An evening celebrating bold ideas, community impact, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
More than 450 members of the Greater Westport business and entrepreneurial community gathered at the Westport Library on June 1st for StartUp Westport's third annual Innovator of the Year Awards.
The evening celebrated the power of innovation, leadership, and mentorship as we honored Marc Lasry, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Avenue Capital Group, as our 2026 Innovator of the Year. In a candid conversation moderated by NBC News' TODAY show co-anchor Craig Melvin, Marc shared insights on navigating uncertainty, making high-stakes decisions, and the importance of learning from those who have helped shape your journey.
We were also proud to present our 2026 Community Impact Award to Club203 for their outstanding work creating opportunities, connection, and belonging for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The evening featured remarks from Connecticut DECD Commissioner Dan O'Keefe, an introduction of Club203 by past Community Impact Award recipient Andrea Pecoriello of Sweet P Bakery, and an introduction of Marc by 2025 Innovator of the Year recipient Mark Shapiro.
Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, speakers, and attendees for making this celebration of innovation and community one of our largest and most memorable events to date.
Unable to attend Innovator of the Year 2026? Watch the full event recording here:
Our past Innovators of the Year...
Innovator of the Year 2025
MARK SHAPIRO
President and Chief Operating Officer, TKO; and President and Managing Partner, WME Group
We were proud to honor Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) and President and Managing Partner of WME Group, as our 2025 Innovator of the Year, and Sweet P Bakery as the recipient of our Community Impact Innovator Award.
During our signature Innovator of the Year event, we highlighted stories of resilience, leadership, and decision-making that define the entrepreneurial journey. In a candid fireside conversation moderated by CNBC anchor Sara Eisen, Mark shared the pivotal moments that shaped his career—from high-stakes deals to hard-earned lessons—and how those experiences continue to guide his priorities and leadership.
We also shined a spotlight on Sweet P Bakery, a local business making a meaningful difference through inclusive hiring and purpose-driven growth. Their story served as a powerful reminder that innovation and impact come in many forms.
Innovator of the Year 2024
JIMMY PITARO
ESPN Chairman
StartUp Westport honored ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro as its inaugural Innovator of the Year in 2024. He was recognized for his transformative leadership, forward-thinking approach to sports media, and his role in expanding ESPN’s digital streaming capabilities and interactive fan experiences.
During our signature Innovator of the Year event at The Westport Library, attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from Jimmy in a candid fireside chat moderated by ESPN personality Mike Greenberg. The conversation explored the future of sports media, the evolving relationship between technology and fan engagement, and the leadership lessons that have shaped Jimmy’s career.
The evening offered meaningful insights into innovation at scale, navigating change in a rapidly evolving industry, and the importance of staying ahead of consumer trends. Jimmy’s perspective on leadership, growth, and the future of sports entertainment resonated with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators across the StartUp Westport community.