WIFT TX: SPEAKER SERIES – 2025
“STATE OF THE TEXAS MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY”
CHRIS DERBY
Chief Marketing Officer, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
San Antonio, Texas
SPEAKER – WIFT TX: SPEAKER SERIES 2025 – “STATE OF THE TEXAS MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY”
Chris Derby serves as the Chief Marketing Officer of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo leading a team of marketing professionals dedicated to driving year-round consumer awareness and generating sales and revenue for the event. Under his leadership, the marketing department oversees Traditional Media buying, Consumer Awareness, Public Relations, Sponsorships, Creative Design, Volunteer Marketing support and works with rodeo production and brand development.
Chris rejoined the rodeo team in 2019 after serving as Vice President of Marketing for SeaWorld San Antonio, where he led creative, media, social media, sales, public relations, and branding efforts. With more than 27 years of marketing experience, Chris brings a broad and strategic perspective to the organization. He previously spent over a decade with Simon Malls as the Regional Director of Marketing and Business Development, managing marketing operations for 38 retail centers across five states, including destinations such as the Houston and Dallas Galleria.
From 2006 to 2013, Chris also served as the Marketing and Sponsorship Director for the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, contributing to the organization’s growth and outreach during his tenure learning from many SALE volunteers.
Engaged in the San Antonio community, Chris has sat on boards that include the San Antonio Travel Alliance, The chair of IAFE markeiting, sponsorship, & nominating committees and the Alamo Community Youth Sports Association. He enjoys networking and giving back through civic involvement and will be the volunteer board chair of Respite Care of San Antonio from July 2025 – May 2027.
Chris is married to Tacey, a High School communications teacher & coordinatior in the Northside Independent School District. Together they have two children, Kylah (20) who attends Texas State and Ashton (16) who attends Harlan High School.