Previous speakers include

JB Perrette is President & CEO of Discovery Networks International (DNI), a global leader in real life entertainment with worldwide distribution in both television and emerging digital platforms. Based in London, Perrette oversees and sets the strategy for all of Discovery’s business outside the United States. Discovery’s unrivaled global footprint includes an average of 10 channels across 220 countries and territories. Discovery has strengthened its presence in key markets through numerous transactions, including the acquisition of Eurosport, which led to the ground-breaking agreement with the International Olympic Committee making Discovery and Eurosport the home of the Olympic Games across Europe beginning in 2017. Discovery continues to play a pioneering role as a true innovator across the media landscape by creating new story telling genres and investing in technology.

Perrette joined Discovery in October 2011 as Chief Digital Officer and prior to this, he spent 11 years with NBCUniversal, most recently serving as President, Digital and Affiliate Distribution, in addition to playing a leadership role in developing Hulu. Before joining NBC in 2000, Perrette was a member of General Electric’s top leadership development program based in London, and at CS First Boston in London and Tokyo. Perrette received his B.A. from Hamilton College, New York.

Gary Neville is a broadcaster, hotelier, property developer, football club owner and a director in a TV production company.

Having won everything possible with Manchester United under the great Sir Alex Ferguson, including 8 League Titles and 2 Champions League Trophies.

In 2011Gary joined Sky Sports and quickly became the most influential pundit on television and he and helped the Monday Night Football team win the RTS Award for Best Sports Programme in 2016.

Gary is uniquely placed to look at the sports industry from every angle.

Meredith Starkey joined the Panthers as Vice President – Chief Marketing Officer in March 2019 after nearly 10 years at T-Mobile where she was vice president of marketing- sponsorships and events. Prior to joining T-Mobile, she held sponsorship marketing positions at Motorola, Genesco Sports Enterprises, and D.C. United of Major League Soccer.

In her new role, Starkey is responsible for leading the Carolina Panthers first ever marketing organization driving brand growth, fan growth and engagement, and revenue growth while helping foster a fan centric culture.

During her time at T-Mobile, Starkey led the negotiation and renewal of T-Mobile’s multi-year, multi-million-dollar partnership with Major League Baseball reigniting the brand and business growth among a prime audience.

She revitalized entertainment marketing for the brand with partnerships like T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas; the company’s first ever naming rights deal, major music platforms such as American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. Starkey also led the launch of the brand in Esports with an integrated approach of league, team, and media partnerships.

Kate Pratt serves as Head of Sales – Americas for Liverpool Football Club working under the stewardship of Fenway Sports Management (FSM). Pratt is responsible for all LFC commercial activities in the region and works in tandem with FSM to develop and execute LFC’s U.S. strategy. She is LFC’s first-ever senior executive liaison in the Americas and brings more than a decade of experience to her role.

Prior to joining Liverpool Football Club, Kate was Director of Team Sales and Marketing Partnerships at the Madison Square Garden Company. At MSG, she was responsible for finding new corporate partners through integrated marketing opportunities across MSG’s sports, live entertainment, and media properties. On the Team Sales side, Kate led the New York Knicks’ first-ever jersey patch partnership and was responsible for securing numerous brand partnerships across the company. Pratt began her sports career at the Breeder’s Cup and previously worked for the New York Yankees in corporate sales and sponsorship.
She was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 sports list in 2017 in recognition of her accomplishments and impact on the business of sports. Kate is originally from Fairfield, Connecticut, and a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, OH. Kate currently resides in New York City with her husband, Jay.

Andrea is a leading entrepreneur who has has been at the forefront of the global sports media industry throughout his distinguished career.

Andrea is owner and Chairman of global investment company Aser Ventures; Leeds United Football Club and international sports content platform Eleven Sports.

Andrea has also led Aser Ventures’ investment in several growing digital businesses including Whistle Sports, Hellodi, Easyprod and Sports Data Labs, creating an ecosystem of innovative services and sports related content

Patrick Hoven is the Global VP for Personal Care and Market Research & Consumer Centricity at Beiersdorf – the mother company of the world’s No.1 Skin Care Brand NIVEA. Patrick brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing & sales. Born in the USA, he has lived, studied and worked in 3 continents. Also leading the global NIVEA MEN business, his mission is to shape unique consumer experiences that are strategic and breakthrough by celebrating collaboration, diversity, expertise and creativity.