Tim Ellis
Chief Marketing Officer
NFL
With an expansive marketing skillset, Tim has cultivated the NFL into a league that’s more human, compassionate and culturally connected—fueling a tangible resurgence of the brand and deepening fan engagement like never before.
Under Tim’s leadership, NFL viewership continues to dominate the media landscape, with 83 of the top 100 broadcasts in 2024. The league also boasts its most global and diverse fan base ever, with growth driven by youth, women and girls and the Latino community.
This season, the NFL’s U.S. fan base hit an all-time high, and brand perception and positive conversation around the league, clubs and players reached record levels, as fans increasingly see the NFL as more inclusive, culturally relevant and entertaining. As of 2024, the NFL ranks as the#1 sports league in the U.S. for brand sentiment, according to YouGov’s Brand Index.
This year, the NFL’s “I Am Somebody” campaign marked a defining marketing moment for the league — a bold, resonant statement on inclusion, identity, and the future of sports. Inspired by the iconic affirmation, the spot delivered a powerful message: that every child, regardless of gender, race, or background, belongs in sports and deserves to be seen and celebrated. It wasn’t just culturally courageous — it was creatively impactful. The ad, along with “Flag 50,” helped the NFL secure two top five rankings in USA Today’s Ad Meter for 2025, continuing the league’s three-year streak of placing among the top five Super Bowl commercials.
Recognized as one of the most influential CMOs globally, Tim’s work has earned accolades from Forbes, Adweek, Ad Age, Cannes Lions, and the Emmys.
Before joining the NFL, Tim served as CMO at Activision Blizzard and held global marketing leadership roles at Volvo and Volkswagen where he created the iconic “The Force” ad, hailed by TIME as “the ad that changed the Super Bowl forever.” He also held senior roles at several of the world’s most respected advertising agencies.
Beyond the league, Tim serves on the national board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which recently presented him with the BIG Champion Award for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to organization. Tim also serves on the board and executive committee of the Ad Council, where he helps drive purpose-driven campaigns in partnership with major sports leagues.
Under Tim’s leadership, NFL viewership continues to dominate the media landscape, with 83 of the top 100 broadcasts in 2024. The league also boasts its most global and diverse fan base ever, with growth driven by youth, women and girls and the Latino community.
This season, the NFL’s U.S. fan base hit an all-time high, and brand perception and positive conversation around the league, clubs and players reached record levels, as fans increasingly see the NFL as more inclusive, culturally relevant and entertaining. As of 2024, the NFL ranks as the#1 sports league in the U.S. for brand sentiment, according to YouGov’s Brand Index.
This year, the NFL’s “I Am Somebody” campaign marked a defining marketing moment for the league — a bold, resonant statement on inclusion, identity, and the future of sports. Inspired by the iconic affirmation, the spot delivered a powerful message: that every child, regardless of gender, race, or background, belongs in sports and deserves to be seen and celebrated. It wasn’t just culturally courageous — it was creatively impactful. The ad, along with “Flag 50,” helped the NFL secure two top five rankings in USA Today’s Ad Meter for 2025, continuing the league’s three-year streak of placing among the top five Super Bowl commercials.
Recognized as one of the most influential CMOs globally, Tim’s work has earned accolades from Forbes, Adweek, Ad Age, Cannes Lions, and the Emmys.
Before joining the NFL, Tim served as CMO at Activision Blizzard and held global marketing leadership roles at Volvo and Volkswagen where he created the iconic “The Force” ad, hailed by TIME as “the ad that changed the Super Bowl forever.” He also held senior roles at several of the world’s most respected advertising agencies.
Beyond the league, Tim serves on the national board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which recently presented him with the BIG Champion Award for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to organization. Tim also serves on the board and executive committee of the Ad Council, where he helps drive purpose-driven campaigns in partnership with major sports leagues.