Eric Fernandez

ERIC FERNÁNDEZ -SENIOR PARTNER, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT DIVISION, MEDIA LINK

Eric oversees the development of the sports and entertainment practice for Media Link; a Los Angeles and New York City based strategic advisory and business development firm which provides critical counsel and direction to the media, advertising, entertainment and technology industries. Since joining Media Link in July 2008, Eric has focused on expanding existing clients offerings in sports and entertainment. This has included developing new and non-traditional distribution channels, launching new platforms and developing integrated strategies that leverage multiple media channels seamlessly.

Prior to joining Media Link LLC, Eric spent 14 years with AT&T in various marketing and advertising positions. Eric spent the last 6 years as the Executive Director of Sponsorships and Events where he oversaw global sponsorship strategy, contract negotiations and development and implementation of industry-leading marketing activation programs Eric oversaw an organization of 50+ people, a sponsorship portfolio of 55+ best-in-class partnership and an annual operating budget in excess of $150M. Partnerships led by Eric included the US Olympic Committee, The Masters, NCAA, Williams Formula One, PGA Tour and numerous MLB, NFL, NBA and NCAA team properties and Music and Entertainment partnerships.

Eric led AT&T’s sponsorship integration through mergers with SBC Communications, BellSouth and Cingular Wireless that transformed the company from a wired telecommunications company into a global communications and entertainment enterprise. AT&T’s sponsorship portfolio played a key role in driving consumer perceptions of this brand transformation. Sponsorships were used to connect with consumers via experiential engagements allowing them to interact with “The New AT&T” first-hand, thereby enhancing brand perception and driving transactions. Eric’s sponsorship organization was recognized for their market leadership via receiving over 21 industry-awards between 2006 and 2008.

Eric led AT&T’s sponsorship integration through mergers with SBC Communications, BellSouth and Cingular Wireless that transformed the company from a wired telecommunications company into a global communications and entertainment enterprise. AT&T’s sponsorship portfolio played a key role in driving consumer perceptions of this brand transformation. Sponsorships were used to connect with consumers via experiential engagements allowing them to interact with “The New AT&T” first-hand, thereby enhancing brand perception and driving transactions. Eric’s sponsorship organization was recognized for their market leadership via receiving over 21 industry-awards between 2006 and 2008.

Eric also serves as an Adjunct Professor for Baylor University’s Sports Sponsorships and Sales major. Eric lives in San Antonio, Texas.