John Emmaneel Appointed as EVP of Global Operations and Innovation for Spiro’s Brand Activations and Events Division
Spiro®, a leading experiential marketing agency, has announced the exciting appointment of John Emmaneel as the Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Innovation for its Brand Activations and Events (BAE) division. This strategic move, which took place on October 6, 2026, marks a significant enhancement to Spiro’s capability in managing complex global event portfolios while ensuring each experience remains creatively unique and economically viable.
John Emmaneel brings over 25 years of extensive industry experience to his new role, having previously served in key positions at notable firms including Invision, Kenwood Experiences, and Jack Morton Worldwide. Most recently, at Invision, he successfully led the innovations department and directed the Chicago office, overseeing significant growth in the gaming and entertainment sector. Emmaneel has worked with powerhouse brands such as Square Enix, Google, Intel, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Northwestern Mutual, showcasing his expertise in building tailored teams and competencies to meet complex client needs.
At Spiro, Emmaneel is set to lead a transformative approach in how BAE plans, staffs, and executes projects across markets. His vision includes a move towards building new capabilities that can adapt as client demands evolve, ensuring Spiro stays at the forefront of the experiential marketing landscape. He will collaborate closely with Jen Shankman, the Executive Vice President of BAE Growth, who focuses on the division’s strategic relationships and overall growth. Both will report to Carley Faircloth-Kilmurray, who is the Global Chief Marketing, Strategy, and Brand Experiences Officer, further strengthening the leadership that drives BAE.
Carley Faircloth-Kilmurray expressed confidence in Emmaneel's capabilities, stating, "BAE combines the structures needed to manage a global portfolio with the creative power to make each experience unique. John knows how to scale this effectively." This endorsement highlights the anticipation surrounding Emmaneel’s potential contributions to the agency, bringing both strategic insight and operational competence to the role.
In his own words, Emmaneel shared what attracted him to Spiro: "The diversity within BAE is appealing. It's grounded in strategic and operational excellence, coupled with a desire to create meaningful experiences. There’s a solid foundation and genuine ambitions for the future here. I look forward to connecting the agency's expertise across markets and helping teams deliver remarkable projects for our clients."
Spiro’s Brand Activations and Events team specializes in crafting live experiences, including conferences, product launches, corporate gatherings, festivals, and brand activations. Leveraging its extensive know-how in corporate events and consumer experiences, BAE ensures that the structure of its entire portfolio aligns with creativity in each experience. This commitment to quality is reflected in Spiro’s ethos of “Experience Brand Gravity™”, connecting brands with their audiences through engaging interactions.
Established as a strategic, creatively driven global agency, Spiro’s mission is to transform brands into experiences, utilizing data to foster emotional and behavioral connections with target audiences. The firm is trusted by some of the most influential brands worldwide, creating compelling experiences that keep consumers returning. Spiro remains dedicated to pushing boundaries in experiential marketing, ensuring every project not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its clients.
For media inquiries or further information about Spiro, please contact:
Melissa Burns
Senior Director of Marketing
Email: [email protected]