Shaping the Next Era of M&E

By Pickle April 3, 2025

Meet the pioneers redefining media and entertainment at NAB 2025. From AI and cloud-driven innovation to cutting-edge streaming, cybersecurity, and immersive storytelling, these global leaders are transforming how content is created, distributed, and experienced. Get insights from experts at the forefront of technological evolution in the entertainment industry.

Cloud Media Innovator
Daniel Goller
Chief Research Officer at EngineLab

Co-founder and CRO at EngineLab, pioneering cloud and AI solutions in media and entertainment. Led the development of Untold Studios’ first cloud-native platform, transforming global VFX workflows. A PhD-driven innovator with experience at BMW and Audi, he merges academic rigor with scalable technology to revolutionize collaborative content creation.

VFX Industry Leader
Darren Frankel
Head of Film & Television at Adobe

A seasoned VFX expert with 35+ years in global post-production, Darren has shaped visual storytelling as Adobe’s Head of Film & TV. Formerly a Marvel VFX lead and President of Stargate Studios, he has consulted for industry giants like Untold Studios and Framestore. A TV Academy executive and Northwestern/UCLA alum, he bridges technology and creativity to set industry standards.

Streaming Tech Luminary
Dr. Abdul Rehman
Chief Product Officer at IMAX Corporation

An Emmy-winning innovator and founder of SSIMWAVE (acquired), Dr. Rehman is a driving force behind IMAX Enhanced and VisionPro App. With a background in academia (Waterloo, Munich) and industry (BlackBerry), he is redefining home cinema through cutting-edge streaming and image enhancement technologies.

Gen Z Ecosystem Architect
Dylan Huey
CEO at REACH

As CEO of REACH, Dylan mobilizes 2,500+ creators with a collective reach of 350M+ followers across 75+ universities. He connects Gen Z talent with brands like Disney and YouTube while advocating for mental health through TEDx talks. A 6M+ influencer, he is reshaping the creator economy through inclusive innovation and strategic partnerships.

Streaming Visionary
Eric Black
CEO, CTO at Uplynk

A trailblazer in live streaming, Eric pioneered NBCUniversal’s first Super Bowl stream (2010) and six Olympics, playing a pivotal role in Peacock’s development. As Uplynk’s CEO/CTO, he has won nine Emmys and a Tech Emmy, earning recognition as an Edward R. Murrow honoree. His innovations continue to revolutionize global event broadcasting.

Media Integrity Architect
Eric Wengrowski
Founder & CEO at STEG.AI

Founder of Steg.AI, Eric is advancing AI-powered steganography for secure media. A Rutgers PhD and NYU Cybersecurity postdoc, his background includes roles at Siemens, DARPA, and Microsoft Research. A winner at LDV Summit, he is pioneering the intersection of computational imaging, forensics, and AI to combat digital fraud and set new cybersecurity standards.

AI Media Visionary
Erik Barmack
Founder at Wild Sheep Content & AI in Hollywood

Former VP of International Originals at Netflix, Erik launched global hits like The Witcher and Money Heist, as well as the company’s anime division. As the founder of Wild Sheep Content (25+ projects sold) and AI in Hollywood, he is leading the future of AI-driven storytelling through cross-border innovation.

Broadcast Innovation Leader
Erin Callaghan
President, Enterprise Partnerships at Futuri

With over 25 years of experience in broadcasting, Erin is driving AI-powered solutions to future-proof media. Having steered digital transformations at Cox and Capstar, she now helps global broadcasters accelerate revenue and audience growth through automation and advanced media technology.

Creative Tech Catalyst
Fred Grinstein
Co-Founder at Machine Cinema

Fred is redefining media innovation as co-founder of Machine Cinema, where he leads AI-driven storytelling events like Gen Jam. A former exec at Anonymous Content, Viceland, and A&E (Storage Wars, Cash Cab), he is a sought-after keynote speaker at the intersection of AI, XR, and traditional media.

AI Art Pioneer
Helena Packer
Chief Creative Officer at Bluemoon AI

An AMPAS SciTech leader and award-winning VFX founder (Oscar, Emmy, Clio), Helena is shaping the future of AI in creative expression. As CCO of Bluemoon AI, she drives artistic innovation at the convergence of VFX and technology, redefining the boundaries of media and art.

