Octagon Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Octagon has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, events, and marketing.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Octagon provides comprehensive sports and entertainment agency services, encompassing marketing, sponsorship, and athlete representation, shaping market impact through strategic partnerships.

Leadership Roles at Octagon

  • Chief Financial Officer - Nancy Morton
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Nicole Sarakos
  • Events, President, Marketing (North America) - Lou Kovacs
  • President - Merrill Shields
  • President - Charles Zicari
  • Chief of Staff - Taylor Rice
  • Nancy Morton - Chief Financial Officer

    Nancy Morton, the Chief Financial Officer at Octagon, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, Morton ensures robust financial health and compliance across the agency. This leadership position involves strategic financial planning to support Octagon's growth in marketing, sponsorship, and talent representation. By analyzing financial performance and identifying key investment opportunities, Nancy Morton drives profitability and enhances shareholder value. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing risk, optimizing capital structure, and ensuring the financial integrity of all agency activities, thereby underpinning the company's market expansion and operational stability.
    Nancy Morton

    Nicole Sarakos - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Nicole Sarakos, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Octagon, spearheads financial strategy and oversight for the agency. Managing complex financial structures and driving fiscal discipline, Sarakos ensures the economic viability of Octagon's diverse service offerings, including marketing, sponsorship, and athlete representation. This executive role involves close collaboration with other leaders to align financial goals with business development objectives, particularly in expanding market reach. By implementing rigorous financial controls and optimizing resource deployment, Nicole Sarakos directly contributes to the agency's sustained growth and operational excellence. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's strategic financial management is critical to navigating market dynamics and securing long-term success.
    Nicole Sarakos

    Lou Kovacs - Events, President, Marketing (North America)

    Lou Kovacs, the Events, President, Marketing (North America) at Octagon, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for events and marketing initiatives across North America. Overseeing major client campaigns and sponsorship activations, Kovacs drives revenue growth and enhances brand visibility within the region. This leadership role involves cultivating key partnerships and ensuring the seamless delivery of integrated marketing solutions. By leveraging deep industry expertise, Lou Kovacs champions innovative event strategies and marketing approaches that resonate with target audiences. The President's focus on North American markets is crucial for expanding Octagon's footprint and solidifying its position as a leading sports and entertainment agency.
    Lou Kovacs

    Merrill Shields - President

    Merrill Shields, the President at Octagon, leads the overall strategic direction and operational management of the agency. Overseeing key business units, Shields ensures the cohesive delivery of marketing, sponsorship, and representation services to a global clientele. This executive position involves fostering innovation and driving growth across all facets of the business. By championing client success and cultivating strong industry relationships, Merrill Shields reinforces Octagon's reputation for excellence. The President's leadership is instrumental in navigating complex market landscapes and capitalizing on emerging opportunities within the sports and entertainment sectors, ensuring sustained competitive advantage.

    Charles Zicari - President

    Charles Zicari, the President at Octagon, directs the agency's strategic initiatives and operational performance. Overseeing critical business functions, Zicari ensures the effective execution of marketing strategies, sponsorship development, and athlete representation services. This leadership role focuses on driving business expansion and enhancing client value across diverse markets. By fostering a culture of collaboration and performance, Charles Zicari strengthens Octagon's market position and operational capabilities. The President's commitment to innovation and client-centric solutions is fundamental to achieving the agency's long-term objectives and maintaining its leadership in the sports and entertainment industry.

    Taylor Rice - Chief of Staff

    Taylor Rice, the Chief of Staff at Octagon, directs strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the organization. Overseeing cross-departmental projects, Rice ensures alignment with corporate objectives and facilitates seamless communication between executive leadership and functional teams. This role involves managing key internal processes and driving the implementation of strategic plans to enhance the agency's market position. By optimizing resource allocation and streamlining workflows, Taylor Rice directly supports Octagon's mission of delivering exceptional marketing, sponsorship, and representation services. The Chief of Staff's focus remains on fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring the effective execution of the company's overarching business strategy.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Octagon Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Octagon?
    Octagon is led by Nancy Morton (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Nicole Sarakos (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Lou Kovacs (Events, President, Marketing (North America)).
    Who is part of Octagon’s executive team?
    The executive team of Octagon includes leaders such as Nancy Morton (Chief Financial Officer), Nicole Sarakos (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Lou Kovacs (Events, President, Marketing (North America)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Octagon have?
    Octagon has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Octagon’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Octagon includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Events, President, Marketing (North America), President, President.