Legends International Names Michael Gandler as First-Ever Chief Revenue Officer
Legends International today announced the appointment of Michael Gandler in the newly created role of Chief Revenue Officer for the business. With a career spanning more than 20 years in the global sports and entertainment industry, Gandler has led the commercialisation and marketing of some of the world’s most prominent sports and entertainment properties.
Gandler’s hiring is part of Legends continued investment in the company’s ever-growing international division and follows recent appointments of Martin Jennings as Managing Director of the UK and Head of Global Planning and Jens König as Managing Director of Central Europe. In his new position, Gandler will drive new business and growth opportunities for Legends International and work alongside the Managing Directors in their strategic regional countries to deliver Legends unique 360-degree platform. Gandler will be based in Italy where Legends International will open a new office.
“The addition of Michael to work across our international business is part of our continued investment in growing Legends International, and one that the market demanded,” said Mike Tomon, Co-President and COO, Legends. “Michael brings a wealth of experience operating and driving revenue across all areas of our integrated 360º solution and his arrival will further foster Legends International’s expansion and offer another level of expertise for our clients.”
Legends International is partnered with many of the world’s most iconic sports, entertainment, and attractions brands, including Real Madrid CF, Liverpool FC, The Shard, Rugby World Cup 2019 and 2021, UFC, The European Tour and Ryder Cup. Clients benefit from comprehensive services through six global operating divisions – Global Planning, Global Sales, Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Global Merchandise and Global Technology Solutions – which offer best-in-class leadership and integrated 360º solutions.
Gandler joins Legends following roles in Italy as CEO of Serie B club Como 1907 and as the Chief Revenue Officer for FC Internazionale di Milano (Inter Milan) where he oversaw all areas of commercialisation for the club, including media rights, sponsorship, retail, licensing, ticketing, international academies and the clubs global marketing efforts. Prior to joining Inter Milan, Gandler was the Founder and President of Major League Revenue, a boutique agency specialising in the commercialisation of sports and entertainment properties. Earlier he was Vice President at Major League Soccer, where he oversaw global sponsorships and media. In addition to his work on the property side of the business, Gandler spent time working for sports marketing agencies, overseeing business development and marketing efforts for IMG College properties as well as some of the most prestigious events across the Americas including the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Copa America and FIFA World Cup Qualifying.
Gandler holds a B.A. in Economics from Connecticut College and an M.S. in Sports Management conducted by the Centre International d”Etude du Sport in conjunction with FIFA.