Bonnier LLC

The Marlin Group Announces Substantial Investments in Marlin Magazine Bonnier LLC, publisher of Marlin magazine, has announced massive investments that will further strengthen Marlin’s position of leadership within the big-game fishing industry. Collectively, the investments will represent the most substantial enhancements to the magazine since its launch in 1982. Beginning in January 2025, Marlin will feature a new publishing schedule that will include six bimonthly issues plus a seventh “bookazine” special issue in late 2025 commemorating the best of big-game angling. Every issue of Marlin will feature heavier cover stock and improved interior paper, as well as a wider trim size to showcase enhancements in editorial and design. “Print remains a vibrant component of our audience strategy,” said David Ritchie, Marlin Group CEO. “In 2025, we’re improving everything about the magazine. Readers will feel the difference in the paper quality, and they’ll see the design enhancements that come with our wider trim size. With a consistent bimonthly schedule, our readers and clients can look forward to their issues with anticipation, enhancing the overall reading experience.” “What these investments really reflect is a shift in mindset,” said Jack Vitek, Editor-in-Chief. “Marlin is not just a magazine that people subscribe to. It is the journal for a close-knit community of like-minded anglers, and our product needs to reflect that. Each issue needs to be a collectible keepsake that is showcased on every salon table. Everything we have in store for 2025 is borne out of that line of thinking.” The commitment to reader experience extends beyond print. A new publishing schedule has also been developed to drive increased engagement and retention across all of the group’s digital channels, most notably email, where caps on send volume will ensure Marlin Group emails stand out in the in-box. “For more than 40 years, Marlin has been at the center of all things big-game fishing, and the investments we’re making in 2025 reflect our continuing  commitment to this passionate community,” Ritchie said. To subscribe, go to marlinmag.com/subscribe For more, bonniercorp.com/news

2024 Bermuda Triple Crown Shatters Records +300 blue marlin caught and released 1,268-pound blue marlin, world’s largest of 2024 +$4 million in prize money awarded +5 million in social media reach Bermuda showcased its wonders during the 2024 Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship, producing a truly world-class experience highlighted by historic catches, record payouts, and an electric tournament atmosphere. A fleet of 52 boats from the U.S. and Bermuda competed with a record of $4,127,250 in prize money awarded across the three-tournament series. Participating anglers caught 353 billfish during the championship’s nine days of fishing, including 310 blue marlin and 39 white marlin. Nine blue marlin were weighed during the series, the largest being a massive 1,268-pound fish that took the big-game fishing world by storm. “We knew early in the spring that we had something special happening with this year’s series,” said David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group, operator of the Bermuda Triple Crown. “Interest in our new jackpot structure was through the roof, the marinas were all reporting record bookings, and sponsor support had never been stronger. That monster fish was the cherry on top.” The 1,268-pounder – the third largest in Bermuda history and largest marlin caught anywhere in the world thus far in 2024 – helped generate global interest in the Bermuda Triple Crown, as evidenced by the series’ organic social media reach of more than 5 million in the month of July. For decades, some of the finest sport-fishing teams in the world have traveled to Bermuda each July in pursuit of world-class fishing and to compete in the prestigious Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship. The three legs of the Bermuda Triple Crown comprise the Bermuda Billfish Blast, the Bermuda Big Game Classic, and the Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament. The champion of the Bermuda Triple Crown is determined by the highest overall combined points of all three tournaments. Viking Yachts’ new demonstrator vessel, the Viking 82, won this year’s championship through consistent performance across all three legs. The team released 15 blue marlin and one white marlin, and weighed a 622-pound blue marlin, to accumulate 8,222 total points. The Viking 82 team headed home with combined winnings of $616,129 from their success throughout the series. The 62-foot Spencer, Fender Bender, finished in second place. Their releases of 15 blue marlin and one white marlin earned them top boat in the Bermuda Billfish Blast, and their second-place finish in the overall series brought their total series payout to $621,188. Sea Striker, a 61-foot Jarrett Bay, took third place in the series and received $505,218 in combined winnings, releasing 14 blue marlin and one white marlin over the three legs. Thanks to its 1,268-pounder, a local charter boat, the UnWined, claimed top blue marlin of the series, taking home a check for $482,240. For more: bonniercorp.com/news

Jack Vitek joins The Marlin Group as new Editor-in-Chief The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, completes a senior management makeover nearly six months in the making with the appointment of Jack Vitek as its new Editor-in-Chief. Vitek joins Marlin after nearly 15 years of service to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), most recently as its Marketing Director. “When we set out to find a new Editor-in-Chief who could help us elevate our content strategy across all Marlin Group activities, we were looking for someone who checked three boxes,” said David Ritchie, Marlin Group CEO. “First, we needed someone who has time in the cockpit and understands the big-game fishing industry. Second, we were looking for someone who had experience in the publishing of print and digital content. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we needed a good cultural fit for the team, someone who could represent Marlin out on the docks or at a boat show. That’s a tall order, but we found that and more in Jack Vitek.” In taking on the new role with Marlin, Vitek will be charged with developing and executing a content strategy that fully integrates all four Marlin Group pillars – media, tournaments, expeditions and advocacy. “Jack’s personal enthusiasm for big-game fishing, combined with his long experience at the IGFA, gives him a strong foundation to help us better leverage our tournaments and expeditions as content factories,” Ritchie said. “And given his wide-ranging efforts to promote the conservation of game fish, he will play a key role in helping us build out Marlin’s advocacy platform.” At the IGFA, Vitek was responsible for all of the association’s media activities, corporate partnerships, tournaments, and world records, leveraging content to promote the association’s membership while also advocating for responsible stewardship of all pelagic species. “For more than 40 years, Marlin has been the definitive voice of big-game angling and synonymous with excellence,” Vitek said. “I’m honored, humbled and excited to join the talented team at the Marlin Group, where we will work to raise the bar on Marlin’s tradition of excellence as we promote the lifestyle, culture and passion of big-game angling.” The hiring of Vitek, effective July 1, follows new appointments for all senior management positions within the group, starting with Natasha Lloyd to Publisher & Vice President in January of 2024. Other recent appointments include Dave Morel as Sales Director, Jennifer Dudas as Tournament Director, Capt. Jen Copeland as Expeditions Director, and Andrea Winters as Marketing Director.

2024 Offshore World Championship a Success by Any Measure This year’s running of the Costa Offshore World Championship in Quepos, Costa Rica was a huge success by any measure, with 42 teams from 24 countries and six continents competing to be named the globe’s Offshore Champion. The field of 198 anglers released 699 billfish over four days, averaging 16.4 billfish releases per team. The winning team, Marlin Rio from Brazil, released 33 sailfish for 6,600 points and the victory. To win the OWC, competitors must best a field of anglers who are themselves champions, having qualified for attendance by winning or placing in a qualifying event within the prior year. “The OWC truly is unique in this world,” Marlin Group CEO David Ritchie said to the assembled anglers on the event’s opening night. “You can’t buy your way here. You have to earn your way here. Each of you who are here today are champions already, and this week, one of you will fish your way to the top of this impressive field, a pinnacle achievement in big-game fishing.” While Costa Rica is well-known for its vibrant culture, lush natural scenery and friendly locals—as well as the unrivaled excitement of its offshore fishing action—this Central American gem really pulled out all the stops for this year’s running. The Costa Rica Tourism Institute, Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, joined title sponsor, Costa, to host four days of head-to-head competition amid one of the most consistent billfish fisheries on the planet. Read More: https://lnkd.in/e___xzMA

The Marlin Group Enhances Leadership Team Andrea Winters joins as Marketing Director Search underway for Editor-in-Chief May 21, 2024 – WINTER PARK, FL – The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, is enhancing its leadership team in pursuit of ambitious growth plans across all activities. Andrea Winters, a seasoned marketing professional from Newport, North Carolina, joins The Marlin Group team as Marketing Director, reporting to Natasha Lloyd, Publisher and Vice President of Sales. Winters comes to The Marlin Group with a portfolio full of related experience, having led marketing and social media campaigns for Gregory Poole Marine since 2019. Prior to that, she worked as a freelance marketing and social media specialist in support of Cat Marine, Winter Custom Yachts, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and other marine clients. “Working in the sportfishing industry has never been a job for me,” said Winters. “It is a lifestyle and a life-long passion that chose me well before I chose it. I grew up immersed in this sport, and around people and vessels that sparked many dreams. Those dreams are now coming true as I join the Marlin team.” Lloyd and Marlin Group CEO, David Ritchie, hand-selected Winters from a crowded field of applicants, based on the ideal mix of strategic and operational skills she brings to the table. “With both a corporate and freelance background in the big-game fishing industry, Andrea is a home run for The Marlin Group,” Lloyd said. “She knows how the business works, she knows how to speak to anglers and boat owners in an authentic way, and she has a brain full of great ideas to help us and our clients elevate our brands. I am excited to watch her succeed in her position in the coming months and years.” Meanwhile, The Marlin Group is also seeking a new Editor-in-Chief who can lead a multichannel content strategy across all group franchises and activities. “We’ve traditionally viewed content through the lens of the magazine first and foremost,” said Ritchie. “Going forward we’re seeking a content strategist who can help us develop a more integrated approach across all Marlin Group platforms. Tournaments and Expeditions are incredible content factories, and we’re in search of someone who can help leverage those opportunities, especially across our digital channels.” Ritchie, who was editor of Marlin early in his career, will serve as interim EIC during the search.

The Marlin Group Expands as the World’s Largest Big-Game Fishing Network   ●    David Ritchie takes the helm as Group CEO ●    Expansion in Media, Tournaments, Expeditions and Advocacy ●    Natasha Lloyd named VP Sales; Dave Morel joins as Sales Director; Capt. Jen Copeland named Marlin Expeditions Director ●    marlinmag.com becomes digital hub for all activities February 14, 2024 – WINTER PARK, FL – Bonnier LLC, publisher of Marlin magazine, has announced organizational changes and investments that will significantly expand Marlin’s global footprint within the big-game fishing community.   Leading this expansion is David Ritchie, The Marlin Group CEO and former Marlin editor-in-chief. “David Ritchie is the ideal person to lead The Marlin Group,” said Jens Mueffelmann, Executive Chairman of Bonnier LLC. “He has been connected to Marlin for more than 35 years—as its editor-in-chief, as a client, and in a variety of C-suite positions, helping to foster its success. He has fished our tournaments, has attended our expeditions and knows our clients. I have utmost confidence in his stewardship of the group.”   “To say that Marlin is close to my heart does not adequately capture the affection that I have for this brand,” Ritchie said. “To once again apply full focus to building on the Marlin Group’s already dominant position in the marketplace is incredibly gratifying and energizing. I am really proud of the team we’ve assembled, and have high confidence in our growth plans.” Anchoring that team is Natasha Lloyd, recently appointed as Vice President, Sales.   “In her role as Publisher, Natasha has been the champion for Marlin for 27 years,” said Ritchie. “No one has their finger on the pulse of the offshore fishing industry like she does, and I’m thrilled Natasha will continue to drive expansion across all Marlin Group activities in her new role.”    Ritchie also recruited industry veteran Dave Morel to join The Marlin Group as Sales Director. Morel brings with him decades of experience as a sales executive within the marine category, having held leadership positions at boat dealerships, ad agencies, boat and engine manufacturers and several leading marine publications.   “Dave Morel joining the team is a huge development,” said Ritchie. “He is a pro, is well-respected by everyone in the industry, and was able to hit the ground running on Day One. I cannot imagine anyone better suited to help drive Marlin’s growth plans.” Collectively, The Marlin Group—incorporating print and digital media, international fishing tournaments and global expeditions—reaches a half million boat owners, anglers, captains and mates annually. To learn more about about The Marlin Group's aggressive growth plans across four core areas of focus, read the full release here: https://lnkd.in/eaWRry2N