The Bio
A career built deliberately — at the intersection of operations, brand, and movement.
— Dia Simms · Co-Founder, Pronghorn
— Commercial operator
— Brand scaling strategist
— Spirits industry executive
— Deal and growth architect
— Long-term value builder
— Short Bio
A commercial operator, brand builder, and executive strategist with a proven record of scaling culture-shaping companies across spirits, entertainment, media, and consumer brands.
As Co-Founder and Board Chair of Pronghorn, Dia is helping lead a long-term initiative designed to create economic value, expand access, and transform the spirits industry. Her career spans leadership roles across Pronghorn, Lobos 1707, and Combs Enterprises, where she helped build and grow some of the most culturally influential brands in the marketplace.
Beginning in 2005 as an executive assistant and culminating in her historic 2017 appointment as President of Combs Enterprises — the first president in the company's thirty-year history outside of the original founder — Dia built the operational discipline behind one of culture's most influential portfolios.
Scaled global brands including CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka, Blue Flame Agency, AQUAhydrate, Bad Boy Entertainment, Sean John, and REVOLT TV — most notably translating CÎROC from a nascent product into a multibillion-dollar powerhouse. Later served as CEO and then Executive Chairwoman of Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal.
Co-Founder and Board Chair of Pronghorn — a ten-year initiative designed to diversify industries through investment, incubation, and recruitment, with the goal of generating $2 billion in U.S. economic value, beginning with the spirits industry.
— Built Together
— Pronghorn co-founders. A platform built in partnership.
— Recognition
Billboard's "Most Powerful Executives in the Industry," Ebony's "Power 100," Food & Wine's "Game Changers," and the United States Black Caucus "Women's Power 50." Bachelor's in psychology, Morgan State University. Master's in management, Florida Institute of Technology.