GLORY Kickboxing announced recently that Marshall Zelaznik will return to the company as the new CEO, starting immediately.
Zelaznik previously held the CEO position at GLORY from 2018 to 2020, a period during which the organization expanded its distribution network worldwide. During this period it also received impressive sponsorship revenue.
He played a key role in organizing the highly popular GLORY: COLLISION 2 event, which attracted over 30,000 attendees in the Netherlands at the end of 2019. His previous tenure ended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before rejoining GLORY, Zelaznik contributed significantly to the UFC’s media and international business for more than ten years, leading to substantial growth globally and the launch of the UFC Fight Pass platform. He then spent four years in the e-sports sector as CEO of Esports Engine, which was recently acquired by another organization.
Zelaznik explained:
“I am thrilled to be back at GLORY. I felt like there was unfinished business here due to the pandemic and now I am excited to come back to help usher GLORY into the next phase of growth. GLORY is the most exciting combat sports promotion on the planet, with a roster filled with the best stand-up strikers in the world competing in the most the thrilling form of combat. I believe there is unlimited potential and my goal is to ensure we continue to build on promoting the best fights, with the best fighters, and the most entertaining sport in the space. While I have been away, the team at GLORY has done an incredible job growing our fans and awareness for the sport & brand. I can’t think of a better group of people to join in driving GLORY to continued growth.”
Pierre Andurand GLORY Chairman and Co-Founder added:
“Marshall’s return is what GLORY needs, and we are delighted to have him back. He is the perfect fit for GLORY. His track record over the years in combat sports and business speaks for itself.”
The prior GLORY CEO was Maurice Hols who resigned from the position in Feb. after just a few months in the position. On social media, Hols said:
“The GLORY team was amazing to work with and I really would like to express my gratitude to all my colleagues, the athletes and our partners for their trust and support in me personally. I hope to have the opportunity to contribute to the world of combat in a different capacity in the future.”