Topps Appoints Michael Brandstaedter As CEO

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Topps Company, Inc., a leading creator of confectionery, sports cards and entertainment products, today announced the promotion of Michael Brandstaedter to Chief Executive Officer. In the new position, Brandstaedter will retain the title of President and focus on advancing the evolution of Topps' iconic consumer products portfolio.

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."

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 has been instrumental in strengthening partnerships with premier 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 fueling significant growth with the recent creation of the Topps Digital Apps business, which has helped redefine trading cards and collecting in the digital space.

"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."

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.

About Topps:  Founded in 1938, The Topps Company, Inc. is the preeminent creator and brand marketer of physical and digital sports cards, entertainment cards and collectibles and distinctive confectionery products. Topps' leading sports and entertainment products include Major League Baseball, National Football League, Major League Soccer, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, Bundesliga, Indian Premier League, Star Wars, WWE, UFC, Wacky Packages®, Garbage Pail Kids®, Mars Attacks® and other trading cards, sticker albums collections and collectibles. Topps' app portfolio, including Topps® BUNT®, Topps NFL HUDDLE®, TOPPS KICK®, Topps® UFC® Knockout, Topps® WWE Slam®, Topps® The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead: Card Trader and Topps® Star Wars™: Card Trader, has been a hit with millions of fans around the world. Topps' confectionery brands include Ring Pop®, Push Pop®, Baby Bottle Pop®, Juicy Drop® Pop, Crunchkins™ and Bazooka® bubble gum. Topps was acquired by Michael Eisner's Tornante Company and Madison Dearborn Partners in October 2007. For additional information, visit Topps.com and Candymania.com.

SOURCE The Topps Company, Inc.

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