September 2025
Welcome to the September 2025 issue of CEO Monthly. CEO Monthly is dedicated to providing the latest news and features across the business world to our readership. By sharing knowledge, insights, expertise worth celebrating we aim to inspire individuals and promote positivity in a world that is constantly changing. CEOs play such an integral role in the health of the corporate landscape, and individuals must be driven, nimble, and adaptable to stay ahead of the curve. This is exactly where our winners come in. From CEOs of a fan-first ticketing marketplace to media and news, rental and replacement cars to social media marketing, and many more, this month’s issue is proud to promote the success stories of an assortment of award-winning executives. We wish you a prosperous month ahead and we look forward to seeing you again soon in October. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.ceo-review.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
Contents 4. News 7. Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Financial Strategies for CEOs 8. Carbiz: Rental & Replacement Cars CEO of the Year 2025 (APAC): Alex Rodov 10. Volterra: Social Media Marketing: Smart Scaling 11. Sota Solutions Limited: AI Forward - Reimagining Managed Services for a New Era 12. Sports Illustrated Tickets: Growth Through Change: A CEO’s Journey 13. Negocios TV: Building Spain’s Economic Media Powerhouse
NEWS Kofile Technologies Appoints Former Hyland CEO Bill Priemer as Board Advisor
Sycamore, a trusted school management platform serving hundreds of thousands of users worldwide, has launched a bold new brand identity and named Dr. Ryan Lowe as its new CEO. This strategic move signals a major leap forward in the company’s mission to modernize how schools manage operations, connect with families, and deliver education in a digital-first world. Schools are accelerating the shift to cloud-based, mobile tools; Sycamore’s updated platform meets that demand with an integrated, cost-effective approach. Dr. Lowe, a recognized leader in financial technology and digital product growth, brings 20+ years of experience scaling companies at the intersection of tech and education. Under his leadership, Sycamore will introduce a refreshed user experience, expand integrations, and launch new tools for communication, billing, and student engagement. “We’re not just refreshing our brand—we’re rebuilding how schools experience technology,” said Lowe. “From our product roadmap to our partnerships, everything we do is now focused on helping schools thrive in today’s fast-changing digital environment.” What’s New and Coming Soon: • A modern brand identity with a new logo, color palette, and messaging. • A redesigned website and updated user interface for easier navigation. • A full application and platform refresh for a more streamlined experience. • Expanded features, including financial management tools and push notifications. • A renewed mission to make school management simple, intuitive, and student-focused. Sycamore’s new brand reflects its core values: simplicity, transparency, and responsiveness. With an all-in-one platform already used by educators across the United States and over 40 countries, the company is doubling down on its promise to serve schools of all sizes with affordable, high-impact tools. “Sycamore is a multifaceted student information system that stands out for its integration with Google, excellent technical support, and high degree of individualization for schools. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing student data and communication, making it a valuable asset for Catholic schools seeking a streamlined and adaptable solution.” — Cathy Mulligan, Technical Director, St. Therese School, Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph. Sycamore Launches Bold New Brand and Appoints Fintech Leader Dr. Ryan Lowe as CEO Kofile Technologies, a leader in digital transformation solutions forgovernmentagencies, proudly announces the appointment of Bill Priemer, former President and CEO of Hyland, as Board Advisor. Priemer brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the enterprise software and technology space, most notably his transformative 27-year tenure at Hyland. He joined the company in 1997 as Vice President of Marketing when it had just 30 employees and $7 million in revenue. Over the next two decades, Priemer played a pivotal role in Hyland’s evolution into a global powerhouse in intelligent content solutions. He rose through the ranks, becoming Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2001, Chief Operating Officer in 2005, and ultimately President and CEO in 2013—a role he held until his retirement in May 2024. Under his leadership, Hyland’s annual revenue grew to over $1 billion, with a customer base exceeding 14,000 and a global workforce of 4,000 employees. Priemer also spearheaded 11 strategic acquisitions and helped Hyland earn recognition as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. “We are thrilled to welcome Bill to Kofile’s Board,” said Raymond Aschenbach, Chief Executive Officer at Kofile. “His proven leadership, deep domain expertise, and commitment to operational excellence will be invaluable as we continue accelerating our growth and enhancing our digital intelligence and technology offerings to better serve government agencies across the country.” In addition to his leadership at Hyland, Priemer previously held marketing roles at FedEx and sales positions at personal computer manufacturer AST. He holds a master’s degree in marketing from Northwestern University and dual undergraduate degrees from Boston College. He continues to serve on Hyland’s Board of Directors. “I am honored to join Kofile at such an exciting time,” said Priemer. “Kofile’s mission to modernize and secure public records aligns deeply with my passion for impactful, innovative technology. I look forward to supporting the team as they drive forward their vision and deliver meaningful value to their customers and communities.”