Cinema Tech Visionary
Anders Ballestad
Head of Content & Studio Relations at Barco

A PhD physicist and inventor of Barco’s Lightsteering HDR technology, Anders founded MTT Innovation, now part of Barco. He is shaping the future of HDR post-production by merging cutting-edge technology with storytelling to elevate cinematic experiences worldwide.

AI Storytelling Pioneer
Albert Bozesan
Creative Director, AI Media at Storybook Studios

As Creative Director at Storybook Studios, Europe’s leading AI-driven studio, Albert is pioneering AI-enhanced filmmaking. A TEDx speaker and AI creativity educator at TU Munich, he has collaborated with Warner Bros., Paramount, and Audi while authoring bestselling books on media and technology.

Media Tech Pioneer
Annie Chang
Science & Technology Council Chair at AMPAS

As Universal’s VP and a leader in immersive media strategies, Annie has played a key role in transitioning studios to digital formats (iTunes, Blu-ray). Chair of the AMPAS SciTech Council, she has shaped global media standards through her work with the UHD Alliance, SMPTE, and ACES/IMF.

Global Tech Strategist
Ariel Baril
VP Technology SEMEA at Paramount

Overseeing Paramount’s technology landscape across Southern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Ariel has a track record of driving innovation. A former CEO of Ananey Tech (acquired by Paramount) and Tel Aviv University physics graduate, he advances broadcast and IT ecosystems.

B2B AI Visionary
Ashish Agrawal
Founder & CEO at Eon Media Corp.

With 19+ years of experience in streaming and OTT innovation (AT&T, Fox, Rogers), Ashish leads Eon Media in pioneering AI-driven B2B solutions. He merges deep tech expertise with strategic insight to redefine media distribution and audience engagement.

Digital Solutions Architect
Atheer Sabti
Worldwide Enterprise Architect at HCLTech

A media technology expert with 20+ years in digital video, Atheer specializes in hybrid cloud migration, workflow automation, and asset monetization. With a dual background in computer science and an MBA, he modernizes infrastructure to build scalable, automated media ecosystems.

AI Media Catalyst
Ben Budde
VP of Revenue at ElevenLabs

As VP of Revenue at ElevenLabs, Ben empowers media companies and creators with cutting-edge AI audio solutions. A former Marine and trusted tech strategist, he bridges AI with industry needs, driving scalable innovation and efficiency.

AI Radio Visionary
Brendon Cassidy
CTO at Super Hi-Fi

Brendon is transforming radio with AI-driven automation at Super Hi-Fi. With a background at Virgin Digital, CBS Radio, and Disney, he holds patents for AI-powered music and ad placement systems used by iHeart, Sonos, and Peloton.

Creative Education Visionary
Chaitanya Chinchlikar
VP, Business Head & CTO at Whistling Woods International

A global speaker and edtech strategist, Chaitanya integrates AI and VR into media education. With 20+ years of experience, he has shaped India’s film training landscape, driving digital transformation in creative academia.

Design-Tech Educator
Chris Converse
Partner at Codify Design Studio

A leader in design and animation for 30+ years, Chris has authored over 100 courses and spoken at 325+ industry events (Adobe MAX, NAB). His work merges technology and design to empower creatives with interactive tools.

Inclusive Workplace Visionary
Daisy Auger-Dominguez
C-Suite Executive, Author & Thought Leader

An award-winning executive (Google, Disney, Moody’s), Daisy is the founder of Auger-Dominguez Ventures, advising Fortune 500s on equity, burnout solutions, and the future of work. Author of Inclusion Revolution, she is a recognized speaker and industry thought leader.

AI Filmmaking Pioneer
Hoon Kim
CEO at Beeble AI

Hoon Kim, co-founder and CEO of Beeble AI, is revolutionizing virtual production by replacing traditional LED walls with AI-driven VFX solutions. His technology transforms green screen footage into high-quality visual effects, enabling creators to produce films, commercials, and music videos 30 times faster while significantly reducing costs. As a leading AI researcher, Kim is redefining the future of filmmaking by making high-impact storytelling more accessible and efficient.

Web3 Culture Architect
Jake Becker
Director of Creators & Founding Team at Genies

Jake Becker is a driving force behind Genies, leading AI-powered avatar and IP partnerships with major sports organizations like the NBPA, MLBPA, and NFLPA. As a pioneer in Web3 culture, he’s shaping the “new internet” through Smart Avatars, redefining digital identity and fan engagement for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Becker’s work bridges celebrity influence, AI, and virtual ecosystems to create an interactive and immersive digital future.

