Elizabeth O'Brien, Senior Executive: Sports & Entertainment Sponsorship Marketing
Elizabeth O’Brien is a senior executive with over a decade of experience leading IBM’s global Sports & Entertainment sponsorships. As Director of IBM’s Global Sports & Entertainment Partnerships, she has driven transformative collaborations with premier properties including Scuderia Ferrari, the Masters, the US Open, Wimbledon, ESPN Fantasy Football, esports, and the Grammys.
Renowned for transforming traditional sponsorships into platforms for technological innovation and brand storytelling, Elizabeth has delivered portfolio ROI exceeding 25%. Her projects have resulted in more than 100 technology patents and earned accolades including an Emmy Award. She has been recognized as one of AdWeek’s “Most Powerful Women in Sports” and a Sports Business Journal “GameChanger.”
Her leadership spans strategy, negotiation, stakeholder management, cutting-edge activation, media integration, and thought leadership—leveraging sports and entertainment partnerships to bring IBM technology to life for global audiences.
Kristi Kolski, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships Director at IBM
Kristi Kolski is a dynamic Sports & Entertainment Partnership Director with a focus on leveraging innovative technology to create strategic partnerships that drive business growth and fan engagement. With extensive experience in both the sports and tech industries, Kristi excels at bridging the gap between traditional sports and the evolving digital landscape. She has successfully led cross-functional teams in launching high-impact collaborations with world-class global sporting events, major sports leagues, stadiums, and entertainment properties.