Lisa Lutoff-Perlo Named President and CEO of FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee
Janelle Prieto announced as the new CMO and Ray Martinez hired as COO
Posted On: May 7, 2024 By :Business executive Lisa Lutoff-Perlo has been announced as the president and chief executive officer of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee with Janelle Prieto and Ray Martinez serving as the chief marketing officer and chief operating officer, respectively.
A South Florida resident, Lutoff-Perlo is on the board of directors for AutoNation and serves as chair of the United Way of Broward County.
“South Florida is no stranger to championship events and the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest sporting event the world has ever seen,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “I want to capitalize on this platform, bringing my expertise to create an enviable World Cup experience and to drive unparalleled positive social and economic impact for the region. This golden opportunity demands our team innovate, be inclusive, and supercharge excitement around the tournament.”
The third-place match will be in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, which has become a routine stop for international club soccer exhibitions. While the new Formula 1 race held around the stadium site caused some drama with FIFA initially, the city’s standing as the home for Concacaf headquarters also made it hard to pass up. In the past six months, Miami has become the home for FIFA’s centralized 2026 World Cup planning and Hard Rock Stadium was named as host of the 2024 Copa América final.
“The spotlight will be on Miami as an international business and lifestyle capital during FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Rodney Barreto, chairman and chief executive officer of the Barreto Group and co-chair of the Miami Host Committee. “We sought a CEO and leader who understands this opportunity and brings a global perspective, true vision and tremendous passion to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans while maximizing the economic impact for the region. Lisa has all these traits, and her extraordinary business and hospitality experience will help her rise to this monumental occasion to foster both an original and bottom-line approach that will make us the envy of the North American host cities.”
Lutoff-Perlo’s leadership team will include Prieto and Martinez.
A Miami native, Prieto has a background in marketing and PR and has led corporate communications, public relations, and social responsibility for Concacaf. She also served as vice president of communications, marketing, and community partnerships for the Miami Super Bowl LIV Host Committee. Martinez previously served as president and executive director for the 2020 Miami Super Bowl Committee and has more than 35 years of law enforcement experience, including as Miami Beach chief of police. He also consulted for the College Football Playoff 2021 National Championship Game.
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