AI Content Visionary
Jason Yang
CEO & Co-founder at Bluemoon AI

Jason Yang is at the forefront of AI-powered media innovation as the CEO of Bluemoon AI. A former founder of DGene (AI-driven digital twins) and an MIT PhD, Yang integrates AI and NLP to streamline media production workflows. His pioneering work in volumetric capture and interactive tools is empowering creators to produce content with unprecedented efficiency, reshaping the future of digital storytelling.

GenAI Ecosystem Architect
Jeff Allen
Founder & CEO at Flikforge

Jeff Allen is transforming AI-driven video production as the CEO of Flikforge. With a deep background in finance and technology—having raised over $400M across 50+ VC deals and secured $15B+ in exits—he blends technical expertise with strategic growth. His work focuses on building scalable, brand-safe AI media solutions that redefine content creation and market leadership in the digital age.

Tech Lifestyle Visionary
Jenny Kim Calabrese
Content Creator at jennybdoll

Jenny Kim Calabrese translates cutting-edge technology into real-world applications, engaging over 218K followers through her insights on AI, smart devices, and multimedia tech. Partnering with leading brands like Snapdragon, Google, and Ray-Ban Meta, she simplifies complex innovations, making them accessible and practical for creators and consumers alike.

Video Cloud Visionary
Jerry He
Head of Video Cloud at Alibaba Cloud

Jerry He leads Alibaba Cloud’s video services, driving advancements in live streaming, video-on-demand, and AI-powered media processing. A former architect at Microsoft Azure Media and Facebook Messenger, he plays a key role in shaping China’s top media platforms and influencing global video technology infrastructure.

AI Data Innovator
Jesse Redniss
CEO at Precise.ai

Jesse Redniss, an Emmy-nominated media strategist and former AI/VR innovator at WarnerMedia, is redefining data privacy in AI ecosystems as CEO of Precise.ai. His work enables secure cross-industry collaboration using federated machine learning, balancing enterprise data solutions with consumer privacy.

Media Systems Strategist
Jitu Badlani
Senior Director of Communications, Media & Entertainment at LTIMindtree

With over 22 years at Disney, Fox, and Cognizant, Jitu Badlani is a trusted advisor in media technology innovation. As Senior Director at LTIMindtree, he bridges enterprise strategy with cutting-edge streaming solutions, accelerating digital transformation for global media leaders.

Creator Tech Evangelist
John Canning
Director of Developer Relations (Creators) at AMD

John Canning drives AMD’s ecosystem for creators, focusing on virtual production, digital humans, and immersive media. With over 25 years in media, he fosters industry partnerships and enhances creative workflows through advanced technology solutions.

AI Video Pioneer
Jose Puga
CEO & Co-founder at Imaginario AI

Jose Puga leads Imaginario AI in revolutionizing video automation and curation using AI. Backed by Comcast and NVIDIA, his platform serves over 30K users, including top studios. With 15+ years at BBC and Warner Bros., Puga is reshaping scalable content innovation.

Digital Security Architect
Dr. Joseph DeGol
Chief Technology Officer at Steg.AI

Dr. Joseph DeGol, CTO of Steg.AI, is a leader in forensic watermarking technology, securing digital content across industries. With a background at Microsoft MR and 15+ research papers, patents, and prestigious NSF/NDSEG honors, his work advances digital media security and 3D analytics.

Media Innovation Leader
Josh Brandau
Founder & CEO at Nota

Josh Brandau, CEO of Nota, empowers media companies with AI-driven storytelling tools. Former CRO/CMO of the LA Times and a strategist at EssenceMediaCom, he bridges legacy media with tech-driven content distribution, optimizing modern digital narratives.

Media Security Vanguard
Juan Reyes
Executive Director at 8K Association

Juan Reyes, President of Tech Align Group and Director at the 8K Association, leads initiatives on content security and UHD technology standards. With 23 years in M&E, he has been instrumental in advancing compliance, interoperability, and the global 8K ecosystem.

Creative Rights Champion
Kathleen Grace
Chief Strategy Officer at Vermillio

Kathleen Grace pioneers AI-driven solutions for digital content rights at Vermillio. A former leader at New Form (23+ series sold) and a key architect of YouTube Spaces, she specializes in scaling media ecosystems and protecting creators’ digital assets.

