Ron Walden

Ron Walden is the Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Emerald Exhibitions. In addition, Ron serves as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Board. He is known as a well-networked individual with connections across a diverse range of industries including tech, entertainment, sports, and media, to name a few.

In his role as SVP for Strategic Partnerships, Ron is responsible for developing and maintaining C-suite relationships and driving revenue with major brand partners.

As Chair of DEI Advisory Board, reporting to the CEO, Ron is responsible for driving greater diversity and inclusion in three key areas: our people; our communities, including charitable outreach; and our business, including our exhibitors, attendees, partners and vendors.
Prior to Emeraldx Exhibitions, Ron held leadership team roles at Nike and Brand Jordan from 2011-2018 where he led award winning sales teams, drove marketplace transformation, and strategic planning across North America. At Nike, he was a member of the Diversity & Inclusion committee. He was also selected as an “Executive on Loan” for the Nike School Innovation Fund (NSIF). The NSIF partners with schools in Oregon to increase high school graduation rates and help all students realize their full potential.
A life-long advocate committed to elevating social causes, Ron currently serves on the advisory boards at Ally2Action. He is a former board member of the Multi-Cultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA); All Hands Raised (formerly the Portland Public Schools Foundation); and the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC).