Santiago Ruiz

Sports Business | Sponsorships

Bogota, D.C., Capital District, Colombia

About

The biggest mistake I see in sports business today is confusing visibility with real business.I work with brands, clubs, and agencies that want something different: making decisions in sports with commercial logic, innovation, and a clear growth mindset.I don’t work with improvised projects or strategies designed just to “be present.”If your company is evaluating how to enter sports — or how to do it better — let’s talk.

Experience

  • Partner at 2R Sports Partnerships
    Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

    We identify, negotiate, and develop strategic opportunities that connect brands, athletes, and sports events with high-impact sponsorship agreements. Sourcing and structuring sponsorship opportunities in the sports industry. Negotiating contracts and commercial agreements with brands, leagues, clubs, and athletes. Designing innovative strategies to maximize sponsorship ROI. Managing client and stakeholder relationships to ensure successful and sustainable partnerships. At 2R, we redefine how sports and brands connect, creating memorable experiences and real value for all parties involved.

  • Legal Manager at GOL-BALL
    Jul 2022 - Jul 2024 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Lead two teams: i) Legal team responsible for designing and implementing the legal and regulatory structure; and ii) Licensing team responsible for negotiating and closing deals with potential commercial partners and investors. • Designed and executed the legal and regulatory framework for the group companies in 3 countries, with an emphasis on data privacy, blockchain, sports licenses, intellectual property, and cryptocurrencies. • Structured and led cross-border regulatory compliance programs for the group companies. • Conducted strategic negotiations to forge commercial alliances with football entities such as LaLiga EA Sports (Spain), Liga BBVA MX (Mexico), Liga Betplay Dimayor (Colombia), UEFA (Europe), CONCACAF (North America), and CONMEBOL (South America). • Participated in the investment team, closing financing rounds exceeding USD 8,000,000. • Managed projects for the implementation of commercial agreements with LaLiga EA Sports and Liga BBVA MX.

  • Legal Associate at Crowe Colombia
    Nov 2019 - Jul 2022 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    Part of the legal and tax consulting team for national and international clients in legal areas, including corporate and commercial law, M&A, labor law, and taxes. • Structured and incorporated more than 10 companies in Colombia. • Designed, drafted, and implemented corporate compliance programs SARLAFT and SAGRILAFT in over 10 public and private companies. • Drafted more than 10 data privacy, labor, and compliance policies. • Conducted due diligence for 6 M&A transactions. • Drafted and elaborated more than 50 commercial, labor, and civil contracts.

  • Junior Attorney at AGT abogados
    Jul 2019 - Oct 2019 · 4 mos

    Part of the Intellectual Property and Competition team, serving national and international clients. • Managed intellectual property rights, including 2 patent registrations, 10 trademark registrations, and 6 copyright registrations. • Participated in the litigation of Taxis Libres vs Uber, where Uber was ordered to cease its transportation services in Colombia at first instance. • Developed and implemented privacy policies, terms, and conditions for over 5 companies.