July 20, 2026
Welcome to Media Play News’ ninth annual “40 Under 40,” our recognition of the next generation of leaders helping shape the future of digital entertainment.
Our business has never been more complex. Content now moves through a global network of streaming services, digital retailers, technology platforms, data systems and distribution networks before it reaches consumers. Behind that ecosystem is a talented group of young
executives who are redefining how movies and television are marketed, managed, delivered and monetized.
The individuals featured in this year’s “40 Under 40” represent a broad cross-section of the industry. Some are driving innovation in technology. Others are building audiences, forging partnerships, managing content operations, or helping studios, distributors and platforms navigate a rapidly evolving marketplace. While their responsibilities vary, they share a common trait: an ability to make an impact well beyond their years.
As always, our honorees are presented in random order. Some were nominated by colleagues, others by their companies, and still others by industry peers who believed their contributions deserved wider recognition. Final selections were made by the Media Play News editorial team.
We congratulate this year’s honorees and look forward to watching their continued influence on the business in the years ahead.
THOMAS K. ARNOLD: A Talented Group
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Jordan Bartow, 39
GM, North America
Quickplay
Within his first five months at Quickplay, Bartow secured a groundbreaking partnership with Gray Media, fundamentally reimagining how local news and entertainment reaches 37% of U.S. TV households — delivering tailored, hyper-local content across 163 websites, 326 mobile apps and 815 smart-TV applications. A 15-year industry veteran with experience in streaming, AI and technology, Bartow joined Quickplay in 2025 following a five-year run at Google Cloud, where he scaled AI solutions to 150 million users for a global streaming company and drove digital fan engagement for LIV Golf. Earlier in his career, Bartow spent three years as a Senior Enterprise Account Executive for Oracle Corp.
Dana Protsyshak, 28
Founder
Vert-I-Go Media, Dana Productions and the LA Vertical Drama Market
Protsyshak is a Los Angeles-based screenwriter, filmmaker and entrepreneur who is a pioneer in vertical filmmaking, in which content is split into brief vertical clips for easy consumption on mobile phones. Protsyshak is the founder of Vert-I-Go Media and the LA Vertical Drama Market, which just finished its second semi-annual edition in Los Angeles. Having worked on more than 35 vertical projects across writing and production, Protsyshak is a leading advocate for the emerging digital format. She is also the creator of the dystopian drama series “OtheR” and hosts monthly “Vertical Mixers” in Hollywood to foster a collaborative creative community. She actively collaborates with international teams across North America and Europe.
Erica Barrabi-Centeno, 36
VP, Content Acquisitions
Maverick Entertainment
Barrabi-Centeno oversees Maverick Entertainment’s film licensing and acquisitions efforts as well as its self-funded productions. Recent titles include “Girls Need Love,” a hit drama series created by Nina Stakz and Skyy Blair that premiered April 6 on Peacock; If I Can’t Have You, a thriller about a married man who embarks on an affair with a seductive and enigmatic woman who soon realizes he’ll never leave his wife; and RAGE: Kill or Be Killed, an actioner about a boxer who squares off against his personal hero. Barrabi-Centeno also manages Maverick’s film release schedule. Prior to joining Maverick in 2015, Barrabi-Centeno worked in the legal industry.
Kelcie Schwab, 35
VP, Digital Operations and FAST Channels
Maverick Entertainment
Schwab is a key executive at Maverick Entertainment, the Deerfield Beach, Fla.-based film company that controls the world’s largest library of feature-length Black Cinema, and releases more than 100 films annually across physical and digital platforms. She runs the company’s digital operations team and oversees its growing FAST channel business, which is anchored by its dedicated network, the Maverick Black Cinema Channel. Schwab also manages a social media team and assists in special projects across the Maverick and Liverpool West labels. In addition, she handles the Liverpool West Production side of the business and is also a producer of films and stage productions funded and managed by Maverick.
Sandy Marcial, 36
Manager, Client Marketing
Paramount Home Entertainment
Marcial develops strategic marketing initiatives across digital retailers, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and MVPD partners. Recognized for her ability to bridge consumer behavior, partner feedback and cross-functional priorities into actionable marketing strategies, she helps drive campaigns that connect audiences with content in meaningful ways. Before moving into home entertainment, Marcial built her career in music sales and marketing at Universal Music Group, developing retail programs, fan experiences and direct-to-consumer initiatives for some of Latin music’s biggest artists and releases. Her tenure at UMG provided her with a fan-first perspective on partnership marketing, which involves creating opportunities that deliver value for both audiences and distribution partners.
Judy Moore, 37
Director, Digital Account Planning
Paramount Home Entertainment
Moore keeps the home entertainment division’s sales and marketing teams apprised of business performance and identifies key growth opportunities within the digital ecosystem. Since joining Paramount in 2024 she has overseen the film catalog revenue forecasting process, analyzing promotional campaign results to help guide decision making. Moore also creates ad hoc analysis to strategize the most-effective ways to hit revenue targets, whether it be new product creation, pricing adjustments or new ways to leverage retailer partner capabilities. Earlier in her career Moore worked in both accounting planning and key account manager roles in the digital transactional group at WarnerMedia.
Julia Negretti, 30
Manager, International Operations
Paramount Home Entertainment
Negretti oversees the distribution of physical media for both film and TV titles across EMEA and APAC. Since joining Paramount in 2020 as a coordinator, she has progressed to become a trusted leader responsible for delivering major title releases to international markets. Beyond her operational responsibilities, she has helped drive initiatives that expand release opportunities and support premium collector’s editions for film fans. Negretti consistently embraces new challenges and is a passionate champion of physical media. Her impact on the industry was recognized last year with the 2025 BASE and DEG International Hedy Lamarr Inspirational Women in Entertainment Rising Star Award.
Emily Sek, 32
Director, Digital Distribution
Paramount Home Entertainment
Based in Sydney, Australia, Sek oversees digital distribution across Southeast Asia, India and Greater China for Paramount, leading partnerships with major streaming services and digital platforms. Since joining Paramount in 2025 she has focused on expanding the availability of Paramount’s new-release slate and library content across Asia, and established new direct distribution opportunities in China. Prior to joining Paramount, Sek led the transactional video business for Amazon’s Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand. There, she managed P&L and partnerships with local and major international studios and distributors. Sek began her career in M&A consulting at Deloitte before transitioning into media and entertainment.
Sarah Shandalov, 31
Senior Manager,
Global Programming Strategy
Paramount+
Shandalov drives programming decisions and on-platform merchandising for Paramount+ across global markets, titles and brands. She oversees content from scheduling and localization through launch, merchandising and performance analysis, bridging strategy, operations and execution to drive engagement and growth. Shandalov joined what was then ViacomCBS in April 2017 after graduating from Yeshiva University, and for the next five years worked across Comedy Central, MTV, Paramount Network, TV Land, the Smithsonian Channel and VH1. She joined the Paramount+ team in May 2022 as Manager of Content Strategy and was promoted into her present position exactly one year later. She played a key role in the integration of BET+ into Paramount+.
Michael Roberts, 36
Senior Director, Title Marketing
Paramount+
Roberts is a key member of the title marketing team at Paramount+. His focus is on film and unscripted content. Roberts began his career at Paramount straight out of college in 2012 as a studio page, which led to an executive assistant role in home entertainment. He spent the majority of his time at the studio there, working across both catalog and new-release titles in brand and retail marketing, and holding a series of progressively more-responsible positions. He ultimately rose to Director of Digital Customer Marketing in 2019. Three years later, Roberts moved over to Paramount+ as Director of Theatrical Marketing. He was promoted into his present position in 2024.
Catherine Regio, 38
Director, Retail Strategy
Warner Bros. Discovery
Regio leads promotional planning and pricing strategy for WBD’s transactional film business, including managing lifecycle planning for the studio’s theatrical new releases and its extensive film catalog. She is responsible for driving incremental revenue opportunities across all major digital retailers, working with cross-functional teams to plan and execute national programs as well as account-specific executions. Regio began her career in the mailroom at CAA and held positions in digital distribution at Our Alchemy and The Jim Henson Co. before beginning a five-year run at Warner Bros. in 2016 in trade and then partner marketing. She rejoined Warner in 2023 after a year in product marketing at Shout! Factory.
Jeffrey Lund, 35
Director, Partnership Management
Warner Bros. Discovery
Lund leads partnership management at Warner Bros. Discovery’s home entertainment unit across key digital retail partners, including Fandango at Home, Kaleidescape, Row8, and various cable and CTV platforms. He drives go-to-market execution for new-release film and television content, overseeing merchandising strategy, promotional campaigns and revenue performance across the TVOD ecosystem. Beyond his core scope, he has successfully negotiated incremental AVOD and rewards-based programs with multiple partners, unlocking new revenue streams. Lund joined Warner Bros. in 2018 as Manager of Account Planning and was elevated into his present position in February 2026. Lund began his career at Target Corp., managing mobile device categories.
Andrew Schauble, 33
Senior Manager, Sales Planning Operations
Warner Bros. Discovery
Schauble plays a key role in sales planning and inventory strategy for WBD’s film and television library. He oversees asset readiness, rights integrity, and content delivery for licensing deals across FAST, AVOD, SVOD and cable platforms, supporting more than 100 clients. He is spearheading systems modernization to streamline and scale global licensing execution, enabling faster, more-informed deal decisions. He also helps guide remastering and music clearance investment strategy to unlock new distribution opportunities across digital and physical media markets for iconic WBD properties such as A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Searchers. Prior to joining Warner in 2023, Schauble spent nearly five years at consultancy Accenture.
Kaiti Jorgensen, 38
Director, Creative Production Management, Global Creative Operations
Warner Bros. Discovery
Jorgensen leads packaging production for film new-release and catalog titles from concept through manufacturing and international file prep. She oversees cross-functional workflows, spanning creative, marketing and vendor management. She has played a key role in streamlining production operations, including developing new project tracking systems, leading initiatives to transition titles to print-on-demand workflows, and spearheading improvements to internal tools and processes that enhance efficiency, scalability, and cross-team collaboration. Jorgensen started her career at Warner Bros. in the WB Studio tour coffee shop before joining the home entertainment group in 2012. She was promoted into her present position in 2022.
Alex Combs, 39
VP, Product Management, Ad Platforms
The Walt Disney Co.
As VP of Product Management for Ad Platforms at Disney Entertainment and ESPN, Combs is leading the development of scalable, privacy-conscious solutions across Disney+, Hulu and ESPN. Over more than a decade at Disney, he has built foundational technologies powering the company’s ad business, including the award-winning Disney Real-time Ad eXchange, Disney Ad Server, and YODA, a machine-learning optimization system. Most recently, he has advanced interactive ad formats and programmatic capabilities. Combs was promoted into his present position in November 2023 after nearly three years as Senior Manager and then Director. Earlier, he spent more than eight years at Hulu, most recently as Manager of Product Management, Advanced Delivery Platform.
Anika Houston, 39
Director,
Social Brand Innovation and Community
Disney+ and Hulu
Houston drives engagement and brand preference for both Disney+ and Hulu, owning the social brand strategy behind their movies, originals, library, live-TV streams and more. With more than 15 years of expertise in content development, audience growth, paid social and data analytics, she says she is passionate about storytelling that creates meaningful connections, accelerates brand growth, and establishes lasting market positions. A two-time Emmy nominee for Outstanding Promotional Announcement, Houston joined Hulu in 2022. Last fall, she led the cross-functional brand social strategy for Hulu’s global expansion, bringing all regions together around a single hero campaign. Earlier in her career, Houston spent seven years at celebrity.land.
Carie Lai, 37 & Jordan Qatami, 32
Senior Managers, Finance
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Lai and Qatami are vital members of the Universal Pictures Home Entertainment finance organization. Lai has played an important role in supporting and growing several critical digital business segments. His contributions have helped drive business performance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Most recently he’s been entrusted with the responsibility of building out the international digital forecast model, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his strategic thinking and commitment to delivering results. Prior to joining Universal in 2021, Lai held several financial roles in the media and advertising space. Qatami’s role has evolved to encompass increasing levels of responsibility. His responsibilities have included managing global home entertainment expenses and overseeing the domestic digital and physical businesses. Qatami joined UPHE in 2021 as a Senior Financial Analyst and was promoted to Finance Manager in 2024, and Senior Manager of Finance in January 2026. Prior to joining Universal he was a Senior Assurance Associate at professional services firm RSM US.
