Matt Yazge is a leading expert in the entertainment research space. Currently, Yazge serves as the VP, Head of Research for Luminate -- the premiere entertainment data company and joint venture between Penske Media and MRC Entertainment -- where he leads commercial engagement and oversees research offerings for endemic music, gaming, film, TV clients and brands. Overseeing a team of researchers whose efforts span 30+ countries around the globe, Yazge’s leadership explores both broad and nuanced topics like artist fan engagement and consumers’ overall entertainment diets. He has over a decade of research and entertainment marketing experience helping leaders in global entertainment and partnership marketing with their music, film, gaming, fashion and lifestyle marketing strategies.

Prior to Luminate, Matt spent over nine years at Nielsen, most recently leading the Sports Sponsorship and Esports practices. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his diversity and inclusion advocacy work, specifically in the LGBTQ+ space, appearing in multiple white papers and publications. He currently serves as a board member for Queer Capita, a non-profit focused on creating community and career pathways for Queer music professionals.