Topps has hired the CEO of an English pro soccer club to manage its International Sports and Entertainment division, but he’s no stranger to the company.
Mark Catlin has served as CEO of Portsmouth FC for the past eight years and under Topps Chairman Michael D. Eisner’s ownership of the club for the past four years.
He’ll be responsible for Topps’ business outside North America and Japan, which includes some of the most highly recognized licenses in the European and Global sports and entertainment industry, such as the UEFA Champions League, the German Bundesliga, F1, Star Wars, WWE and the SPFL.
“Mark is one of the best businessmen I have known throughout my career, which prompted me to introduce him to Topps,” said Eisner. “I am thrilled Topps saw what I’ve seen in Mark and wanted his enormous skills for the company. His knowledge of sports, and global football specifically, and his general business experience make him a natural for this role.”
Catlin will assume his new role on June 1, reporting to Global Manager of Sports and Entertainment David Leiner. Topps CEO Michael Brandstaedter says Catlin’s “deep network across the global business landscape will help us strengthen and expand the Topps portfolio outside the U.S.”
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