risegroup

SCE Team

Meet the team, a diverse group of professionals and talents that makes RISE who we are – a diverse group of talents and professionals.

We are a diverse group of creative minds, strategic thinkers and industry experts united by a shared love for the power of sport, the richness of culture, and the magic of entertainment. From seasoned professionals with years of experience to young talents brimming with fresh ideas, our team embodies the perfect blend of expertise and innovation.

  • image
    PARTNER - SCE

    DAVE MCCANN

    Dave is a founding Partner and the driving force of the RISE SCE team.

    One of the region’s leading commercial rights specialists, Dave has two decades worth of agency experience working for brands, athletes and rights holders across Europe and MENA.

    He has led brand campaigns at the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup and Ryder Cup, as well as rights sales for the Saudi Pro League, Royal Commission for Al Ula and Royal Commission for Riyadh City, to name a few.

  • image
    PARTNER - SCE

    WILL KITCHEN

    Will is a Partner of the RISE SCE team, overseeing the growth of the business in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

    Will has over 20 years of experience in the sports industry and has spent over a decade in the Middle East with extensive experience in international federations, private equity-funded sport and specifically professional cricket.

  • image

    Mary
    Kokaia

    Brand Sponsorship & Activation

    Mary
    Kokaia

    Brand Sponsorship & Activation

    With over 12 years in sponsorship marketing and communications, Mary has orchestrated impactful partnership activations for global brands including PepsiCo, Mastercard, Reckitt, G42, and du. Her activations extend to football clubs including Man City FC, AC Milan, and Arsenal FC.

    At RISE SCE, Mary leads the Brand Sponsorship & Activation division to develop and implement activation campaigns for various brands across the GCC.

  • image

    RICHARD
    ARROWSMITH

    Sales Director

    RICHARD
    ARROWSMITH

    Sales Director

    Introducing Richard, the Sales Director of the RISE SCE team, armed with over 15 years of expertise in the dynamic sports and events sector within the Middle East.

    With a diverse portfolio spanning Golf, Football, Cricket, and Motor Sport, among others, Richard has collaborated with renowned brands, rights holders, and federations. Having earned his MBA in Sports Management from the Real Madrid Business School, Universidad Europea Madrid, Richard seamlessly blends strategic acumen with a profound passion for sports, driving impactful results, and fostering lasting partnerships.

  • image

    SAMANTHA
    HUTCHISON

    Project Director

    SAMANTHA
    HUTCHISON

    Project Director

    Samantha has been working in the sports, culture and entertainment industries for over 17 years where she has gained extensive experience leading global projects, events and teams. Previously, Samantha has worked with some leading names across the GCC and KSA, including; Google, NEOM, Mubadala and many big brand partners.

    At RISE SCE, Samantha is leading multiple projects while developing lasting client relationships.

  • image

    Rayyah
    Fathalla

    Commercial Project Director

    Rayyah
    Fathalla

    Commercial Project Director

    Rayyah is a cultural diplomacy advisor with 18 years’ experience leading in the creative and education sectors in the Gulf.  Her expertise includes community engagement, institutional management, and comms advisory.

    At RISE SCE, Rayyah is the Commercial Project Director for Riyadh Art, leading on the project’s strategic partnerships. She previously held senior positions at Expo 2020 and Brunswick Group.

  • image

    Oliver
    daly

    Commercial Project Director

    Oliver
    daly

    Commercial Project Director

    Oliver is a driven commercial leader with over 10 years experience in the Sport, Culture and Entertainment industry.

    He leads the Commercial team at RISE SCE and is ultimately accountable for all aspects of client engagement, business development, sponsorship sales and partnership delivery.

  • image

    Lucia
    Sanchez

    Business Development

    Lucia
    Sanchez

    Business Development

    Lucia is an integral part of the Business Development function at RISE SCE, with a wealth of experience in international environments and sales & communications for media firms.

    Formerly, as  Country Manager in Saudi Arabia for the International Media Group, she forged key business relationships and strategies across the European and Asian markets.