WWE Exec to Head GLORY Sports International

SINGAPORE: Andrew Whitaker, a former WWE executive, has been hired as the new global CEO of GLORY Sports International, the parent company of the GLORY World Series kickboxing league.

As CEO, Whitaker will be in charge of opening a new office in the tri-state region of the U.S., among other duties. He will replace interim CEO Marcus Luer, the company’s co-founder, who will continue the role of managing director. 

Whitaker was previously managing partner of Kings Highway Media and executive VP of international for WWE, where he helped establish and expand the company’s business. He has also served on the GLORY Sports International board of directors as a non-executive director.

"We are excited that Andrew has agreed to assume the leadership mantel at GLORY in the pivotal role of CEO, on the front lines of our fast-growing organization," said GLORY Sports International chairman, co-founder and hedge fund investor Pierre Andurand. "Andrew’s breadth of global experience in the media space is a tremendous asset to GLORY’s day-to-day business.

"Andrew joining as CEO is an important milestone in the development of GLORY as a company and kickboxing as a sport. We’ve had an incredible first year—we have over 40 of the world’s top kickboxing athletes signed to us exclusively, we’ve staged four amazing events, achieved TV distribution in 200 countries and trended No. 1 globally on Twitter on New Year’s Eve 2012—GLORY and kickboxing are for real. As we start a new season in 2013, we have a calendar of over 10 events on 3 continents, an active global standard for athlete rankings, and we are rolling out a successful global format for kickboxing tournaments with our Grand Slams, Slams and Road to GLORY events. In addition, we are fully committed to entering the U.S. market, and we are delighted Andrew has joined GLORY to oversee all this growth."

"At the same time," Andurand continued, "this move will free up Marcus to focus on building the GLORY brand in the territories where his experience and business relationships are greatest."

"I am looking forward to taking a hands-on approach to driving the growth of what I have believed, for months, is an incredible combat sports entertainment product with tremendous global appeal," remarked Whitaker.

Whitaker continued: "Our kickboxing rules distinguish our sport by requiring elite athleticism, skill, and honor, from GLORY kickboxers, and produce some of the most exciting knockouts ever seen in combat sports. Our martial artists define the word ‘warrior,’ and our superb level of production makes our live events one of the most fan-friendly entertainment experiences in the world. GLORY has already redefined the standard for kickboxing, and has all the elements necessary to become a major player in the global sports industry."

"I look forward to working with Andrew again and continuing our successful partnership which began over 10 years ago while he was with WWE. Together, we ushered the wrestling brand into Asia," added Luer. "GLORY is truly a global product now, which operates on a 24/7 basis with events and offices across three different continents—the U.S., Europe and Asia."