Jenny Zurita, 30
Senior Manager, Global Publicity
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Zurita develops high-impact strategies and innovative activations that engage press and social creators in support of premium digital releases across the global Universal Pictures and Focus Features slates. She manages complex logistics, leads event execution and secures participation from film talent. She has spearheaded campaigns for marquee titles such as Hamnet and Twisters, driving visibility and generating millions of consumer impressions worldwide. Most recently, she delivered critical contributions to the Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked campaigns. Zurita began her tenure with the studio nine years ago as an assistant and has since earned four promotions. Prior to joining Universal, she held positions at Relativity and Manos Public Relations.
Giovanna McMahon, 30 & Courtney Takeda, 34
Senior Managers, Global Brand Marketing
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
McMahon and Takeda both joined UPHE in 2019. McMahon has quickly distinguished herself as a high-impact campaign leader driving best-in-class home entertainment campaigns. She played a key role in Jurassic World Rebirth and the award-winning release of Oppenheimer, helping translate their global theatrical momentum into a premium home experience. Most recently, she has been instrumental in shaping the launch strategy for Wicked: For Good, aligning creative, partnerships and retail execution on a global scale. Takeda has led complex global campaigns for such high-profile releases as Wicked, Wicked: For Good and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. She uses creative problem-solving to build scalable processes supporting major consumer-facing releases. Takeda also completed a six-month temporary assignment in UPHE’s international London office, deepening her focus on global team collaboration and execution. Most recently, she helped drive initiatives to improve cross-market coordination at scale and led UPHE’s first-ever Rose Parade float for the Wicked home entertainment launch.
Megan Macmillan, 38
SVP, Comedy Development
Universal Television
Macmillan manages day-to-day development of Universal Television’s comedy slate, managing deals with creators including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Malcolm D. Lee and Seth Meyers, while supervising more than 50 series across NBCUniversal platforms and third-party buyers. She supported the development of HBO Max’s Emmy-winning “Hacks,” which also earned a Peabody Award, and led development on “The Four Seasons,” which debuted on Netflix at No. 1 globally. She is leading upcoming projects including Peacock’s “Dig” and NBC’s “Sunset P.I.” Her earlier development credits include such acclaimed series as “Never Have I Ever” and “Russian Doll.” Macmillan joined Universal in 2016 and was promoted into her present position in 2022.
Joey Femia, 37
SVP, Alternative Programming
Universal Television Alternative Studio
Femia oversees a slate of premium unscripted series available on Peacock and other top streamers. His credits include Peacock’s first live comedy special, “New York After Dark,” as well as the game shows “The Wall” and “That’s My Jam.” Femia also served as a key force behind the Emmy Award-nominated series “The Americas,” a 10-episode nature documentary, narrated by Tom Hanks, that debuted on NBC and is now streaming on Peacock and Prime Video, with individual episodes as well as the entire series available for digital purchase at Fandango. A 12-year NBC veteran, Femia was promoted into his present position in 2025.
Eric Velasco, 36
SVP, Global Sales Strategy and Planning
Lionsgate
Velasco leads strategy for Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution team, which the company recently established to unify domestic and international operations into a single team. His group oversees the full content sales lifecycle, from go-to-market strategy through post-execution deal administration. Over the past year, Velasco has contributed to key international sales for series such as “Robin Hood” for MGM+, which
was recently renewed for a second season. Velasco joined Lionsgate in 2017 as Senior Manager and was promoted into his present position in April 2026. During his nearly decade-long run at Lionsgate, Velasco has helped close more than 20 Pay-1 and Pay-2 output deals across both domestic and international landscapes.