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By Carl Johnson, UK Sales Director at Anglo Scottish Finance Economic uncertainty isn’t new, but the speed, frequency and scale of disruption facing today’s businesses is. Volatile interest rates, rapidly shifting demands and customer behaviours, as well as supply chain disruption, are all key issues facing CEOs and other C-suite executives. Now, the question is no longer whether or not your business will face uncertainty – for it certainly will. What sets apart the businesses that thrive from those that merely survive depends on their flexibility in the face of volatility. It is no longer enough to react to the chaos – in fact, CEOs must ensure that their business is set up to deal with these fluctuations in the longterm. Here’s how. Cash means control: Remain liquid For a CEO that faces uncertainty, liquidity is perhaps your most strategic asset, particularly if you operate in a sector with high overhead costs or expensive machinery costs, like manufacturing. Retaining flexibility will give you the ability to pivot and adapt quickly in response to fluctuating market conditions, while cash-poor competitors languish behind. Non-dilutive forms of raising capital, like commercial finance, can offer security. These methods allow you to tackle high one-off costs, forecast reliably in the medium-term and enjoy predictable repayment plans. In the event of machinery outages or costly VAT bills, paying outright can have a significant impact on your cash flow, hampering your agility as a leader. Partnering with a reliable commercial finance broker will help CEOs spread the cost and retain control over the future of the business. Bridge the gaps: Tackle seasonal inconsistencies Another common issue for C-suite executives in consumer-facing sectors is seasonality, with seasonal payment cycles creating an unreliable yearly cash flow. During these periods, many businesses suffer not from lack of revenue but from misaligned cash flows – and are forced to deal with significant outgoings during seasonal lulls. There are a number of ways to tackle this, but financial leaders should remember that tightening internal cash flows can have as much impact as raising external capital. CEOs should look to lead initiatives to shorten receivables cycles and reduce excess inventory, increasing financial resilience from within. Supporting this with short-term, tailored finance agreements will help establish a more reliable cash flow. Consolidate debt: Increase balance sheet resilience Beyond cash flow management, CEOs looking to increase their company’s financial resilience should cast a critical eye over how existing debt is structured. Market volatility dictates that the wrong kind of debt can become a liability. You might find that your debt is too short-term, creating refinancing risk. Alternatively, you might find yourself with a high interest burden, with excessive interest expense eroding your cash flow. Strengthening the balance sheet by consolidating liabilities or strategically refinancing can reduce the financial risk your business faces, improving investor and lender confidence. Think long-term: Improve forecasting Investing in improved forecasting and modelling is another way that CEOs can increase their company’s resilience in the face of uncertain market conditions. Building multiple financial scenarios, and regularly stress testing your business model against them, will give you the confidence that your company is equipped to handle anything. Adopting this forward-thinking method gives CEOs the visibility and confidence to act proactively, rather than reactively, pre-planning business responses to a range of different market scenarios. Of course, Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Financial Strategies for CEOs investing at a time of financial instability can be daunting. However, showing your stakeholders that the business is equipped and prepared to deal with a range of financial scenarios will be a worthwhile investment – and will lay the groundwork for stability during future uncertainty. Looking to help your business weather the storm? Taking an approach that combines some, or all, elements of the above will reinforce your business’ stability and prepare the rest of your C-suite to prioritise organisational agility. That could be the key to your business navigating financial uncertainty with ease. Feature
CEO MONTHLY / SEPTEMBER 2025 8 Rental & Replacement Cars CEO of the Year 2025 (APAC): Alex Rodov ustralia, like countries all over the world, sees thousands of car accidents take place every day. As anyone who has ever been involved in a car accident can attest, the situation can be stressful and overwhelming, even for the person not at fault. Carbiz helps put an end to these worries, getting its customers back on the road as quickly and safely as possible. It does this by delivering a comparable replacement car straight to the customer, ensuring their mobility and lifestyle remain intact while their damaged car is repaired. Many people are unaware that if they are involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault, then they may be legally entitled to a replacement car paid for by the at-fault driver’s insurer. As touched on above, Carbiz sees its purpose as being to disrupt, redefining an industry that has long been plagued by a lack of transparency. Unfortunately, it is all too common for customers to go uninformed about what they are entitled