Best pitch presenter you’ve ever seen:
Damien Gillman (Co-founder of Luscid). He has a natural charm that draws people in – witty, engaging, and effortlessly charismatic. He doesn’t just tell a story, he brings it to life, making complex ideas feel simple and essential. But more importantly, he has a rare gift for showing people the true value of how we are bringing a change in the sports industry. He can turn skepticism into conviction, making others see not just what is, but what could be and that’s what makes him stand out.
Best sports marketing campaign (that wasn’t yours):
Norwich City Fc - ‘Checkin in those around you’
It is brilliant to see football continuing to lead the conversation about mental health, raising awareness, and breaking down barriers surrounding the issue. We all experience mental health struggles, and this ad was all about encouraging people to talk to their loved ones. The club has struck a real chord both inside and outside the game with this one.
Best agency (that isn’t yours):
I like the work and the campaigns that 50 Sport has been executing for its clients. Their social media game has been top-notch recently, and their thought leadership posts provide great insight into where the sports marketing industry
is heading
Best young industry talent:
Most of the people from our Future in Sports community who have secured some fantastic roles at major companies.
Best sporting event attended:
UEFA Champions League 2024 Final at Wembley. I’m a big supporter of Real Madrid, and watching them play live in a final, especially in the UCL, was one of the greatest moments of my life.
Best sporting event on TV:
Real Madrid vs. Man City, Second Leg in the UCL Semi-Final of the 2022/23 Season. I still remember watching this with a group of Madrid fans back home in India, in a pub full of 100+ people, as the game turned in the last 10 minutes. Going from 0-1 to winning 3-1 at the Bernabéu was unforgettable. Another
memorable moment for me was the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, played in India. The whole country watching that final six from MS Dhoni to seal the WC was something truly special.
Best brand ambassador:
I think very few have come close to the impact that Cristiano Ronaldo has made through his brand partnerships. I believe every kid especially after 2010s who wears Nike boots on the field has been directly or indirectly influenced to use them by the CR7 silhouettes. The different product ranges that Nike exclusively created for him were truly unique, and all the football-playing kids wanted to
buy them.
Best industry event or conference:
Leaders is definitely up there with the breadth of topics they cover, but I also like what the International Sports Convention (ISC) has been doing recently. They have a great mix of rightsholders, brands, and agencies at their flagship event.
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
I believe Moneyball will be everyone’s choice. In terms of series, I really enjoyed the FIFA documentary on Netflix and Sunderland 'Til I Die.
Best book recommendation:
‘What they still don’t teach you Harvard Business School’ by Mark H McCormack, the founder of IMG.
Best bar or pub:
If you know me, you know I love networking. The Greenwood Sports Bar in Victoria is my top spot for watching games, catching up with peers, and enjoying some pints of Guinness.
Best restaurant:
Darjeeling Express in Soho. Best East-Indian curry place in London.
Best holiday resort:
Not a resort person anymore. Any resort in Mykonos in Greece would be ideal.
Best box set:
I’m a Suits guy. I re-watch it every year. Loved Succession and the Billions.
Best influence on your career:
I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with a few people from whom I’ve learned a great deal, but there isn’t one individual I can specifically credit for helping me navigate my career. However, if there is anyone who has mentally influenced me to be obsessed with what I want to do, it would be Cristiano Ronaldo – someone I truly look up to.
Best dinner companions (min 4, max 6):
ShahRukh Khan
Virat Kohli
Cristiano Ronaldo
Serena Williams
Ilona Maher
Mathew McConaughey
Best job in the sports biz:
CEO of a Top 6 Premier League Club
Best professional regret
None yet. Hoping to keep it that way!
Best skill you most covet:
Have a general understanding and curiosity about various aspects of the sports business, such as media rights, commercial deals, sponsorships, investments, and more
Best trait you admire in others:
Someone who can speak multiple languages and articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely.
Best overrated virtue:
Planning and discussing too much instead of taking action and testing it. Having a proper plan and executing it shouldn’t be a stressful process, and over- discussing it to the point of oversimplification can kill the plan.
Best ambition:
To build a rewarding career that provides lifelong benefits for my loved ones.