Press Release
Wizard World, Inc. (symbol: WIZD) today announced that Michael Mathews, former CEO of interclick, inc. (ICLK) and a successful entrepreneur in guiding hyper-growth for companies in the digital marketing space, has joined Wizard World as Chairman of the Board. Mathews will help facilitate the planned growth and strategic direction of Wizard World, with the goal of developing digital properties that become the leading destinations for Pop Culture enthusiasts. Mr. Mathews will begin his new position effective immediately.
“Michael is one of the most innovative, creative and accomplished executives in guiding young, private-to-public digital marketing businesses to the hundred million plus revenue mark,” Wizard World CEO Gareb Shamus said. “Given Michael’s success with digital marketing firms CKS Group and Agency.com and most recently at interclick the past 3 years, I’m excited that he will now bring his strategic and critical thinking skills and his institutional investor relationships to Wizard World. I’m looking forward to him guiding us through our planned hyper-growth over the coming few years.”
“Gareb Shamus and his team at Wizard World have built tremendous momentum as a leader in the pop culture space with fans, celebrities, media and entertainment firms, both in their ever-growing event business and in their new digital properties. I am excited to help accelerate this momentum and increase its velocity on the digital side,” Mathews said. I believe that the Company is poised to fuel that passion with its compelling and inclusive digital platforms and that the potential for growth is profound.”
Mathews joins the board of Wizard World after serving as Chief Executive Officer at interclick, inc., one of the leading technology companies in providing data-driven advertising solutions for major digital marketers. He served as CEO from August, 2007 through January, 2011, and remains as a Director on their board. Mathews also serves as a Director at 5to1, Inc. (FTOH.OB). He helped grow digital businesses while holding senior management positions at Agency.com (President), World Avenue, CKS Group, and BBDO Worldwide. Mathews began his career in the 1980’s in Sales & Marketing at Intel Corporation, and is a graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in Marketing. He also holds a Masters in Business Administration from Golden Gate University.
About Wizard World, Inc.
In addition to the new online publication Wizard World, the company Wizard World, Inc. (the “Company”) is a producer of Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America. These events feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists, writers and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, exhibitors, retailers, panels, and costume contests. The Company began its 2011 Comic Con Tour in New Orleans in January 2011, and has scheduled 10 additional Comic Cons in 2011 in large cities such as Anaheim, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Austin, and Boston.
3 Comments
…and they used to publish a magazine.
hyper-growth? Really?
“Hyper-growth” means “more comic cons that are actually small-scale wrestling exhibitions with some comic dudes invited”. Jobs be damned – Wizard can’t go out of business fast enough & free up the con scene for people who actually care.
I read the title as “Wiz World Incapacitates Chairman of the Board.”
Umm, yeah. I’m going to add “Hyper-Growth!!!” to my linkedIn profile.