Wizard World, Inc. (the “Company” or “Wizard World”), a leading producer of entertainment and pop culture events in North America, today announced that it has promoted Randy Malinoff to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. The announcement was jointly made by Paul Kessler, Chairman of the Board, and John D. Maatta, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wizard World with Mr. Malinoff reporting directly to Mr. Maatta.
Based at the Company’s Los Angeles headquarters, Mr. Malinoff will continue to work closely with the various divisions of Wizard World and its partners to further extend the Company’s business, digital strategy and reach across current and emerging platforms. Tasked with operational responsibility and strategic growth initiatives, Mr. Malinoff will continue to drive development and execution of activities in the entertainment, online and transactional sectors. He will also be responsible for identifying strategic partnerships to grow the Company’s footprint as well as identifying next generation advertising and distribution channels to open new revenue streams.
Mr. Malinoff has served as interim Chief Operating Officer of Wizard World since March 2016 and has already pioneered a new chapter in pop culture entertainment with the introduction of the Wizard World Music Series – the first-ever concert series to accompany a pop culture and entertainment convention. The series launched during Wizard World’s Philadelphia show on June 3, 2016, featuring a headlining performance by award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Grimes. In addition, Melanie Martinez, a visually oriented singer-songwriter, is scheduled to perform during Wizard World’s Columbus show on July 29, 2016. Additional performance dates and headliners will be announced by the Company throughout the year.
“Innovation, leadership and imagination are essential to expanding our business even further, and there is no one better equipped to do this than Randy,” stated Paul Kessler, Chairman of the Board at Wizard World. “Not only has he been at the forefront of pioneering new models in such a challenging, competitive environment, but he has led the way in developing new business ventures with key strategic media, entertainment and technology partners.”
“It is a new day at Wizard World. We are working on a number of important initiatives intended to transform the Company into a significant media and live event platform. Through this new position, we have created a more comprehensive, integrated approach to implementing and growing our business,” said John D. Maatta, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wizard World. “It is our belief that Randy’s appointment will further enhance and maximize value for our shareholders, talent and business partners, as we move into new areas and drive new growth. We are confident that Randy will assist us in implementing the substantive plans that we have for Wizard World.”
Mr. Malinoff joined Wizard World on the heels of his most recent position as Senior Vice President and Head of Direct to Consumer E-Commerce for Universal Music Group, where he was tasked with directing and executing all aspects of the company’s global e-commerce operations.
Prior to his position with Universal Music Group, Mr. Malinoff served as Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing for Universal Pictures and Executive Vice President and General Manager of Ktel Records.
“Wizard World possesses an exciting portfolio of opportunity in pop culture, live music events, media and entertainment,” stated Randy Malinoff, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Wizard World. “I am thankful to Paul and John for this exciting opportunity. Wizard World has been on the leading edge of the pop culture business and I look forward to creating and advancing initiatives that will keep Wizard World at the forefront of this developing marketplace.”
About Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD)
Wizard World, Inc. produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched the new music concert series, the Wizard World Store, CONtv, a digital media channel in collaboration with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™, and ComicConBox™, a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.
Wizard World 2016 schedule available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.
