Rafe Offer is a serial entrepreneur and a leading voice in brand management and innovation. He is best known as the Founder-Chair of Sofar Sounds, a global music movement redefining how audiences experience live performance. Before launching Sofar, Rafe held senior roles at some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Global Marketing Director at Disney and Coca-Cola, and Director of Innovation at Diageo.
At Disney, Rafe led efforts to reconnect beloved characters with older audiences. He created the successful “Having fun never goes out of style” campaign, which helped drive adult merchandise sales from $50 million to $800 million globally during his four-year tenure.
After Disney, Rafe took on a major challenge at Coca-Cola. As Global Marketing Director, he managed $1.2 billion in global sales and further cemented his reputation as a brand strategist. Diageo then appointed him Director of Innovation. There, he launched a new entrepreneurial unit focused on unlocking new revenue streams while reinforcing core drink brands.
In 2009, Rafe combined his love of music with his branding expertise to create Sofar Sounds. What began as an intimate gig in a London living room became a global cultural force. The Guardian called it a “quiet revolution”, while New York Magazine named it one of America’s top new brands. Under Rafe’s leadership, Sofar raised over $40 million in venture capital and became the world’s largest live music network.
After stepping back from daily operations at Sofar, Rafe focused on new ventures with social impact. He launched this & that, a tech startup and community platform aimed at improving dialogue and empowering diverse voices. He also joined the board of Twenty Recruitment, one of the fastest-growing firms in the industry.
Rafe brings the same energy to his philanthropic work. He chairs the board of Facing History UK, a charity that uses lessons from history to combat racism. He also sits on the board of the Live Music Society, which helps independent music venues survive and thrive, especially after the challenges of COVID-19.
Driven by creativity, connection, and impact, Rafe continues to shape the future of both business and culture.
