A Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports and multimedia entertainment company finding success by targeting Hispanics has turned to a media industry veteran and former Telemundo executive to serve as its new President.
Taking the role at Combate Americas is Jacqueline Hernandez. She will be based in New York and reports to founder and CEO Campbell McLaren.
“Jackie is well-positioned to take Combate Americas into a rapidly changing media landscape,” McLaren said. “She is the undisputed champion of Hispanic millennials and Gen- Z marketing. Her leadership skills are world-class. It is a true honor to welcome her into La Jaula.”
Hernandez, working in tandem with McLaren, will oversee the entire business apparatus and P&L of Combate Americas. She will be responsible for driving the company’s continued global expansion, expanding multi-platform distribution channels and geographic regions for the company’s growth plan, negotiating media rights and developing a world-class MMA Sports & Entertainment enterprise and brand name.
“The intersection of cultures and new identities around the world – including the U.S. – has propelled today’s young generations to be rule breakers, culture benders and trendsetters,” Hernandez said. “I’m excited and honored to join Campbell and the Combate Americas team because we are committed to ensuring new generations see themselves reflected in its fandom. Our audiences and the heroes who bring our franchise to life are the spirit of Combate.”
Hernandez has held the roles of Chief Marketing Officer of NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises; Chief Operating Officer of Telemundo Enterprises; and Publisher of People en Español and Teen People.
Most recently, Hernandez was President and Founder of the strategic consulting firm, The M²Z Group, where she took on Combate Americas as her first client.
Handling PR for Combate Americas is Michelle Alban, the former VP/Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. Alban now serves as CEO of Lima Charlie Communications, her own Lighthouse Point, Fla., based PR shop.