SportsPro
SportsPro, the leading sports media and events company, has today announced the NEW ERA class of 2026, the fourth cohort of the career development programme empowering the future of sports industry leadership.
Selected following a review of nearly 200 applications, this year’s class comprises industry professionals based across four continents and representing leading rights holders, brands, agencies, technology companies and consulting firms.
Up from 14 members in 2025, the cohort has grown to 16 to reflect the continued breadth and depth of talent applying to the programme.
In alphabetical order, the 2026 class is:
- Katie Boyce, Senior Director, Strategic Operations, Underdog
- Jone Conde, Community & Technology
- Kristin Dunbar, Head of Product Strategy & Growth, Basketball Australia
- Bryony Dyson, Partner Producer, Arsenal FC
- Zarah Earnshaw, Partnerships & Engagement Manager, City Football Group
- Komal Ghai, Client Solutions Manager, IMG
- Abi Hallworth, Director of Partnerships, Communications & PR, Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)
- Jennifer Haskel, Knowledge & Insights Lead, Deloitte Sports Business Group
- Sarah Kanaan, Women’s Rugby Manager, Lebanon Rugby Federation
- Casey Leigh Harlow, Marketing & Digital Services Manager, International Olympic Committee
- Kseniia Iliushina, Senior Manager Global PR, Puma
- Fi McCrindle, Senior Content Strategy & Planning Manager, Premier League
- Vicha Supriyanto, Senior Partnerships Manager, National Basketball League (NBL)
- Diana Ustymenko, Head of Product, Sports Strategy, Sportradar
- Carly Waterman, Director of Operations – Global, Champion Data
This year’s cohort will gain access to a range of career development opportunities over the next 12 months, including VIP invitations to SportsPro’s annual portfolio of international events, as well as the platform to speak on stage and contribute across SportsPro’s channels, including through thought leadership articles, editorial features and podcasts.
Backed by the University of Queensland, the programme also offers dedicated mentoring time and introductions to members of a 16-strong steering group, which includes senior executives from organisations such as the England & Wales Cricket Board (EBC), Sky Sports, Carlsberg and the Olympic Channel.
Additions to the steering group for 2026 include Melissa Lawton, Chief Content Officer, SailGP and Greta Bodino, Chief People, Culture and ESG Officer, Juventus.
Also new to the steering group is Jiao Li, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, International Skating Union (ISU), who returns to the NEW ERA programme after being part of the 2023 cohort.
Katie Preston, Head of Projects, SportsPro, said: “We’ve been delighted with the growth of the NEW ERA community and the impact of the programme since it was launched in 2022.
“The strength of applications for the class of 2026 reiterates the role NEW ERA has and will continue to play in providing the industry’s future leaders with a platform to share their views and bring ideas to the table.
“As we look ahead with an expanded cohort and the support of our steering group and partners at the University of Queensland, there is plenty more to come. But the responsibility for change doesn’t rest with this programme alone – the wider industry must play its part too.
“We’re excited to welcome the NEW ERA class of 2026 and look forward to working with both them and the wider community over the next 12 months and beyond.”
Now in its fourth year, NEW ERA is SportsPro’s year-round programme and global community connecting, championing and celebrating the women and non-binary executives defining the future of the international sports industry – and for everyone building it alongside them.
Through coaching, a global platform, and a network built on real connections, the programme puts exceptional talent, new ideas, and underrepresented voices at the centre of the conversation. The power behind NEW ERA comes from within – from the talent, diversity, and ambition of the community itself.
The most forward-thinking organisations already understand that diverse talent drives better outcomes. NEW ERA is where that understanding becomes action – creating real, lasting impact for members, allies, and the industry at large.
To find out more about the NEW ERA programme and how to join the community, click here.