Rob Villanueva is an experienced leader in creative strategy, athlete branding, and sports marketing, with over two decades of cross-industry expertise. Starting his career in IT and network engineering as a teenager, Rob worked with major tech and media companies like AOL, Sun Microsystems, and The New York Daily News, before transitioning into sports, where he’s made his mark helping athletes and brands amplify their impact.

Rob spent nearly a decade at The Players’ Tribune, collaborating with some of the biggest names in sports to produce compelling content, partnerships, and branded campaigns that resonate globally. He also gained firsthand experience in athlete management and marketing as the longtime manager for his younger brother, Charlie Villanueva, throughout his 11-year NBA career.

Rob’s expertise spans athlete branding, NIL strategy, content development, marketing campaigns, and relations, all rooted in a player-first approach. His career reflects a dedication to helping athletes share authentic stories, build meaningful brands, and create opportunities beyond the game.