to following an accident, which is particularly frustrating when they were not the cause. This stems from many organisations in this space prioritising their own interests, creating confusion and frustration for customers when what they really need is support and transparency, which Carbiz deliver. Every element of the customer experience has been meticulously mapped out by Carbiz, and applying Jun25016 Alex Rodov is both the CEO and managing director of Carbiz, Australia’s leading provider of replacement cars. Established in 2016, the company has almost a decade of experience providing support for those whose cars are involved in not-at-fault accidents or experiencing warranty issues. Alex and the team are passionate about disrupting car replacement through the service they provide, and we caught up with Alex for more on how Carbiz challenges convention, as well as the journey that put him in the driver’s seat. A for a replacement car could not be more straightforward. Customers simply fill out an online application form or call the in-house team to get started. All that is then needed is a bit of information about the accident and the details of the at-fault driver. Once this is all processed, a replacement car is delivered straight to the customer’s preferred location by members of the team, often within an hour of the request first being submitted. “We are redefining what Australian drivers can expect after an accident and aim to be their first point of contact.” The remarkable work Carbiz is doing when it comes to advocating for the rights of not-at-fault drivers has more than paid off over the past few years, with the High Court of Australia making a landmark ruling in 2021 in the wake of the Arsalan v Rixon and Nguyen v Cassim cases. With this ruling, the High Court clarified that not-at-fault drivers are entitled to a replacement car of a similar standard to their own, including luxury models where applicable. This set a new industry precedent, recognising that an accident shouldn’t unfairly strip someone of the amenities, safety features or overall enjoyment they previously experienced while driving. More information about the impact of this ruling can be found by clicking here. With a little help from this decision, and the dedication of the team behind Carbiz, the company has grown from its humble origins in a converted garage with just a handful of cars to a national organisation with more than a dozen locations spread across Australia. More than 2,000 late-model cars make up the Carbiz fleet, from renowned manufacturers such as BMW, Toyota and Tesla. Across this collection, cars of all shapes and sizes are available, ensuring customers have the right car for their unique needs. “We believe the industry needs to evolve into one that prioritises the customer experience and builds trust through honesty, consistency and accountability. That’s the shift we’re driving at Carbiz every day.” Alex Rodov has played a pivotal role in Carbiz securing their reputation as Australia’s go-to provider of replacement cars, with his expertise having served as the foundation of the company since day one. Despite what people often think, Alex has not always been involved in insurance or even the automotive industry, instead getting his start in real estate in 1998. It was here that Alex developed what would become a deep appreciation for customer service, which drew him to the role of senior personal banker with St George Bank. Six years later, Alex was bit by the entrepreneurial bug, leading him to launch and grow several successful ventures across a whole host of industries. These include in his previous areas of expertise such as financial services and real estate, and well as new frontiers like waste management, catering and legal services. Carbiz started out as one such venture, with Alex stepping into the roles of CEO and managing director. Alex explained: “I drew on everything I had learned to lead a business [Carbiz] that puts people first during one of the most stressful times in their lives.” As well as being wired into the needs of his customers, Alex’s strengths shine equally as bright when it comes to leading the team at Carbiz. Leveraging the same people-first ethos he affords customers, Alex’s hands-on approach to leadership ensures he is visible, approachable and aligned with the team every day. This is seen through steps as simple as Alex wearing the same Carbiz shirt as everyone else, which may seem trivial, but demonstrates that this is a team working together as equals. To this end, Alex also makes sure that every member of the team, regardless of their role at the company, understands how their work contributes to Carbiz’s larger goals. Alex does this in several ways, from hosting town hall meetings to sharing and celebrating both
