OUR TEAM
RJ Walker
FOUNDER | CEO
Ryan J. Walker is a 20-year marketing professional who currently serves as President | Chief Strategist for Matrix MKTG. In this leadership role, Ryan oversees a team of innovators and executors who cultivate and craft very meaningful relationships between “culture”, brands, and consumers. As a visionary, he spearheads long-range planning and business development and is responsible for overseeing the planning, the development, and the execution of the organization’s marketing and advertising initiatives.
John Hinkson
COO
John is a hands-on marketing and operations executive with more than 20 years of experience in Strategy, Experiential Marketing, Operations, and Program Management. Having led multiple integrated marketing agencies as an operational leader, he guides and aligns cross-functional teams in the areas of Brand Strategy, Client Services, Digital Marketing, Creative Designs, Video Production, and Operations for client programming across various sectors.
John specializes in leading, developing, and executing complex, strategic programs, and marketing initiatives with a focus on brand growth for businesses of all sizes from startups and Fortune 500 organizations. As a dedicated leader, he is committed to customer-centric strategy and operational excellence.
Stephanie Eason
Head of Client Services
Stephanie Eason is a bilingual marketing strategist with 16 years of experience in marketing, sales, and public relations for Fortune 500 firms in the sports, entertainment, retail, automotive, non-profit, and tobacco industries. Stephanie’s expertise includes developing and executing consumer strategy, with a big emphasis on experiential marketing and positive relationship cultivation.
Afrika Lander
HEAD OF BRAND AND COMMUNICATIONS
Afrika Lander is a brand marketing executive with 25+ years driving cultural impact across entertainment, media, publishing, spirits, and events. Renowned for strategic innovation, she transformed CIROC Vodka into a global lifestyle brand through marketing and partnerships. She held senior roles at VIBE, ESSENCE (producing the Music Festival Main Stage), Sony Music, and J Records. As GM/Head of Marketing for NE-YO’s Compound Entertainment, she led global operations and consumer programs.
She executive-produced the BET Awards Media House for three years and Prime Video influencer campaigns (Lizzo, Mary J. Blige, Riches, Harlem). Afrika serves on the boards of Disney Dreamers Academy and Grit Before The Gram Alliance.