Multimedia Education Leader
Kelsey Brannan
YouTube Host & Creative Director at Gal Media Creative LLC

Founder of Premiere Gal, Kelsey Brannan is a leading educator in video and photography, providing accessible tutorials to a global audience. Her expertise empowers creators with professional-grade multimedia skills through engaging, practical content.

Media Revenue Architect
Kira Baca
Chief Revenue Officer at Fabric

With over 25 years in M&E, Kira Baca drives revenue growth at Fabric, specializing in media supply chain solutions. She has led strategic partnerships and major post-merger integrations at Technicolor, Sony, and Rightsline, solidifying her industry leadership.

Broadcast Tech Pioneer
Raymundo Barros
Chief Technology Officer at Globo

Raymundo Barros, CTO of Globo, is at the forefront of Brazil’s media transformation. A pioneer in digital TV transitions and 4K/8K HDR production, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of broadcasting in Latin America. Formerly an engineering director for iconic telenovelas and series, his leadership continues to elevate industry standards and immersive storytelling.

XR & Virtual Production Innovator
Rene Amador
Co-Founder & CEO at ARwall

As CEO of ARwall, Rene Amador is redefining virtual production with AI-driven solutions. With multiple patents and accolades from NAB and CES, he has led over 350 high-profile projects for Disney, Sony, and others. His Emmy-recognized work continues to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling and virtual production globally.

Marketing Innovation Leader
Rhea Allen
President & CEO at Peppershock Media

Rhea Allen, founder of Peppershock Media, has been helping global brands craft compelling marketing strategies since 2003. A Boise State professor and top 5% podcast host, she leads The Marketing Expedition Community and delivers industry-shaping insights through keynotes, creative campaigns, and scalable strategies for Fortune 100 enterprises.

Creative Tech Educator
Rich Harrington
CEO & Founder at ThinkTAP

Richard Harrington, founder of Photofocus and author of 30+ books, empowers visual creators through AI-driven tools like Radiant Photo. A global speaker and NAB chair, his 200+ educational courses have transformed the fields of video, photography, and motion graphics, blending cutting-edge technology with artistic excellence.

SaaS Product Visionary
Richard Perkett
Chief Product Officer at Amagi

Richard Perkett drives SaaS innovation at Amagi, bringing 11+ years of experience scaling Rapid7’s cybersecurity platform. A cross-industry strategist in CRM and enterprise storage, he pioneers user-centric product ecosystems, optimizing experiences and shaping media technology’s future.

Synthetic Media Guardian
Rijul Gupta
CEO at Deep Media AI

As CEO of DeepMedia, Rijul Gupta is leading the fight against DeepFake risks with ethical AI solutions. A Yale-trained machine learning expert and patented inventor, he previously worked with Nike and Nordstrom. His company develops secure synthetic media solutions that balance innovation with global accountability.

Imaging Standards Architect
Rod Bogart
Principal Color Scientist at Epic Games

Rod Bogart, Epic Games’ Principal Color Scientist, has revolutionized film and broadcast imaging. With contributions to OpenEXR, ACES, and SMPTE IMF, his innovations have shaped color workflows at ILM, Pixar, and beyond. As ACES vice-chair and HDR pioneer, his expertise continues to drive advancements in virtual production and global cinema.

Creator Commerce Strategist
Saeyoung Cho
Sr. Influencer Lead at Unilever

Saeyoung Cho, Unilever’s Senior Influencer Lead, drives data-driven strategies for brands like Nike, Disney, and HBO. Formerly Captiv8’s CSO and Horizon Media Director, she architects full-funnel influencer campaigns, industry tools, and cultural storytelling initiatives that fuel global brand growth.

AI Localization Pioneer
Sagi Reuven
CRO at Deepdub

Sagi Reuven is transforming media localization as CRO of Deepdub.ai. A seasoned sales leader, he spearheads AI-driven dubbing technology, helping studios scale content worldwide with lifelike generative AI voices. His work fosters cross-cultural engagement and revenue growth for the entertainment industry.

Tech Leadership Trailblazer
Sarah Foss
CTO at Audacy

As CTO of Audacy, Sarah Foss is at the helm of innovation in audio technology and advertising platforms. A 25-year media veteran, Tech Bae co-founder, and ORBIE honoree, she drives digital infrastructure, data optimization, and streaming monetization while championing diversity in tech leadership.