CEO MONTHLY / SEPTEMBER 2025 9 personal and professional milestones in Carbiz’s company-wide group chat. A culture such as this, which both empowers and allows people to feel seen, is essential for a rapidly growing and relatively new organisation like Carbiz to succeed. The company is constantly having to compete with the giants of the industry, and its mission to disrupt the status quo whilst also expanding its reach makes things twice as hard. Nevertheless, Carbiz’s passion has ensured its rapid growth over the past nine years, with it now boasting locations from Perth to New South Wales and everywhere in between. Such swift expansion has, however, brought challenges of its own, especially when it comes to the company keeping its processes, fleet and infrastructure all consistent with the pace of the business’ expansion. This is a challenge that Alex more than welcomes, as it has opened the door for more talent. Diving deeper into what this strategy looks like for the rest of 2025 and beyond, Alex tells us that Carbiz aspires to continue expanding their reach so they can fulfil their mission of being there for as many Australian drivers as possible, and being their first point of contact after an accident. Concerning his own career, Alex is firm in this belief that his own success is directly tied to the success of the people around them, and therefore sees a significant opportunity in developing the next generation of leaders at Carbiz. Creating an environment where people feel empowered to take initiative, think differently and grow into leadership roles is a key priority for him. “At the same time, I plan to keep taking calculated risks, embracing innovation and staying ahead of the curve. Being an early adopter and challenging the status quo is what brought me here, and I have no intention of slowing down. I want to build a legacy that has a lasting impact not just on our customers, but on the industry as a whole.” Regarding his legacy, Alex’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of professionals in the automotive industry extends far beyond Carbiz. Through his active participation in numerous industry-specific events, he consistently shares valuable insights on mobility trends, customer service and effective leadership. Alex takes immense pride in empowering ambitious individuals to become the best versions of themselves, helping them add meaningful value to the industry. This commitment is reflected in the work he has been doing at Carbiz for several years, with results that speak volumes. Whether it’s the company’s 14+ locations across Australia, its fleet of over 3,000 vehicles or the thousands of five-star reviews across platforms like Product Review, Google and Trustpilot, Carbiz’s pursuit of excellence and industry-leading standards is unmistakable. Having transformed Carbiz into Australia’s foremost rental and replacement car provider, Alex has firmly established himself as a visionary leader within the country’s automotive sector. His passion for innovation, customer-first solutions and dedication to positive change continue to redefine how people experience car replacement services. In recognition of his outstanding leadership and impact, we are proud to honour Alex Rodov with the well-deserved title of Rental & Replacement Cars CEO of the Year 2025 (APAC). Contact: Alex Rodov Company: Carbiz Web Address: https://carbiz. com.au/
CEO MONTHLY / SEPTEMBER 2025 10 hile many businesses understand the importance of their social media presence, often they don’t know where to start or they may struggle to keep the momentum online. CEO Andrew Jenkins shared: “Social Media is ‘always on’ and relentless, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When done right, it becomes a scalable system that amplifies your message, builds genuine relationships, and drives measurable business results.” “Our mission is simple: help organizations work smarter, not harder, with their social media. We exist because most companies are trapped in what I call the “$1,000 tweet” mentality, spending valuable resources creating content that gets used once, then wondering why their teams are burned out and their ROI is non-existent. We’re here to break that cycle.” With Volterra working remotely behind the scenes, businesses can rest assured that their social media marketing efforts are being handled by experts. Helping companies build operational excellence, Volterra’s humancentred approach and continuous learning boosts business’ online presence and, therefore, growth. Working with countless clients spanning a huge range of sectors, Andrew told us: “During one client engagement, we managed 250+ social accounts and published 1,500+ posts monthly with a small team because we built the systems and processes that scale. Our clients benefit from that operational expertise every day.” This dedication to helping brands in building their reputation and expanding Social Media Marketing: Smart Scaling Social media management and strategy shouldn’t be complicated, which is exactly why Andrew Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Volterra, has been named Most Influential CEO 2025 - Social Media Management (North America). His contribution to the world of content marketing has helped him to carve out a path for himself in his own career while supporting other people’s businesses to grow. Here, we explore the company’s offerings and Andrew’s journey as he is recognized for our Most Influential CEO Awards 2025. their client base is truly pushing Volterra forward in the best direction. As for Andrew himself, as CEO he guides with his philosophy of ‘doing something better, faster and more efficiently without sacrificing quality’ and the drive to empower others. He elaborated: “‘I’ve learned that if I’m the bottleneck for every decision, we can’t scale. So, I empower our team to make a lot of calls independently. They know our standards, they understand our clients’ objectives, and they have the authority to act. But I never let too much time pass without checking in. Operating virtually means you must err on the side of overcommunicating. Regular check-ins aren’t about