Ishveen Jolly

BA Economics & Management 2003
CEO, Sports Marketing

Ishveen, a proud Mancunian and keen student-athlete, selected Keble for its sporting prowess and more inclusive reputation. It’s clearly been a perfect match as she attributes many of her successes in life to lessons learnt and friends made during her time at Oxford. While at Keble, Ishveen captained the cricket team and netball team, was Treasurer of the JCR, and loved living in College for three years to save her from cooking!

The daughter of two immigrant doctors from India, Ishveen recognises the huge benefits the Oxford brand carries, particularly as validation for a Northern woman of colour. Ishveen volunteered for the Oxford Access Scheme and hopes her unique career path inspires others to forge their own journey and know anything is possible.

After a two-year stint in Management Consultancy in London, Ishveen decided her love for sports extended beyond the field. She moved to India to join a sports agency working primarily with IPL team Mumbai Indians and activating all the deals for preeminent sponsor, Hero MotoCorp, including cricket, hockey, golf, and the Commonwealth Games. Ishveen fell in love with sponsorship, and in 2014 started OpenSponsorship.com.

A decade on, OpenSponsorship is the largest marketplace connecting over 17,000 athletes and influencers with brands for marketing deals. She has secured funding from Serena Williams, David Blitzer and many other notable names. She was listed in the Forbes 30U30 list, and Inc’s top 100 female founders. Ishveen often credits her Oxford education for ensuring she had the confidence to challenge status quo and clearly articulate opposing views verbally and in writing.

Keble has gifted Ishveen lifelong friends and continues to ensure she feels connected and welcome in the College community, through amazing events and consistent outreach. She is eternally grateful.