Sphere Names Laureano-Rikardsen Marketing, Comms Chief

Sphere Entertainment Co. has named Karen Laureano-Rikardsen as its Global Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications. The company announced the hire on July 21. Laureano-Rikardsen will act as Sphere's lead spokesperson. She will also guide the company's global marketing and communications strategy. Her duties include supporting Sphere's growth, reputation, and brand building. She will also support the company's domestic and international expansion plans. Laureano-Rikardsen is based in New York and reports to Jennifer Koester, Sphere's president and chief operating officer.

Sphere Expands Globally with New Marketing, Comms Role

Laureano-Rikardsen steps into a high-profile communications post at Sphere. She becomes the company's lead spokesperson across all markets. Her role covers the development and execution of global marketing strategy. She will oversee communications efforts tied to Sphere's growth and reputation. The position also supports Sphere's branding and expansion goals.

Sphere continues to expand its venues and content beyond the original Las Vegas location, including Sphere Abu Dhabi. Laureano-Rikardsen's hire comes as the company pursues further international growth. She will work from Sphere's New York offices under Koester's direct oversight. Her appointment signals a renewed focus on shaping public narrative during this key expansion phase.

Koester and Laureano-Rikardsen on the New Role

Koester welcomed Laureano-Rikardsen's arrival in a statement. She said Sphere must keep telling its story in compelling ways as it expands worldwide. Koester praised her new marketing chief's global experience and sound judgment. She noted Laureano-Rikardsen's proven leadership in high-profile environments. Koester added that the new hire will help shape how Sphere communicates its vision.

Laureano-Rikardsen also commented on her new role. She said she has spent her career helping global organizations strengthen their reputations.

Sphere, she added, sits at a unique intersection of technology, storytelling, and live entertainment.

She said she looks forward to working with the company's creative and technical teams to support its ongoing growth.

A Finance-Sector Communications Background

Laureano-Rikardsen brings years of finance-sector communications experience to Sphere. She spent nine years at Cantor Fitzgerald before joining the company. There, she served as chief communications and marketing officer. Her role covered the parent firm and its publicly traded affiliates, BGC Group and Newmark Group. She built and led a global communications and marketing organization during her tenure, advising C-suite executives on reputational and crisis matters. Her experience included financial communications and global brand strategy work.

Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at Credit Suisse, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, and Hill & Knowlton. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Maryland. Her appointment adds a finance-industry perspective to Sphere's communications leadership team.