Yimer will continue in his role as SVP and Head of Momentum’s Sponsorship Consulting practice in addition to leading DE&I. Yimer has over 15 years of sports and entertainment industry experience, including serving in former leadership roles in the venture capital, media, and agency spaces and for a professional sports team, the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, where he also served as a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Council. Yimer advocates for DE&I in his daily life and throughout the industry, recently speaking to the Black Sport Business Academy, which serves to provide students at US Historically Black Colleges and Universities a pathway to the world of sports and entertainment. He is also involved with the Sports and Entertainment Equity Network, a DE&I-driven non-profit organization dedicated to hosting memorable events and creating opportunities for Black & Brown professionals in the industry.
Sampson Yimer, adds: “This will be the most important thing I’ve done in my career, and I am looking forward to working with our preternaturally talented People Team, who have already created such a great foundation through initiatives and programming within the agency and wider industry. Momentum has talented, passionate team members who are committed to making a difference and I am excited to drive collective action.”
Donnalyn Smith, Global CEO, at Momentum Worldwide comments: “Sampson is a thoughtful, trusted advisor to our executive leadership team and our clients. This appointment recognizes the efforts he continually makes to create inclusivity and representation in our industry.”
Momentum Worldwide is a global experience agency partnering with and transforming the world’s most famous brands since 1987. Built on the simple truth that it’s not what brands say, it’s what they do that matters, the agency blends creativity, technology, strategy, design and execution to change the world and impact culture. Agency accolades include Cannes Lions, Effies, Clios, Agency of the Year, Best Place to Work and industry-leading sustainability practices. Momentum is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies.