Dia Simms

An award-winning, entrepreneurial business leader, Dia Simms is the CEO of Lobos 1707 and was previously the first president of Combs Enterprises, the company created by mogul and music legend Sean “Diddy” Combs, who Forbes called, “Hip Hop’s first billionaire.” Legendary for her expertise in leading brand strategy and launching brands, she is a dynamic keynote with an inspiring story and valuable insights on business, leadership, and succeeding in a man’s world to become one of America’s few female and African American CEOs.

As a leader blazing new trails in the world’s most promising and innovative industries, Simms brings a track record of driving sales, maximizing revenues and leading high performance teams. She earned her reputation at Combs Enterprises, where she began working as Sean “Diddy” Combs’ executive assistant in 2005 and grew with the company, building multiple brands and businesses. Credited for turning Bad Boy Records into Combs Enterprises, Simms achieved success overseeing the portfolio of brands under the Combs empire which includes spirits, fashion, fragrance, and the Capital Prep schools. She also oversaw their award-winning in-house ad agency. One of her most notable achievements was transforming the previously unprofitable CÎROC ultra-premium vodka into a $2 billion retail value brand, selling over 16 million cases worldwide.

Ms. Simms’ many honors include: Ad Age Women to Watch, Billboard’s Most Powerful Executives in Music, Ebony Power 100, Maverick of the Year and the Diageo Global Marketing Brilliance Award. An active philanthropist and volunteer, she currently serves on the boards of Capital Preparatory Charter Schools and THREAD. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morgan State University, and a master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Bringing leadership in multiple industries, insightful perceptions and a captivating life story, Ms. Simms is a creative force that inspires and engages. Her dynamic presentations leave audiences motivated, informed and ready to take their work or life to the next level. She currently speaks nationally on a variety of topics including women’s empowerment, brand building, negotiating, marketing in a new America and diversity & inclusion.