Ron Walden

Ron Walden joined Emerald in October 2022 as SVP of Strategic Sales and is responsible for leading the company’s new key account and partnership development strategy. Ron also serves as Chair of Emerald's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI), a role to which he was appointed in January 2022.

Ron has over 25 years of experience in the travel, events, consumer product, sports, and entertainment industries. Most recently, Ron served as the Chief Experience Officer at Club Seacret, a company that provides consumer-facing experiences, including luxury travel, professional sports events, and music festivals.

Prior to that, Ron served as Group Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Group Vice President of Fashion & Lifestyle, both at RX, where he was responsible for diversifying portfolios, new business development, new market penetration, and expanding revenue opportunities. Before joining RX, Ron spent over six years at NIKE, leading a team of 56 award-winning sales professionals and headed strategic planning across North America.

A diversity, equity, and inclusion champion, Ron served as the first executive sponsor for global race relations at RX and continues to advocate for transparency and positive impact.

Ron attended California State University, where he studied Business Accounting, and is on the board of the civic and social organization, 4thMVMT, and the All Hands Raised non-profit organization.