Jennifer Li, 30
Senior Director, Domestic Sales Strategy and Planning
Lionsgate
Li oversees strategy for Lionsgate’s domestic TV and digital licensing business, spanning a film and television library of more than 20,000 titles. She leads licensing initiatives across major platform partners, licensing iconic IP such as “John Wick,” “The Hunger Games,” “Twilight” and “Mad Men.” Li also manages the distribution of new-release, franchise and premium product across Lionsgate’s theatrical Pay-1 output agreements with Starz and Prime Video, as well as first-run series deals. A graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, Li began her career at Lionsgate in 2020 as a senior coordinator in sales planning. She was elevated into her present position this past April.
Billy Crotts, 32
Senior Manager, Global Digital Sales and Distribution
Lionsgate
Crotts leads Lionsgate’s partnerships with Amazon and Google, managing digital content distribution. He also heads the global airline and hospitality content distribution business. In the past year, Crotts closed deals that resulted in the global box office hits The Housemaid and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t being made available on major international airlines. He previously helped manage the integration of eOne’s library into Lionsgate’s more-than-20,000-title library. Crotts joined Lionsgate in 2019, beginning his career on the corporate development team before moving to global sales and distribution three years later. He was promoted into his present position in 2024.
Chap Leonard, 39
SVP, International TV and Digital Distribution
Lionsgate
Leonard oversees Lionsgate’s SVOD add-on channels business and works across international licensing for global and local partners. Over the past year he spearheaded the expansion of Lionsgate’s add-on subscription service into 19 international markets. He also led negotiations with Netflix on all of the studio’s international licensing deals, including licensing popular series such as the police procedural drama “The Rookie,” which was recently renewed for its ninth season on ABC. He also managed a multiyear output deal with Stan in Australia. Leonard started his career at Lionsgate in 2013 as an assistant to President Jim Packer in the Worldwide Television Distribution Group.
Miles Fisher, 36
Senior Director, Strategic Advertising Partnerships
Roku
Fisher leads business development, partnerships and sales at Roku, a leading streaming media platform that brings movies, TV shows and live programming directly to TVs. He’s been instrumental in advancing Roku’s performance advertising strategy, including the launch of Roku Curate, which combines Roku audience insights with data from commerce partners to simplify connected-TV buying and drive measurable business outcomes. Fisher is also responsible for spearheading the strategic partnerships that drive Roku’s measurement and optimization capabilities and enable advertisers to drive more-accountable, performance-focused outcomes, including with iSpot, Nielsen, Omnicom and Amazon Ads. Prior to joining Roku in 2022, Fisher held leadership roles at T-Mobile, Google and MediaMath.
Brian Tannenbaum, 36
Head of Originals
Roku
Tannenbaum pioneered Roku’s entry into live events, notably the groundbreaking “Live From Roku City” experience, featuring Demi Lovato, as well as such cultural phenomena as the “Laguna Beach” reunion. He drives massive audience engagement through high-impact sports partnerships — including the hit “NFL Draft: The Pick Is In” — and innovative unscripted hits such as “Solo Traveling With Tracee.” By spearheading expansion into Spanish-language programming and
integrating brand-sponsored content, Tannenbaum is known for consistently aligning scripted titles with key thematic moments, solidifying Roku’s position as a premier destination for generationally resonant, ad-integrated storytelling. He joined Roku in 2021 after two years at Quibi and more than seven at Lionsgate.
Nicole Fencel, 38
Director, Premium Subscriptions
Roku
Fencel has architected the evolution of Roku’s Premium Subscriptions business into a robust international ecosystem. She drives strategic product vision and multiyear roadmaps that have scaled monetization for the world’s leading streaming partners on the No. 1 streaming OS in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Her impact is evidenced by a record-breaking Q1 performance, with subscription revenue growing 30% year-over-year and sign-ups reaching an all-time high. Fencel has worked to expand Roku’s partner ecosystem to more than 75 tier-1 services — including Paramount+, HBO Max and Peacock — and spearhead retention frameworks. Roku in June entered into an agreement to be acquired by Fox Corp. for $22 billion. Fencel joined Roku in 2017 right after earning her MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
Dillan Damodar
VP, Operations and Distribution
Allen Media Group
Damodar manages asset delivery for Allen Media Group Motion Pictures and Freestyle Digital Media’s theatrical and digital releases. He works closely on title budgets and cash flow. He previously worked in sales for Freestyle Releasing. Damodar has spent 10 years in the film industry, with experience across post-production, film production, operations, sales and distribution. In 2015, he sold his first feature film, Boiling Pot, directed by Omar Ashmawey, distributed by Indican Pictures, and starring Danielle Fishel, Louis Gossett Jr. and Keith David. Damodar also serves on the board of directors for The Frida Cinema, a nonprofit cinema in Santa Ana, Calif.
Michelle Thiele, 39
SVP, Corporate Systems
Cineverse
Thiele helps drive the product and technology roadmap for Cineverse’s Matchpoint, an AI-powered, automated media supply chain and technology platform used to manage, distribute and monetize thousands of streaming titles across every format, device and business model. Thiele joined what is now Cineverse in 2012 through the acquisition of New Video, rising from system administrator to her present position, which she assumed in 2023, as the company transformed into a streaming-first entertainment company. In her current role Thiele leads a team of more than 30 technology professionals, managing day-to-day operations across the entire Matchpoint portfolio, embracing AI, automation and emerging technologies.
Chad Weaver, 38
Art Director
PBS Distribution
Weaver is focused on elevating the quality and impact of PBS Distribution’s marketing campaigns. As art director overseeing the company’s creative services team, he seeks to drive record consumer engagement through compelling, audience-first creative elements while also building strong partnerships with producers and stakeholders on tentpole marketing and promotional campaigns for upcoming releases. Weaver has achieved a reputation for consistently looking for ways to improve the organization’s operational efficiency by sharing resources, streamlining workflows and fostering cross-collaboration. Prior to joining PBS Distribution, Weaver led and contributed to several industry-leading creative campaigns across theatrical, FYC, digital and Broadway.
Alex Montalvo, 38
Chief Business Officer
GammaTime
Montalvo co-founded the first Hollywood-backed platform to enter the exploding $11 billion global microdrama market. Under his leadership, GammaTime has established a complete content operation, and reimagined high-engagement storytelling on mobile. In the process, the company has raised more than $30 million — including an investment, and strategic partnership, with Versant Media, the media company spun off from NBCUniversal earlier this year. GammaTime and Versant will work together to develop a slate of originals and use content from Versant’s entertainment library. Previously, Montalvo was an Emmy-winning streaming and television executive who developed and sold premium series across broadcast and cable, including to Netflix, Peacock and CBS.
Spencer Ellman, 34
Director, Client Services
Premiere Digital
Since joining content distribution specialist Premiere Digital in 2017, Ellman has risen from Digital Media Technician to Director of Client Services through a trajectory built on solving complex problems for nuanced media libraries. During his tenure at Premiere he has overseen myriad high-stakes projects for major studios and streamers. He has built and led a team specializing in large-scale content distribution across electronic sellthrough, VOD and emerging platforms. Ellman also helped spearhead the post-acquisition integration of ADS Hollywood into Premiere Digital by aligning workflows and team structures to unlock and share resources across both organizations. Prior to joining Premiere, he worked in dubbing and marketing as a technician and editor.
Ryan Copeland, 34 & Michelle Rosales-Gomez, 37
Directors, Sales Planning
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Copeland and Rosales-Gomez are both strategic leaders on Sony Pictures’ sales planning team, with a focus on the physical-media business. Copeland leads the direct-to-consumer third-party marketplace physical-media business, driving strategy and growth across key e-commerce partners. He develops and executes marketplace strategies focused on product assortment, pricing, promotions and content placement to increase visibility and sales. He began his career at Sony in 2017 in the physical sales planning group and has expanded his expertise to both retail account planning and the development of the DTC business. Rosales-Gomez provides business insights, financial analysis, and strategic guidance to support key retail partners across the United States and Canada.
She has been instrumental in establishing a P&L-driven decision-making model, delivering analyses that inform product assortment, in-store and online placement strategies, promotional effectiveness, and evaluations to drive profitable growth. She began her career at Sony in 2016 in the operations group.