micromanaging; they’re about making sure everyone has the support they need and that we’re all aligned.” “Every day brings different challenges, whether it’s a client need, a new platform update, or a sales opportunity that requires us to think differently about our approach. The key is staying curious, staying focused, and always coming back to the fundamentals that actually drive results.” Coming from a unique career background, Andrew’s journey has taken him from menswear retail to film and television, to e-commerce, to wireless technologies, to management consulting and finally to running his own social media agency. Andrew added: “All of my varied experiences mean that when a client comes to me with a social media challenge, I’m not just thinking about content and engagement. I’m thinking about their business model, their organizational constraints, their market readiness, and how to build something sustainable rather than just likes and follows. It’s been an eclectic journey for sure, but I wouldn’t change any of it.” For budding CEOs, Andrew believes that embracing the daily, less exciting operational tasks helps businesses to scale as they invest time in governance, processes, and frameworks, which make growth sustainable. He said: “Don’t be afraid to pivot based on what clients actually need. Volterra started as a management consulting firm but evolved into a social media agency because clients kept saying, ‘We love the strategy, but we can’t execute it.’ Listen to what the market is telling you, even if it means changing your business model.” This is just one small piece of advice Andrew has to offer as his seasoned expertise helps him to empower others across the corporate landscape. As our Most Influential CEO 2025 - Social Media Management (North America), Andrew is set to continue guiding Volterra to new heights of success across its client support in the UK, Canada, and the US. W Contact: Andrew Jenkins Company: Volterra Website: https://volterradigital.com/
CEO MONTHLY / SEPTEMBER 2025 11 AI Forward - Reimagining Managed Services for a New Era On a journey defined by boundless innovation, unparalleled understanding of client needs, and fearless leadership through change and from Sota’s perspective, CEO of Sota Solutions Limited Ben Smoker shared: “This is absolutely the path we’ve been on at Sota.” We hear much more from Ben as he explains below. Being awarded Most Influential CEO 2025 – IT Managed Services (UK) is a fantastic honour and, coming after the spectacular news that Sota has been included in the Channel Partners MSP501 list of top MSP’s in the world at position 160 and number 10 in the UK, it is an incredible validation of the direction we’ve taken as a company. But accolades are never the destination. Arguably one of the most exciting changes we’re seeing today is the rise of what Microsoft recently described as “Frontier First” firms - businesses that are embracing AI’s revolutionary potential for transforming how they do business. These aren’t organisations just experimenting with ChatGPT or plugging in a Copilot license. They are building a future in which AI is not snapped onto products, it is baked in. That couldn’t be more the case for Sota’s belief and approach. From Frontier to Foundation Microsoft’s post lists the four levers that frontier firms focus on: Data maturity, Digital infrastructure, Talent capability and an Innovation-first mindset. At Sota, we consider these to be interconnected levers that must be pulled in sync. The companies that will win in the next five years won’t be those that just chase the shiniest tools, but those that have the discipline to simplify, structure, and solve at a foundational level. Genuine digital transformation doesn’t start with a product; it starts with a problem, and the solution is not always glamourous. Sometimes it’s identifying a bottleneck between your CRM and your ticketing system or automating some repetitive tasks that are a burden on staff time. Efficiency at scale arises from solving these granular inefficiencies, rather than from simply adopting the latest AI tools. AI First vs AI Forward There is an emerging narrative about being “AI first”. It’s catchy, but also risky. AI first means the driver of the decision making is AI, even before the business problem is defined. That’s not strategy, that’s reaction. I’m far from being the first to say it, but I subscribe to the notion of AI forward. That means leading with intelligence, not just artificial intelligence. It is about decisively progressing toward a future in which AI extends and amplifies value but not trading off operational clarity, security or human-centric thinking. AI forward means asking better questions before prematurely moving to implement answers. The harsh reality, as we all know, is that just throwing a bunch of algorithms at a problem won’t get you far. We’re already seeing companies make expensive mistakes as they rush to implement AI tools with no clear plan. Misaligned systems, lack of governance and unclear outcomes turn what should be a strategic leap to a tactical nightmare. For more on this, I would suggest listening to Tim Bond’s podcast (episode 69) called “AI-first”. Treating Ourselves as Customer Zero At Sota, we have committed to getting this right. Our own Digital Transformation team, has approached AI not just a service offering but a model that is being lived, breathed and implemented within our very own organisation, we became customer zero. Every AI