We are artists, innovators, disruptors and storytellers.
Versus at its core is a creative agency. We are artists, innovators, disruptors and storytellers. We are a lifestyle and entertainment company focused on developing innovative concepts that deliver unparalleled experiences. Bold creatives, disruptive visionaries and leading players in the industry are brought together at Versus, comprising a team that lives on the cusp of the next big thing. Beyond its own thriving collection of ventures within the hospitality, beauty and lifestyle industries, Versus has also gained recognition for its expertise in lifestyle/brand consulting and venue management. Versus is not for the conventional - in fact, we pride ourselves in breaking every rule we can find.
VINODA BASNAYAKE
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
Vinoda is an honors graduate from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business where he was a double major and double minor. He received the Dean's Citation for Outstanding Contribution to the Campus, received the Outstanding Student Leader Award and was selected student graduation speaker by his class. He received a joint degree from the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School of Business in 2008. Vinoda was previously appointed Commissioner of the Small and Local Business Opportunity Commission for DC by former Mayor Adrian Fenty, served on Mayor Muriel Bowser's Transition Team for Economic Development, was named to Muriel Bowser's ReOpen DC Advisory Committee for safe reopening during the pandemic. He was formerly the Chairman of the Board of DC Vote and sits on the boards of the Washington Institute, the Asian American Pacific Islander Victory Fund and the National Children's Museum. He was also the executive producer of the movie Sprinter with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Vinoda is one of Washington, DC’s top business entrepreneurs, specializing in the nightlife, hospitality and lifestyle industries. Vinoda has established himself as a sought-after retail guru whose mission is to open authentic concepts and invest in bold personalities.
In 2019, Vinoda was appointed to be the first Chairman of Nightlife and Culture of DC by Mayor Muriel Bowser. He has received numerous media honors and recognitions including being named Top 40 Entrepreneurs Under 40 by Washington Business Journal, Most Influential Under 40 by Washington Life Magazine for the past seven years and profiled for “journeying from party promoter to powerbroker” by the Washington Post. Vinoda is also the youngest partner at Nelson Mullins LLP, the fastest growing law firm in America. He is ranked in the Legal 500, has been named one of The Hill's Top Lobbyists and was recognized as Top Lobbyist of 2020 by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics.
PIERO SPADA
CHEIF OPERATING OFFICER
Piero grew up in the hospitality industry. His earliest memories are working at his parent's Italian restaurant. This led to his deep passion for the hospitality, lifestyle, and entertainment industries. Entertainment peaked his interest early in his career and he dabbled in acting and modeling in New York. His experience has been further developed by working with many different iconic venues between DC, New York and Pennsylvania. He found his home at Versus as he helps grow the company and expand its impressive portfolio. Piero received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from Albright College and is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
JOANNA RUBIN
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Self-motivated and with a fierce drive for success, Joanna Rubin has always been a true creative by nature with a deep passion for marketing. In 2018, she started her first e-commerce store, scaling its revenue to 6 figures in just under a year. She now carries an impressive marketing portfolio from building multiple successful e-commerce and digital marketing businesses of her own from the ground up. She joined Versus as Director of Marketing and helped the brands thrive in both a pandemic and a new digital world. She has spearheaded collaborations between the award-winning hospitality brand and numerous clients to create nationally-recognized events and experiences. Through her work and professional experience in marketing, digital advertising, and branding is currently focused on building the best and most innovative marketing and creative machine of a team to serve top clients from a variety of industries across the world.
DOUG FISHER
BEVERAGE DIRECTOR
Born and raised in New York, Doug has spent the better part of three decades in the food and beverage industry. After spending some time as a special education provider in the South Bronx and then as a real estate agent in Manhattan, he rediscovered his passion for food and beverage in California after moving to San Diego with his wife. Following a brief stint in the San Francisco Bay Area, Doug returned to the East Coast with his now family of four. Since moving to Washington, D.C., Doug has enjoyed becoming part of such a thriving food and beverage culture. He looks forward to growing and maturing within this competitive, yet tightly knit community of professionals.