Streaming Protocol Pioneer
Dr. Sergio Ammirata
Founder & Chief Scientist at SipRadius

Dr. Sergio Ammirata, Chief Scientist at SipRadius and RIST Forum Director, has transformed media transport through the Emmy-winning Dozer protocol and libRIST (integrated into VLC and FFmpeg). His contributions to RIST standards have redefined secure, scalable streaming technology in broadcast and open-source ecosystems.

Video Optimization Innovator
Sharon Carmel
Founder & CEO at Beamr

Sharon Carmel, founder of Beamr, is a leader in Emmy-winning video compression technology. His work on CABR, AV1, and HEVC modernization has been adopted by Netflix and Paramount. A serial entrepreneur, he now drives AI-powered GPU-accelerated video workflows through Beamr Cloud, enabling next-gen media transformation.

Tech Impact Visionary
Silvia Candiani
VP, Worldwide Telecommunications, Media & Gaming at Microsoft

As Microsoft’s VP for Telco, Media & Gaming, Silvia Candiani leads global digital transformation through AI and cloud solutions. With over 25 years in ICT and media, she empowers businesses and talent worldwide, driving innovation that scales technology’s societal impact across 180+ markets.

Media Cloud Strategist
Simon Crownshaw
Director of Business Strategy, Media & Communications at Microsoft

Simon Crownshaw, Microsoft’s Worldwide Media & Entertainment Director, is a driving force in cloud and AI adoption for studios and broadcasters. With 20+ years in digital media, he specializes in transforming workflows, live event production, and content distribution through scalable, data-driven strategies.

Streaming Technology Innovator
Stefan Lederer
Co-Founder & CEO at Bitmovin

Stefan Lederer, Bitmovin CEO and co-founder, has revolutionized streaming with MPEG-DASH (used by Netflix and YouTube). An Emmy Award winner and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, his patents and 25+ research papers have propelled Bitmovin to the forefront of next-generation video technology.

Fan Experience Architect
Steve Botha
GVP of Media, Gaming, Sports & Hi-Tech at Oracle

Steve Botha, Oracle’s global leader for media and sports, pioneers AI and cloud-driven audience engagement. With over 20 years of experience, he enhances content monetization and fan experiences, bridging immersive storytelling with next-gen technology solutions for leagues and broadcasters.

AI Media Innovator
Surbhi Madan
Media AI Solution Architect at Intel Corporation

Surbhi Madan is shaping the future of AI-powered video transformation at Intel. A multimedia strategist with a decade of expertise, she accelerates cloud and edge deployments for broadcasters and telecoms, redefining workflows for scalable, next-generation media experiences.

Cinematic Vision Catalyst
Thaïs Castralli
Director of Photography at Kodak

Thaïs Castralli, an AFI-trained cinematographer, blends technology and storytelling through collaborations with Leica, Zeiss, and Kodak. From São Paulo to Hollywood, her expertise in lenscraft and visual aesthetics shapes compelling narratives across film, television, and commercial productions.

AI Creative Ecosystem Architect
Todd Terrazas
CEO at FBRC.ai

Todd Terrazas, founder of AI LA (23K+ members) and CEO of FBRC.ai, is a visionary at the intersection of AI and entertainment. A USC-trained entrepreneur, he fosters industry-academic collaborations, organizes AI-focused events like “AI on the Lot,” and develops tools reshaping production workflows.

Localization Tech Pioneer
Tom Bridges
CEO & Founder at CaptionHub

Tom Bridges, CEO of CaptionHub, is revolutionizing media workflows with AI-driven subtitle and localization solutions. A former co-founder of Unit Post and Neon Pictures, his neuroscience background fuels innovations that enhance global content accessibility and precision post-production.

Global Media Strategist
Uday Navile
Vice President of Communications, Media & Entertainment at LTIMindtree

Uday Navile, VP at LTIMindtree, is a driving force in media-tech transformation. With experience at Amazon and IBM, he architects cloud-based solutions for telecom and entertainment giants, leveraging AWS partnerships to optimize workflows for broadcasters and streaming platforms worldwide.

Cybersecurity Governance Architect
Yong-Gon (YG) Chon
Managing Partner at GroCyber

Yong-Gon Chon, former CEO of Focal Point and board leader at RiskRecon (Mastercard), is a global authority on cybersecurity governance. With 24+ years in cyber risk strategy, he bridges investment, policy, and academia to fortify infrastructures for Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies.