Topps has promoted Michael Brandstaedter to Chief Executive Officer. According to the company, Brandstaedter “will retain the title of President and focus on advancing the evolution of Topps’ consumer products portfolio.”
Brandstaedter joined the company in 2009 as General Manager of the Global Confectionery business. He most recently served as Topps’ President and COO where he’s been credited with strengthening partnerships with important properties such as Major League Baseball and Star Wars as well as overseeing the development of global soccer and new partnerships including UEFA Champions League. Brandstaedter also has been integral in the growth of the Topps Digital Apps business, now headquartered in Orlando, FL.
“I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to work across such a diverse and dynamic set of categories with a team that is committed to pushing the boundaries through constant innovation,” said Brandstaedter. “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last several years and even more energized by the continuous pursuit of future growth prospects.”
Ryan O’Hara served as Topps’ last CEO until early 2013 when he resigned and Brandstaedter filled what was described as a “liaison” role between Topps and its ownership group. Topps was acquired by Michael Eisner’s The Tornante Company and private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners in October 2007.
In confirming the promotion, Andy Redman, President and COO of Tornante and Chairman of Topps, said, “Mike’s continued success can be attributed to his deep knowledge of our brands, focused leadership and unmatched passion for the company’s products, customers and employees. He’s led Topps’ expansion in confectionery, brought new licenses to sports and entertainment and enabled rapid digital evolution. I couldn’t be more confident in our decision to appoint Mike to drive the next stage of expansion for Topps.”
Michael Eisner added, “This is the perfect time for Mike to become Topps’ Chief Executive Officer. He’s a strong leader at a time when Topps is in a strong position. Mike is unique in his ability to translate vision and strategy into world-class execution, bringing together the teams and creative innovation for continued growth.”
“Mike has proven himself to be an intelligent, driven and accomplished leader at Topps,” said Madison Dearborn Partners Managing Director, Jim Perry. “His appointment to Chief Executive Officer is well deserved and he is the right choice to deliver enhanced value to our investors.”
Prior to joining Topps, Brandstaedter worked for over a decade in marketing roles at Nabisco and Kraft Foods, leading various businesses in the snacks and confections categories, including LifeSavers Candy, Planters Nuts and Oreo Cookies. A native of New York, Brandstaedter earned a B.S. from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
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