Partners

Mr. Linville's extensive expertise in strategic communication, public affairs, and business development, alongside his track record of fostering high-profile relationships with clients such as Delta Air Lines, Tesla Motors, and Atlanta Braves, positions him uniquely to lead the company towards cross-border business partnerships and prosperity.

Mr. Linville's professional journey is marked by significant roles, including the Eastern Region and Global VP of Public Affairs for AT&T, where he led public policy strategies, and the founder of Linville & Associates, catering to clients like Oracle and Cisco Systems. His deep political and regulatory insight, gained from working with U.S. Congress members and his involvement with the Otis Bowen Institute, strengthens Connexion South's ability to navigate complex environments. Residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Linville's local and global perspectives are crucial in achieving the company's vision of building bridges for tomorrow's success.

Mr. Lesina brings a wealth of international experience and strategic insight to the company, leveraging his expertise from a distinguished role as Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer at Millicom, a leading telecommunications and media company. Since November 2020, Mr. Lesina has played a crucial role in shaping Millicom’s global engagement strategies, focusing on government relations, regulatory affairs, corporate communications, and ESG initiatives. His adept handling of reputational strategies and special situations aligns with Connexion South's mission to harness global connections for transformative impacts.

Before co-founding Connexion South and joining Millicom, Mr. Lesina served as the Senior Vice President of International External and Regulatory Affairs at AT&T, directing both the internal international and the external and regulatory affairs teams across the company and its global affiliates. His career trajectory also includes a significant tenure as Government Affairs Manager for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East at Intel, alongside foundational roles in multinational public relations and communications firms. Actively involved in various industry and community organizations, including the Meridian International Center, IREX, and the GSMA Chief Policy & Regulatory Officer Group, Mr. Lesina’s broad network and expertise are critical to Connexion South's goals. Born in Dakar, Senegal, and an Italian-Tunisian national, Mr. Lesina’s diverse background and a master’s degree in Economics of Development from the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, enrich Connexion South's cross-cultural and economic bridging initiatives.

Mr. Tolleson combines an exceptional mix of creative strategy, brand development, global health promotion, and multi-platform marketing to the company's unique vision. With a strong background in working with global brands and leveraging digital communication channels and advanced technologies, his expertise is crucial for driving economic and cultural connections that align with Connexion South's ambitions.

During his leadership at BARK BARK, a branded content marketing agency he founded and led to a successful exit, Brian demonstrated his capacity to foster significant growth and build enduring relationships with over 300 brand and distributor clients, including P&G, Unilever, and Starbucks. This experience underscores his adeptness at nurturing partnerships with multinational corporations, pivotal to Connexion South's mission of cultivating cross-border business collaborations. His tenure as CEO of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights further showcases his strategic leadership in promoting dialogue around rights movements, positioning Connexion South as a pivotal bridge for businesses navigating diverse cultural landscapes.

Brian's media acumen, honed through key roles at MTV Networks and the launch of innovative platforms, alongside his foundational work in the entertainment industry at Creative Artists Agency and Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Entertainment, equips him with the ability to craft compelling narratives. These skills are essential for amplifying the stories of businesses Connexion South aims to elevate. With numerous accolades, including an Emmy Nomination and a Grammy Nomination, and his role as an Advisor to Zane Ventures, Brian's strategic vision and leadership are instrumental in propelling Connexion South towards its goal of achieving significant economic and cultural impact.