Brand Innovators today announced its 2026 Sports & Entertainment Board, an elite advisory group of senior brand leaders shaping the future of sports, entertainment, and cultural marketing. Building on the momentum of the Board’s inaugural year, the 2026 cohort reflects the continued expansion and importance of sports and entertainment as core drivers of modern brand strategy.
The Sports & Entertainment Board advises Brand Innovators on key industry trends, partnership innovation, fan and consumer engagement, and the evolving intersection of sports, entertainment, and culture. Insights from the Board help inform Brand Innovators’ event programming, thought leadership, and executive-level forums throughout the year.
Brandon Gutman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Brand Innovators. “By bringing together this extraordinary group of leaders, we’re not only elevating strategic perspective, we’re ensuring our community has the insights needed to navigate an ever-evolving landscape and create meaningful engagement that resonates with today’s consumers.”
The 2026 Board will be led by Brad Ross and Ali Giordano, who will serve as Co-Chairs.
Brad Ross, Managing Director of Global Marketing Partnerships at Bank of America, brings extensive experience building large-scale, culturally relevant partnerships across sports and entertainment platforms.
“Sports and entertainment remain the most powerful platforms for brands to build relevance, and trust and to engage consumers and fans through things they really care about,” said Ross. “I’m excited to co-chair the 2026 Board, and help shape the partnerships and ideas driving what’s next.”
Joining Ross as Co-Chair is Ali Giordano, Senior Vice President of Global Sponsorships & Consumer Marketing at Mastercard, a recognized leader in global partnerships and brand experiences.
“The convergence of sports, entertainment and culture is accelerating, creating new expectations for how brands show up and connect with fans,” said Giordano. “Brand Innovators provides an important forum for advancing that conversation, and I’m proud to help guide and be a part of this work in 2026.”
Together, Ross and Giordano will guide the Board’s priorities, programming input, and collaborative efforts across the Brand Innovators ecosystem.
The 2026 Sports & Entertainment Board includes senior executives from leading brands across sports marketing, partnerships, and brand strategy:
- Trey Holder – Executive Director of the Board & President, Brand Innovators Sports & Entertainment
- Roderick Blaylock – VP of Marketing, Casamigos
- Daniel Dao – Global Senior Director, Strategy & Integrations, EPICS, Coca-Cola
- Dedra DeLilli – VP, Marketing Communications, Toyota
- Chris Epple – VP of Marketing, The Americas, Harman International
- Quinnie Jenkins – Director of Partnerships, Delta
- AJ Mazza – Director of Brand, BetMGM
- Courtney McHugh – Vice President of Marketing and Sports Marketing, Kendra Scott
- Gerardo Soto – VP of Media and Sports Marketing, Lowe’s
- Jillian Gorman Villalobos – Head of Digital Merchandising Content & AEO Strategy, Under Armour
- Betsy Wilson – VP, Brand Activation, Global Advertising and Sports Marketing, UPS
The Board will convene throughout 2026 to exchange insights, identify emerging opportunities, and collaborate on strategies that help brands authentically connect with audiences through sports and entertainment.
“We’re excited to continue building a Board that reflects where the industry is headed,” said Trey Holder, Executive Director of the Board and President of Brand Innovators Sports & Entertainment. “With Brad and Ali as Co-Chairs and a group of exceptional leaders around the table, the 2026 Sports & Entertainment Board will play a meaningful role in shaping the conversations and partnerships that matter most to brands today.”
Brand Innovators will leverage the Board’s expertise across its 2026 programming, including marquee events, private executive gatherings, and original content designed to help marketers navigate an increasingly dynamic and culture-driven landscape.
