As the Chief Executive Officer of MediaSphere Talent Advisory, Melissa spearheads a pioneering firm specializing in executive search within entertainment, media and sports. With over 25 years of experience as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 giants and nimble, fast-growing enterprises backed by private equity, Melissa brings an unparalleled insight and a track record of success to every engagement.

Melissa's career trajectory began in the dynamic world of banking, where she spent 15 years immersed in the intricacies of finance within leading investment and corporate banks across the USA, Latin America, and Europe. During this formative period, Melissa not only honed her expertise in capital markets but also cultivated a strategic mindset and an acute ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the TMT and CPG sectors. Her tenure in banking provided a solid foundation upon which she built her reputation as a trusted advisor and visionary leader within executive search.

At MediaSphere, Melissa is committed to delivering innovative, client-centric solutions that drive organizational growth and success. With a keen understanding of the evolving needs of the industry, she navigates complex landscapes with agility and foresight, ensuring that each placement is not only timely but also tailored to the unique requirements of her clients. Melissa's holistic approach to executive search encompasses a deep understanding of both the business and cultural nuances that define success within entertainment, media and sports, enabling her to match top-tier talent with organizations where they can thrive and make a lasting impact.

Fluent in Spanish and Italian, Melissa earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Pace University and an International MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.

In her free time, Melissa enjoys the great outdoors. You'll often find her on bike trails, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Further, Melissa is passionate about travel, art, and theater, and she enjoys dinner parties with family and friends as well.

Jorg Nowak is the Managing Director of EMEA for MediaSphere Talent Advisory, based in Germany. Jorg is a highly esteemed figure in media, boasting a rich portfolio as a board member, advisor, and entrepreneur. His expertise spans various domains including business development, strategy, sales, product development, programming, technology, and marketing, where he has consistently driven transformative initiatives. Renowned for his adeptness in risk-taking, relationship cultivation, and guiding c-suite decision-making, Jorg held the position of Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Global at YuMe/RhythmOne from 2013 to 2020, following roles as Vice President for emerging markets and international operations. Prior to this, he served as SVP, General Manager, and SVP, Business Development & Strategic Planning at Univision Interactive Media. During his tenor, he spearheaded the launch of a mobile division and ad network unit, while also securing significant technology and programming deals with industry giants such as Televisa, RCN, MGM Latin America, Dorimedia, and Endemol, among others.

Recognized as an industry leader and a specialist in investor relations, Jorg Nowak has been sought after for advisory roles with companies including Siden.io, Krafty Entertainment, DangerTV.com, DataArt, Pay2DaySolutions, and Tout.com. Additionally, he has served as the former Digital Advisor for the USA and Latin America for Bundesliga. Fluent in English, German, and Spanish, Jorg holds dual citizenship in the United States and Germany. He possesses an international education, having earned a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Columbia University and a Master of Science in Economic Development, Latin America from the London School of Economics in the UK.

Nathalie Weister, is a Managing Director in charge of MediaSphere's consulting practice. She is a visionary Leadership Coach and seasoned Human Resources Executive with over 15 years of experience spearheading organizational and talent development across multiple countries and companies. Her expertise lies in nurturing leadership within entertainment, media and hospitality industries, propelling clients to unlock their intrinsic drivers, creativity, and fulfillment. Through a blend of partnership, mentorship, and strategic coaching, Nathalie crafts a transformative space, employing an integrated approach designed to strengthen leadership from the inside out. This holistic regimen catalyzes curiosity, connection, and actionable, people-centric strategies.

During her six-year tenure with Fox Networks Group Latin America, Nathalie led diverse HR teams in Argentina and Mexico, two of the media conglomerate's most significant growth markets. In her subsequent role as Director of Leadership Development and Careers at Hilton, Nathalie stewarded the talent management strategy for hotel operations across the Americas region. Most recently, she led organizational design and growth to launch the world's largest Spanish-language streaming business as the head of Human Resources for ViX at TelevisaUnivision.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Nathalie's coaching and leadership development programs transcend cultural boundaries, equipping executives with the tools to lead with confidence and influence. Nathalie's passion lies in curating environments where leaders consciously craft inspired, high-performing teams, harmonizing personal well-being with professional excellence to forge a legacy of impactful leadership.

Nathalie is member of the Forbes Coaches Council. She has earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration from Goizueta Business School at Emory University, Atlanta, GA

As the Managing Director of Sports and Live Entertainment at MediaSphere Talent Advisory, Thomas Ortiz stands as a beacon of strategic leadership and innovation. With a distinguished career trajectory, Thomas began his journey in executive search at Sapphire Recruiters, where he meticulously honed his expertise in partnering with media conglomerates, music labels, publishing houses, and live entertainment companies. Working in tandem with C-Suite leadership, Thomas filled pivotal roles, showcasing his profound understanding of the intricate talent needs within these dynamic industries. This early experience laid the groundwork for his new role launching and expanding the sports and live entertainment verticals at MediaSphere Talent Advisory.

A lifelong passion for sports has been the driving force behind Thomas's career trajectory. From his collegiate days excelling in basketball and track & field to coaching high school basketball, he has remained deeply entrenched in the world of sports. Leveraging this firsthand experience and expertise, Thomas collaborates closely with major professional sports leagues, collegiate sports programs, sports teams, stadiums, and beyond, cementing his status as a trusted advisor and influencer within the industry.

Thomas extends his strategic vision to the live entertainment industry, where he works closely with concert promoters, music festivals, and eSports and ticketing companies. His comprehensive understanding of these entertainment sectors serves as a catalyst for identifying top talent and facilitating strategic placements with unparalleled efficiency.

Clients value Thomas for his strategic mindset, resourcefulness, resilience, and agile, action-oriented approach. His unwavering commitment to excellence and customer-centric focus ensure that every engagement is marked by satisfaction and success. Thomas's reputation as a trusted advisor is a testament to his ability to exceed expectations and drive organizational growth.

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Alfred University, anchoring his expertise in foundational business principles. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy in spending quality time with his family, exploring new destinations, attending music festivals, and indulging in his passion for golfing.