Naveen Lokesh

Naveen is the Head of Global Sports Marketing, Basketball, and Football at New Balance. He is responsible for the brand’s emerging presence and strategic vision in Basketball and Football. He’s been at New Balance for just over 2 years and continues to grow the brand through innovative and disruptive strategies that have resulted in New Balance’s sizable growth in the past few years. In recent years he has spearheaded partnerships with world-class athletes, including Tyrese Maxey, Kawhi Leonard, Marvin Harrison Jr., Cameron Brink, and most recently projected number 1 NBA draft pick, Cooper Flagg. In addition, Naveen has brokered strategic partnerships with the global leagues, the NBA and WNBA. Finally, in the past year, Naveen helped strategize the brand’s entry into American Football. By practicing a boutique and considered approach to sports marketing, Naveen helps achieve New Balance’s aggressive growth goals. Prior to New Balance, Naveen spent nearly a decade at the NBA League offices, half of which was based out of the HQ in Manhattan and half in London, which oversees the NBA EMEA business. During this time, he managed some of the league’s largest commercial partnerships and worked in the business development function, growing the league’s reach and commercial business in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Outside of his role at New Balance, Naveen spends his time on a cause dear to him. In 2024, Naveen joined the American Cancer Society Eastern New England Board of Directors, leading efforts to raise awareness and funds to ensure that Cancer is a winnable battle for all. In his spare time, Naveen enjoys playing tennis, doing various workouts, and traveling often with his wife, Annie.