO – LaSource

Samuel

Westberg

I am the CEO and founder of LaSource agency that helps organizations like FIFA? Bundesliga, Real Madrid in various topics as well as the CRO and co-founder of LiveLike working with some of the biggest broadcasters and clubs in the space (Canal+, TOD, PSG, Chelsea, MLB etc…)

Merijn

Zeeman

CEO – AZ Alkmaar

Merijn

Zeeman

CEO of AZ Alkmaar and former Sporting Director of Visma–Lease a Bike Leader jerseys, crashes, guilt, managing expectations, suspensions, legendary victories, physical and mental damage: in cycling, everything can change in an instant. Merijn Zeeman experiences it all up close. Operating behind the scenes, he remains above all human in the sometimes ruthless world of sport. “In the first years, we consciously focused on who we are, what our culture is, and how we need to safeguard that culture.

Alhassan

Abdulshakur

Alhassan

Abdulshakur

Abdulaziz

Abuzaid

Abdulaziz

Abuzaid

Jamil

Ahmad

Jamil

Ahmad

Ural

Aküzüm

Ural

Aküzüm

Loay

Al Alfi

Loay

Al Alfi

Majed

Al Ali

Majed

Al Ali

Ahmed

Albahrani

Ahmed

Albahrani

Sports Media Professional, Executive Director of the Referees Committee, Executive Director of the Commissioners and Coordinators Department, and Director of the Grassroots Department

Maram

AlButairi

Maram

AlButairi

Nabaa

Aldabbagh

Nabaa

Aldabbagh

Abdulaziz

Alenzi

Abdulaziz

Alenzi

Wael

Alfayez

Wael

Alfayez

Lama

Alhamawi

Lama

Alhamawi

WFS Riyadh Past Speakers

WFS Riyadh
Past Speakers

Since its first edition in 2023, our summit in Saudi Arabia has gathered some of the biggest names and the brightest minds.

We have four pillars to improve the

league: financial governance,

expertise for player acquisition,

fan engagement and marketing.

Omar Mugharbel

CEO – Saudi Pro League

The mindset changes when

the game improves on the field.

Monika Staab

Head of Women’s football – SAFF

Now is the golden era of sports

in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is the time to invest.

Rasha Alkhamis

Board member of Al’Ula Sports Club & Case team lead at Roland Berger

Ambition, Vision and Leadership

are the pillars to achieve

significant results

Hammad Albalawi

Head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 bid unit – SAFF

Saudi women want to improve,

learn and grow. With the right

training and infrastructures,

the quality can only improve.

HRH Princess Reem Abdullah

CEO – Women’s football Al-Shabab FC

The reason we are investing in sports is

to improve life of our people. Through

sport, as a nation, we are living

happier, longer, more active lives,

while also connecting the world.

H.E. Bader Alkadi

Vice Minister – Ministry of Sport KSA

The reason we are investing in sports is to improve life of our

people. Through sport, as a nation, we are living happier,

longer, more active lives, while also connecting the world.

H.E. Bader Alkadi

Vice Minister – Ministry of Sport KSA

We have four pillars to improve the league: financial governance,

expertise for player acquisition, fan engagement and marketing.

Omar Mugharbel

CEO – Saudi Pro League

The mindset changes when the

game improves on the field.

Monika Staab

Head of Women’s football – SAFF

Now is the golden era of sports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is the time to invest.

Rasha Alkhamis

Board member of Al’Ula Sports Club & Case team lead at Roland Berger

Ambition, Vision and Leadership are the

pillars to achieve significant results.

Hammad Albalawi

Head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 bid unit – SAFF

Saudi women want to improve, learn and grow. With the right

training and infrastructures, the quality can only improve.

HRH Princess Reem Abdullah

CEO – Women’s football Al-Shabab FC