Zach Aaronson, 30
Manager, Business Planning and Insights
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Aaronson plays a key role in driving digital entertainment strategy and revenue growth across major streaming and transactional platforms. After successfully leading sales planning and strategy for the Apple account, he is now on the Amazon business, applying data-driven insights to maximize performance and identify new growth opportunities. Throughout his career, Aaronson has assisted in promotional and pricing strategies that have generated significant incremental revenue and optimized large content portfolios. Aaronson joined SPE in 2021 as a Senior Digital Sales Planning Analyst and was promoted into his present position last November. Earlier, he was an analyst at Dole Packaged Foods and Oracle Corp.
Adriana Hernandez, 37
Senior Manager, Strategic Account Management
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Hernandez leads the Sony Pictures Home Entertainment team responsible for account management of partner studio accounts, including Lionsgate and Crunchyroll. She is responsible for the procurement and management of new-release, catalog and promotional inventory across the United States and Canada. She oversees inventory management, partner system connectivity, and operational analytics to improve business performance. Hernandez joined SPHE in 2016 as an operations analyst and was promoted into her present position in 2024. Before joining SPHE Hernandez worked at public transportation agency Los Angeles Metro for three years in the vendor contract department, progressing from intern to trainee and then project management associate.
Tiffany Bafile, 33
Manager, Digital Operations
MVD Entertainment Group
Bafile oversees the growing digital catalog at MVD Entertainment Group, a leading independent music and home entertainment distributor. Over the past year she has been instrumental in launching several successful releases across platforms such as Prime Video, Pluto TV, FoxSoul and iTunes. In her seven years at MVD, Bafile and her team have helped optimize digital distribution workflows, managing a vast catalog of digital assets, and implementing foundational structure in delivery efficiency. Bafile started her career as a project coordinator in the health industry, an experience she says provided her with foundational knowledge in strategic planning and critical thinking.
Derek Stubinski, 37
PR and Social Media Manager
MVD Entertainment Group
Stubinski joined MVD Entertainment Group in 2007 and worked across various departments, in a series of progressively more responsible positions, before moving into his current role as PR and social media manager in 2021. He oversees public relations and social media efforts for MVD’s digital and physical-media releases across film, music and home entertainment, supporting campaigns through press outreach, social strategy, retail support, direct-to-consumer promotion, and broader marketing efforts. He also manages digital and print advertising initiatives for MVD and has been recognized for his hands-on approach, strong communication skills, and reliable support of MVD’s media and partner relationships.
Tameca Davis, 36 & Zack Hall, 36
Directors, Retail Planning/Senior Account Executives
SDS — Studio Distribution Services
Davis and Hall are SDS’s numbers people, involved in forecasting and strategic planning. Davis joined SDS in January 2021 from Warner Bros. and quickly distinguished herself as the trusted expert for Amazon new-release titles as well as for promotional planning and forecasting in support of teammates, cross-functional partners, executives and customers. As SDS’s customer-facing metadata expert, she has also expanded her capabilities by taking on the sales lead role for Fred Meyer. Hall joined SDS in December 2020 from Universal Pictures and quickly became the joint venture’s trusted expert for forecast accuracy and inventory optimization, utilizing a rational, analytical approach to develop and execute new forward-looking retailer strategies. As a vital leader on the Walmart team, he excels at supply chain communication and account management, building deep trust with customers, leadership and across internal teams. Hall independently developed SDS’s Bentonville, Ark.-based internship program and helped launch new initiatives across various retailer platforms
John Ciulla, 27
Manager, Demand Planning
SDS — Studio Distribution Services
Ciulla leads forecasting and supply chain initiatives for SDS across new releases, catalog titles and promotional programs. He began his career as an intern at Universal Studios, building a strong foundation in the home entertainment business before joining SDS as a senior supply chain
analyst. Since then, Ciulla has taken on increasing responsibilities and now plays a key role in driving cross-functional alignment and operational excellence. He was instrumental in leading the Walmart consolidation effort for other major studios, helping to enhance coordination, streamline forecast processes and optimize inventory performance across one of SDS’s most critical retail partnerships. Ciulla is known for his analytical rigor and collaborative approach.
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