Meet your hosts

Ayo Awotona is your go-to host for energy, elegance, and human connection. A multilingual MC and learning strategist, she’s facilitated experiences for global brands like Dove, Mindshare, Lloyds and JP Morgan, always bringing a human touch to high-performing spaces. By day, she heads up Learning & Development. By night, she curates people-first experiences.

Ben Hood is a writer, actor, and entertainment specialist with 15 years of performance and hospitality experience. He’s a deft comedic hand, embodying the role of Manuel in the Fawlty Towers Dining Experience, writing on touring west-end comedy show, The Wedding Reception, and spent eight years as an actor with Secret Cinema.
Ben recently jumped on board as Co-Director at The Immersive Playground, a London-based immersive performance company, and ensures a hosting experience with the vibrance and charm his remarkable resumé suggests.

Ciara has 15 years’ experience as a trainer, workshop leader and events producer across the creative and events industries. Previous clients include Glastonbury, Green Man festival and Netflix. Her background in the performing arts means she is no stranger to public speaking. Her love of wine makes her a harmonious match for Chief Wine Officer.

Along with a voice that can carry through most social environments, Craig brings a touch of South African flair to the team. A technology enthusiast with over 15 years experience in marketing and technology, Craig has hosted hundreds of industry networking events. As Managing Director of Chief Nation, he works directly with our clients to help them facilitate new relationships with the C-suite.

After having attended so many CWO events, Craig has acquired a keen interest in wine and recently completed his WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. The only drawback is that he’s now a Champagne snob…

With almost a decade of experience in technology marketing, Darcie is very at home MCing an event from the comfort of her desk or in the fantastic ambience of our dinner venues. Combining her love for great wine with her knowledge gained as Chief Nation’s Client Services Director, Darcie is the ideal host, who is always excited to ensure guests have an unforgettable evening, from start to finish.

Elizabeth Wautlet is a Paris-based master of ceremony and actress, originally from the US. Fluent in French and deeply rooted in Paris for nearly 15 years (the wine may have had something to do with it), she brings clarity, warmth, and stage presence to every event. Elizabeth has hosted for global companies including LVMH, L’Oréal, Servier and Total Energies, blending professionalism with a theatrical touch to ensure every gathering is engaging, polished, and memorable.

Katie is a presenter for live events and broadcast who has hosted everything from Sunday Papers live to festival stages at Glastonbury, Wilderness, Secret Garden Party and Shambala. She brings both passion and flair to our CWO events, and also boasts qualifications in neuroscience, counselling and mediation.

Megan Powers is an event marketer and podcaster who thrives on growing community, driving sales and nurturing brand recognition through events. Founded in 2013, her company Powers of Marketing is a boutique strategic event marketing and podcast production agency. She is passionate about face-to-face events and the opportunities that digital spaces give us to interact, learn, and generate revenue. Her podcast Making a Marketer has been going strong since 2017, covering all aspects of marketing, business, and branding.

Natalia Bilbao is an Emmy-winning bilingual host and international actress with over a decade of experience engaging global audiences across live events, broadcast media, and corporate stages. She is a former professional athlete and has interviewed renowned personalities such as The Rock, Jason Momoa, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Garner, as well as national and international political figures. She has also collaborated with iconic figures including Bob Dylan, Usher, and The Harlem Globetrotters.

Rachana Bhide is a broadcaster and organizational psychologist, formerly with Bloomberg Radio and Bloomberg Live. As keynote and moderator, Rachana has appeared live with major outlets such as Fast Company, Women of Silicon Valley, ESPN, FOX Sports, the LA Chargers, and in conversation with G7 leaders at The Economic Club of New York.

Rachana also spent 14 years as a management consultant for Accenture, leading the change management consulting practice for the German-speaking countries (Austria, Switzerland, Germany). Rachana proudly brings a psychology-based approach to change and leadership development, blending creative metaphors and positive self-talk to leaders and organizations.

Richard has worked for Chief Nation since its early days and has helped it grow from a few people renting spare desks in another company’s office, to the thriving agency it is now. Richard has performed most jobs in the agency but is now the Managing Director responsible for the company’s finances and operations.

Richard is a keen jogger and enjoys walks with his dog Cecil, watching box-sets and mixing electronic music of various genres. In better times, Richard enjoys going to see his favourite DJs perform in venues around the world, combining his love of music and travel.