Forward press Momentum: Catalyzing Sports Narratives through Strategic Eloquence

In an era where attention is fleeting and brand narratives are increasingly shaped in milliseconds, Forward Press has emerged as a rare communications consultancy with the precision of a media tactician and the heart of a sports storyteller. Founded by former Meta and Nike executive Willem Suyderhoud, Forward Press is not just in the business of messaging — it’s in the business of meaning. The company has carved a distinctive position at the intersection of sports, media, and technology, enabling clients to own their narratives and influence cultural conversation with clarity and authenticity. With deep expertise rooted in global sports communications and a nuanced grasp of digital media dynamics, Forward Press works with clients across continents and industries — from U.S. sports leagues to international tech firms — helping those articulate powerful stories that resonate. Its services span strategic communications, media training, public speaking, and advising C-suite leaders through multi-channel campaigns that often redefine brand relevance in fast-moving arenas. Willem’s unique journey from award-winning sports broadcaster to executive leader at some of the world’s most iconic companies has endowed Forward Press with more than credibility — it brings cultural fluency, trust-based media relationships, and a relentless commitment to narrative excellence. For brands looking to not only be seen but be remembered, Forward Press delivers impact at the speed of relevance.

The Willem Suyderhoud Ethos: Executive Insight Meets Creative Precision

At the helm of Forward Press is Willem Suyderhoud, whose two-decade career has been defined by a masterful command of storytelling and a reverence for the influence of sport. With stints as Global Communications Director at Nike and Head of Sports Communications at Meta, Willem led some of the most visible and transformative campaigns in the industry — from launching sports metaverse narratives to shaping Facebook’s live sports strategy. What sets Willem apart is his fluency in both the corporate and creative languages of communication. Whether it’s building internal alignment across complex organizations or crafting messages that shape external perception, he knows how to navigate both locker rooms and boardrooms. His academic foundation — an MBA in marketing from UCLA Anderson and a journalism degree from Northwestern's Medill School — makes him uniquely equipped to operate at this confluence of commerce and culture.

Messaging that Moves: Communications as Strategic Infrastructure

At Forward Press, messaging isn’t an afterthought — it’s infrastructure. The consultancy obsesses over clarity, authenticity, and audience alignment. From advising top executives on public speaking engagements to driving multi-channel campaigns for global sports and media brands, Forward Press ensures that every message not only fits the medium but transcends it. Their guiding principles are simple yet profound: obsess the message, know the audience, and prepare for everything. These are not just mantras — they’re operating models. And in a world where reputations are fragile and stories compete for milliseconds of attention, Forward Press’s disciplined approach brings assurance and strategic edge.

A Global Footprint in a Hyperlocal World

Relationships matter in the business of influence, and Forward Press leverages its global network to place client narratives in front of the right audiences. With trusted connections across influential U.S. and European sports business media, and experience working with every major American sports league as well as organizations in Asia and Latin America, Forward Press operates on a global canvas. But scale doesn’t compromise intimacy. The consultancy is boutique by design — allowing for hyper-focused attention on clients and a hands-on approach that many large firms fail to deliver. It is this blend of scale and specificity that makes Forward Press both agile and formidable.

Values Rooted in Sport, Vision Anchored in Purpose

At its core, Forward Press believes in the transformative power of sport. Its values mirror those championed on the field — teamwork, sportsmanship, and integrity. But these ideals are not just aspirational; they are operationalized in the work it delivers for its clients. Whether telling the story of an athlete, a technology platform, or a legacy brand, Forward Press ensures that the message is not only strategic but also meaningful. And while many firms talk about authenticity, Forward Press operationalizes it. The consultancy’s belief that “if you’re authentic, you’re memorable” is embedded into every campaign, media training, and executive advisory session. Clients are not told what to say — they’re helped to discover what only they can say, in a way that resonates deeply with audiences.

A Consultancy Built for the Next Chapter

As the boundaries between media, sport, and technology continue to blur, Forward Press is poised not merely to respond, but to lead. Its work in metaverse narratives, cross-functional campaigns, and live content strategy positions it uniquely for the decade ahead. With a track record grounded in excellence and a philosophy built on clarity, Forward Press is redefining how brands show up in an increasingly fragmented world. It doesn’t just tell stories — it builds legacies.

 Willem Suyderhoud, Founder

"Forward Press doesn’t just amplify your message — it helps you own the conversation."