initiative that we pitch can therefore be considered as first tested, refined, and proven within our walls. This blueprint isn’t theoretical; it’s operational. This internal transformation allows us to walk into client conversations not with a list of features, but with real-world outcomes. In essence then we are not selling the dream, we are sharing the reality! Building for the Future Our industry is at a crossroads. The path forward is not about how many AI tools you can license, or how many headlines you can generate. It’s about providing real, tangible value through smarter operations, better integration, and tireless focus on solving the right problems, in the right order. I’m proud to wrap up with a statement that Sota isn’t just chasing the frontier – we are helping shape it! We want to get behind organisations that are finished with chasing hype and want to start building with purpose. That is what it means to be AI forward. Contact Details: Contact: Ben Smoker Company: Sota Solutions Limited Website: https://sota.co.uk/ AIM-Jul25270
CEO MONTHLY / SEPTEMBER 2025 12 ans deserve better. Sports Illustrated Tickets recognises this and is on a mission to improve the live event experience by offering transparency and seamless access to the best sports and entertainment events worldwide. This mission extends far beyond the mere sale of a ticket, to improving the fan experience as only a Sports Illustrated company can. To make this dream a reality, Sports Illustrated Tickets has prioritised several key initiatives: investing heavily in technology to make the user experience intuitive and efficient; and building strong partnerships across the sports and entertainment industries, offering exclusive access to authentic experiences congruent with the Sports Illustrated brand. “We understand that fans are looking for more than just a seat at an event – they want the experience to be better. No other live event marketplace understands the fan and what it means to be there live than Sports Illustrated Tickets.” CEO David Lane heads this mission, responsible for setting the company’s strategy and making sure it is executed – day in, day out. David’s career has been shaped by a passion for sports, live entertainment, and building innovative businesses. He started in the broadband industry before moving into digital out-of-home advertising, quickly learning the power of combining brand partnerships with effective marketing in places that directly engaged with its target audiences. Over time, David led initiatives that brought together technology and brand storytelling in the hospitality industry. “When the opportunity came to lead SI Tickets, I saw the potential to compete in a space dominated by legacy players by leveraging the Sports Illustrated brand, building a cutting-edge platform, and reimagining the fan experience from the ground up,” he recalled. “Getting here was about persistence, surrounding myself with talented people, and never losing sight of the fact that our business is ultimately about creating unforgettable moments for fans.” After gaining extensive experience in the industry, David has focused on guiding his team toward productivity by leveraging strategies that have been refined over the years. He ensures that every team member David Lane Named 2025 Most Influential CEO in the Live Event Marketplace Sports Illustrated Tickets is a fanfirst ticketing marketplace, with the largest audience in the industry and a marketplace connecting more buyers and sellers than any other ticketing platform around the world. The company is helmed by CEO David Lane, an innovative individual and recent recipient in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2025. Join us as we caught up with David below for more, in the wake of his significant success. not only understands their responsibilities, but also how their role contributes to the larger business objectives. He strives to encourage a sense of ownership and innovation within the team, often finding that empowering individuals to take intuitive drives productivity and also spurs creative problem-solving. This approach has been particularly effective in keeping SI Tickets agile and competitive, especially within the challenging, dynamic online ticketing space. “Most importantly, I encourage our team to seek help when needed, and together, we are always ready to support the needs of the entire organisation,” he added. “One of the most impactful leadership lessons I’ve learned is the importance of humility and continuous learning. Early in my career, I believed that strong leadership meant always having the answers and being the expert in the room. Over time, I realised that true leadership is about empowering others, listening more than speaking, and being open to learning from anyone – whether it’s a team member, colleague, investor, or even a competitor.” David additionally emphasises the critical role that adaptability plays in both business and leadership. Regardless of experience or careful planning, there will certainly be times when outcomes do not work out as expected. It is in those moments, David attested, that the ability to pivot, reassess, and admit when something is not working becomes invaluable. It is precisely this mindset that has defined David’s approach throughout his career and ultimately earned him recognition as the USA’s Most Influential CEO 2025 for Fan-First Ticketing Marketplace. Reflecting on a successful career shaped by resilience, dedication, and adaptability, David offered one final insight to those wishing to achieve similar success: “In my career, I’ve learned that being wrong isn’t a failure; it is an opportunity to grow. Recognising when a strategy or decision isn’t yielding the desired results allows you to course-correct early and minimise losses. This requires humility and self-awareness, both of which traits are essential in a leader. The most successful leaders and organisations are the ones that can quickly adapt to changing circumstances and recognise when it’s time to take a different direction.” “In my career, I’ve learned that being wrong isn’t a failure; it is an opportunity to grow.” F Contact: David Lane Company: Sports Illustrated Tickets Web Address: www.sitickets.com
