Topps seemed to be in disarray a few years ago. The direction of the company was called into question by members of its Board of Directors. Business wasn't that good. There was even talk of a takeover by Upper Deck. It all seems like ancient history now.
It's believed that sales and public perception is better. Topps was sold to a group headed by former Disney chief Michael Eiser. Positive publicity has been generated thanks to concepts like the Million Card Giveaway. A quirky online comedy series "Back on Topps" drew good reviews. The company renewed its arm-in-arm relationships with Major League Baseball and the NFL.
Now, there's a new CEO.
Ryan O'Hara took over last February. The 41-year-old has traded life in his native California for New York City, having spent time at Fox Sports, Nestle and TV Guide among other places.
His business and sports backgrounds--not to mention the Harvard MBA--made him a natural candidate.
However, in this first person account of his life for the New York Times, O'Hara revealed that his big business career started in baseball cards---when he was in the sixth grade.
