Educational Simulation Notice: Apex Horizon Sports Group is a fictional organization created for educational purposes as part of a University of Michigan Sport Management Program course. It does not represent a real company or offer consulting services. The content of this site was generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.
LEADERSHIP
WE ELEVATE SPORTS. WE INSPIRE POSSIBILITY.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah founded Apex Horizon Sports Group in 2014 after two decades in executive leadership across professional sports and consulting, building it into a nationally recognized firm serving clients throughout North America. She is known for her collaborative, evidence-based leadership style and her ability to guide the organization through growth and strategic transformation, including AHSG's 2026 investment from NorthBridge Capital Partners. Her guiding philosophy, "Think strategically. Lead thoughtfully. Execute together," shapes AHSG's culture and every client engagement.
Chief Financial Officer
Michael oversees finance, accounting, corporate planning, investor relations, legal operations, and enterprise risk management, bringing more than 25 years of corporate finance and consulting experience to AHSG. Since joining in 2018, he has strengthened the firm's financial foundation and played a critical role in securing its partnership with NorthBridge Capital Partners. He believes disciplined financial leadership creates the stability that allows the organization to invest confidently in new opportunities.
Chief People Officer
Priya leads AHSG's people strategy, overseeing talent acquisition, leadership development, culture, employee experience, and workforce planning. Drawing on a background in organizational psychology and HR consulting, she has modernized performance management and expanded leadership development since joining in 2021. She believes organizational success begins with people and that culture is reflected in employees' daily experiences rather than stated values.
Executive Vice President of Client Services
Ryan leads AHSG's largest and most strategically important client relationships, drawing on more than 35 years of management consulting and executive client leadership experience. He oversees the successful delivery of consulting engagements across North America and works closely with practice leaders to ensure evidence-based recommendations. He believes lasting client partnerships are built through trust, responsiveness, and consistent delivery of results.
Chief of Staff
Emma partners closely with CEO Sarah Martinez to coordinate AHSG's strategic priorities, executive initiatives, and organizational planning. Since joining in 2023, she has become one of the firm's most trusted and influential leaders despite having no direct reports, overseeing executive meeting coordination, Board communications, and enterprise-wide initiatives. She believes effective leadership is built on preparation, collaboration, and trust.
Vice President of Emerging Ventures
Jordan leads AHSG's fastest-growing consulting practice, launched in 2022, overseeing initiatives in NIL strategy, women's sports, youth sport innovation, and emerging technologies. A former sports technology entrepreneur, he was recruited by Sarah Martinez for his ability to identify emerging trends and translate bold ideas into measurable value. He believes innovation requires curiosity, calculated risk-taking, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.
Vice President of Fan Intelligence & Analytics
Maya leads AHSG's research, business intelligence, and data strategy practice, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in sports analytics and consumer research along with a doctorate in Consumer Behavior. She helps clients across professional sports, collegiate athletics, and brands turn complex data into actionable, evidence-based strategy. She believes organizations make stronger decisions when rigorous analysis is paired with thoughtful leadership, since data should inform—not replace—sound judgment.
Vice President of Sports Consulting
Alex leads AHSG's sponsorship advisory practice, covering partnership strategy, valuation, corporate sales, brand integration, and activation, drawing on more than 30 years of experience on both the agency and team sides of sports marketing. Since joining in 2016, he has built a reputation as a trusted advisor who develops partnerships creating lasting value for both sponsors and rights holders. He believes successful partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and the delivery of consistent value over time.
Chief Revenue Officer
David leads AHSG's client-facing consulting practices, overseeing the Revenue Strategy, Sponsorship Consulting, Fan Intelligence & Analytics, Emerging Ventures, and Client Services divisions, bringing more than 25 years of experience in sports business development, sponsorship sales, and consulting. He works to ensure these divisions collaborate to deliver integrated solutions and has built a reputation for long-term client partnerships and sustainable growth. He believes sustainable growth is built on collaboration, trust, and the consistent delivery of exceptional value to clients.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Apex Horizon Sports Group benefits from the guidance of an experienced Board of Directors composed of respected leaders from across the sport business ecosystem. Representing expertise in professional sports, collegiate athletics, corporate partnerships, technology, finance, analytics, and organizational leadership, the Board provides strategic oversight and insight that helps shape the firm's long-term direction. Working alongside the Executive Leadership Council, the Board of Directors offers independent perspectives on industry trends, emerging technologies, organizational growth, and market opportunities. Their experience supports AHSG's continued investment in innovation while reinforcing the firm's commitment to delivering exceptional value for clients and stakeholders.
Denise Carter
Commissioner of the Women's Professional Sports Alliance (WPSA)
Denise Carter has spent more than 25 years leading professional sports organizations, earning a reputation for driving sustainable growth while building high-performing organizational cultures. As Commissioner of the Women's Professional Sports Alliance (WPSA), she oversees league strategy, governance, expansion initiatives, and long-term organizational development. As a member of AHSG's Board of Directors, Denise provides strategic oversight on governance, executive leadership, and the evolving landscape of professional sports.
Dr. Marcus Chen is an internationally recognized researcher specializing in sport analytics, artificial intelligence, consumer behavior, and predictive modeling. As a professor at Great Lakes Institute of Technology, his research explores how data and emerging technologies can improve organizational decision-making and fan engagement. As a member of AHSG's Board of Directors, Dr. Chen provides strategic guidance on innovation, analytics, and the responsible integration of emerging technologies into the firm's long-term growth strategy.
Dr. Marcus Chen
Professor of Sport Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, Great Lakes Institute of Technology
Sofia Alvarez
Chief Marketing Officer, Elevate Sport Brands
Sofia Alvarez has more than 20 years of experience leading global marketing initiatives, sponsorship strategy, and consumer engagement for leading sport and lifestyle brands. She is recognized for building strong brand identities while creating meaningful connections with fans and partners around the world. As a member of AHSG's Board of Directors, Sofia provides strategic oversight on brand development, marketing innovation, and long-term commercial growth.
Raj Patel
Managing Director, NorthBridge Capital Partners
Raj Patel is a Managing Director at NorthBridge Capital Partners, where he leads investments in professional services, technology, and consumer-focused businesses. He has guided numerous organizations through periods of expansion, acquisitions, and organizational transformation while helping leadership teams create long-term enterprise value. As NorthBridge's representative on AHSG's Board of Directors, Raj provides oversight on corporate governance, financial strategy, capital allocation, and sustainable growth.
Lisa Okafor
Director of Athletics at Lakeshore State University
Lisa Okafor serves as Director of Athletics at Lakeshore State University, where she oversees one of the nation's premier Division I athletic departments. Throughout her career, she has led strategic planning initiatives, fundraising campaigns, conference realignment efforts, and student-athlete development programs. As a member of AHSG's Board of Directors, Lisa provides strategic oversight on collegiate athletics, leadership development, organizational culture, and the evolving landscape of higher education.
James Kim
Founder and Executive Chairman of NextPlay Innovations
James Kim is the Founder and Executive Chairman of NextPlay Innovations, a sports technology company specializing in digital engagement platforms, artificial intelligence, and fan experience solutions. A recognized entrepreneur and technology leader, he has helped organizations leverage innovation to improve business performance and customer engagement. As a member of AHSG's Board of Directors, James provides strategic oversight on digital transformation, emerging technologies, and innovation opportunities shaping the future of the sport industry.