CEO MONTHLY / SEPTEMBER 2025 13 José Vizner: Building Spain’s Economic Media Powerhouse Negocios is a Spanish media platform focused on delivering sharp, real-time coverage of economics, politics, and global affairs. The outlet is headed by Founder and CEO José Antonio Vizner, a seasoned journalist whose analytical approach has shaped the outlet’s distinctive voice. Following José’s recent recognition in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2025, we took a closer look at the CEO and his rise to success. Since its foundation in 2020, Negocios has carved out a distinct voice in the Spanish media landscape, blending incisive editorial analysis with a dynamic broadcast style. Its programming spans everything from macroeconomic trends and financial markets to geopolitical flashpoints and institutional policy shifts. With a keen eye on global developments and their local impact, Negocios offers viewers a lens through which to interpret the forces shaping today’s world. Negocios was founded by CEO José Antonio Vizner is an experienced media executive and tech entrepreneur whose career spans over two decades at the intersection of journalism, business, and digital innovation. He began his journey as an editor at RNE from 2003 to 2005, where he laid the groundwork for his journalistic instincts and editorial prowess. In 2011, he co-founded myfacejob, Spain’s first video CV platform, showcasing an early interest in techdriven innovation and entrepreneurship. The startup had international ambitions, particularly in Latin America, and José led its global commercial launch. These formative experiences preceded his influential time at Intereconomía, where he held several senior roles – including Director of Business Television News and General Commercial Director. José’s leadership helped steer the group through complex commercial and editorial transitions during a challenging period for Spanish media. In 2013, José co-founded Capital Radio, where he served as Chief Commercial Officer for seven years, helping shape the station’s editorial identity and commercial strategy. His passion for emerging technologies led him to launch ViiZ in 2019 – a pioneering voice app development firm recognised by Amazon Alexa for its standout contributions in Spain. Through ViiZ, he developed voice applications for institutions ranging from Capital Radio to the Community of Madrid. In 2020, José founded Negocios Televisión, a business news channel that has established a leading position in Spanish media. With the outlet’s founding, José aims to create a global economic media platform in Spanish that is influential and can compete with the larger Anglo-Saxon media outlets. As CEO, he blends editorial depth with broadcast journalism, offering incisive coverage of macroeconomic trends, financial markets, and global policy shifts. José leads his team with his eyes on the long term growth and sustainability of the company. He believes that leaders often get weighed down in their comfort zone, which eventually leads to avoiding the main challenges they must face as their company’s top managers. In this regard, the comfort zone of a CEO is what he considers to be a fundamental problem of everyday leadership. To combat this, José underlines the importance of establishing a meticulously selected, premier team that complements leadership styles and allows for daily tasks to be delegated with ease. One of the defining aspects of his growth within the company has been his ability to identify emerging goals early on and guide his colleagues toward them. As these objectives gradually take shape, José then plays a pivotal role in aligning the entire organisation around what ultimately becomes its central focus. Named Spain’s Most Influential CEO 2025 for his groundbreaking work in Media and News, José has shaped Negocios TV from a modest startup into the leading Spanish-language economic media outlet. With a sharp editorial vision and a relentless drive for excellence, he has built a financially sustainable platform that empowers entrepreneurs, investors, and everyday savers. Today, Negocios TV stands as a global benchmark in economic journalism, not only for its reach but for its ability to translate complex financial realities into accessible, actionable insights. Under José’s leadership, the channel has become a trusted voice for those seeking to navigate volatile markets and global shifts. Looking to the future, José will continue to lead with unwavering conviction, shaping the future of economic media through vision, integrity, and a deep understanding of the power of information. Company: Negocios TV Web Address: www.negocios.com Jun25035
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