In 2008, the Sport Marketing Association launched its annual “Veeck Address” that honors legendary sport innovator Bill Veeck. The honoree of the Veeck Address serves as a Keynote Speaker for the SMA conference. Past keynoters (see below) include some of the industry’s pioneers and lead innovators.

Anuk Karunaratne is the Senior Vice President of Business Operations at the St. Louis Cardinals. He oversees the MLB team’s ticketing, marketing, corporate sales/partnerships, broadcasting, business analytics and IT departments. Prior to joining the Cardinals, Anuk served as the Executive Vice President of Business Operations with the Toronto Blue Jays where he co-led team sales, marketing, fan experience, facilities, and business administration operations. Last year, Anuk was recognized as one of Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” for helping shape the fan experience at the newly renovated Rogers Centre in Toronto and improving the team’s off-field direction—while also navigating the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and leading the club through the logistics of playing in three different venues in three different cities during the 2021 season.

He also previously held the positions of Vice President and Senior Vice President, Strategy and Analytics for the Blue Jays. Prior to joining the Blue Jays, Anuk held multiple roles at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), focused on corporate strategy in the sports and entertainment, CPG, retail, and healthcare industries. Before BCG, he held progressive roles at customer research, analytics, and marketing consulting firms, where he built and led teams and major client initiatives.

Anuk earned a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University followed by a position as a research assistant at the University’s School of Medicine.  He earned his MBA from INSEAD Business School. Anuk and his wife Tiffanie, and their two children, Maya and Max, now live in St. Louis.

Previous Veeck Address Speakers

2024 - Anuk Karunaratne, Senior VP Business Operations, St. Louis Cardinals
2023 - Matt Silverman, President, Tampa Bay Rays
2022 – Shawn McIntosh, Chief Fan Officer, Charlotte Football Club
2019 – Colin Faulkner, Senior VP Sales and Marketing, Chicago Cubs
2018 – Chad Estis, Executive Vice President, Dallas Cowboys and Legends
2017 – Amy Latimer, President, TD Garden and Delaware North’s UK Operations
2016 – Len Komoroski, CEO, Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena
2015 – Mark A. Tatum, Deputy Commissioner and COO, NBA
2014 – Scott O'Neil, Chief Executive Officer, Philadelphia 76ers
2013 – Donna Orender, Former President, WNBA
2012 – Pat Williams, Senior Vice President, Orlando Magic
2011 – Jamey Rootes, President, Houston Texans
2010 – Rick Welts, President, Golden State Warriors
2009 – Bernie Mullin, Chairman And Chief Executive Officer, The Aspire Group
2008 – Bill Sutton, Former President of Team Marketing and Operations, NBA