Heidi Nel is a strategist and operator whose experience spans entertainment, government, and finance. As Chief Operating Officer at New Theory Ventures, she leads the execution and administration of key business, sustainability, and impact verticals, and is accountable for balancing fiduciary interests with non-financial environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to ensure the firm and its investments support people and the planet.
Prior to joining the team, Heidi was a Principal at The Raben Group, where she led the Impact Entertainment division and advised media companies including Sony Pictures Television and YouTube on how to utilize storytelling as a tool for social change. She also served as Executive Director of Represent Justice, the public engagement campaign of Warner Bros.’ acclaimed film Just Mercy.
Previously, Heidi was a Partner at Picture Motion and also served as an adjunct instructor at Duke University in the Sanford School of Public Policy. She has been featured in CNN International, Fast Company, Forbes, HuffPost, and Variety. She was recognized by The Case Foundation as a “Millennial Leader to Follow” and received the Media Impact Award from the PVBLIC Foundation and the United Nations Office for Partnerships. Originally from South Africa, Heidi grew up in Colorado and resides in Richmond, Virginia with her daughter, husband, and dog.