Regional Summits International Events

Music and Brands Summit

May 21 • Hosted by Universal Music Group • London

Join us at the Universal Music Group offices for a day of thoughtful conversations and relaxed networking, rounded off with a happy hour, and guest musical performance. You’ll hear from industry leaders as they share insights on evolving strategies for driving innovation, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering authentic connections. It’s an invaluable opportunity to connect, learn, and move your brand forward in a rapidly changing industry while hearing how others are approaching innovation, making sense of new technologies, and building more meaningful connections.

Thursday, May 21, 2026

9:00 AM Breakfast and Registration
10:05 AM Welcome Remarks

Natasha Rodriguez, Head of Content, EMEA, Brand Innovators

Alex Semenzato, Vice President Partnerships, EMEA, Brand Innovators

Ritesh Shah, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Partnerships, Brand Innovators

Naomi, Mcmahon, EVP, Global Marketing & Partnerships, Universal Music Group
10:15 AM Fireside Chat: Rhythm v. algorithm. Why the music industry needs to trust its gut

Music has the power to transcend language, geography, and fandom. In this conversation, we’ll explore how music drives emotional connection at a global scale, turning cultural moments into lasting brand affinity and fan engagement.

Tunde Babalola, Director, Future Cut Productions

Moderated by: Alex Semenzato, Vice President Partnerships, EMEA, Brand Innovators
10:45 AM What the Hell is Culture, Anyway?

David Robertson, SVP Global Partner Strategy, Universal Music Group

Leila Fataar, Founder & ECD, EP, CSO, Platform13

James Kirkham, Founder, ICONIC77
11:15 AM Iconic Partnerships, Modern Playbooks: How Legacy Brands Stay Culturally Relevant

How legacy brands reinvent themselves through bold collaborations, cultural insight, and modern marketing strategies to stay relevant in a fast-moving world.

Victor Bengtsson, Chief Executive Officer, Sidemen Entertainment

Olivia Marsh-Evans, Sponsorship and Partnership Manager, Diageo

Eva Coates-Walker, Third Space – Music & Entertainment, Diageo

Saffron Inkster, Global Masterbrand Director | Dirt Is Good, Unilever

Moderated by: Paul Hickey, Managing Director, SAMY
12:05 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Building Cultural Influence

This session explores how brands shape culture through storytelling, values and shared experiences. The panel will highlight how cultural influence is built intentionally through authenticity, creativity and connection.

Henry White, Creative Director, Sidemen Entertainment

Amy Kilty, Brand Director, Candy Crush, King

Charlie Copsey, Founder & CEO, Underground Fan Club
1:30 PM The Future of Brand & Entertainment Partnerships

How brands are co-creating culture through strategic collaborations with creators, athletes, leagues, and entertainment properties.

Maria Ogundeji, MX Social & Influencer Marketing Lead – EU, Samsung

Kat Keen, Global Social & Influencer Lead, YouTube

Emily Ingram, General Manager of Sollos, Universal Music Group

Moderated by: Marina Mansour, President; Beauty, Wellness & Luxury, Kyra
2:00 PM Networking Break
2:30 PM Shifting the Consumer Mindset

This panel explores how brands are evolving their messaging, values, and strategies to meet a new era of expectations and drive meaningful connection.

Chris Moran, VP Digital, Director Ecommerce and Omnichannel – EMEA, Pandora

Ashley Goldie, Senior Media & Content Lead – Personal Care UK/Ireland, Unilever

Nicole Williams, Director, Brand Partnerships, Universal Music Group

Shakira Payne, Director Global Communications, Back Market

Moderated by: Oli Bello, Head of Go To Market, Outra
3:00 PM From Hype to Habit: Sustaining Engagement in a Noisy World

Capturing attention is easy, keeping it is the real challenge. This panel explores how brands turn short-term hype into lasting engagement and real loyalty.

Jaydi Wilson-Jenkins, Head of Marketing and Communications, Germaine de Capuccini

Moderated by: Elle Matthews, Senior Director, Global Field Marketing, Optimizely
3:30 PM Culture-First Marketing

Why aligning with culture and entertainment is now core to building brand equity.

Danelsy Medrano Gonzalez , VP, Brand, Media and Experiential Strategy – Chase Freedom, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Andre Bogues, Global Head of Luxury Culture, Diageo

Moderated by: Joy Eckhoff, Client Director, EMEA, GetWhy
4:00 PM Driving cultural resonance with Gen Alpha

Sarah Boorman, General Manager, Youth Strategies, Universal Music Group

Moderated by: Dianna Dilworth, Executive Editor, Brand Innovators
4:30 PM Closing Remarks
4:40 PM Musical Performance

Featuring a special guest, TBA.