• 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

For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact
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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.

Marlinmag.com has been relaunched to showcase all group initiatives under one umbrella. On this new site, users will find robust coverage of the big-game fishing boats, gear and destinations, along with updates on key issues impacting offshore fishing and the marine industry. The site will also serve as the key hub for Marlin Tournaments and Expeditions, where participants can register for upcoming events or gain access to live coverage of events in progress.

In 2024, The Marlin Group has aggressive growth plans across four core areas of focus:

Marlin Media
Marlin magazine, the big-game fishing authority for more than 40 years, will benefit in 2024 from enhancements in editorial, design and production values, ensuring that each issue is truly collectible. Digitally, focus will be applied to grow both digital audience and digital products. Sam White, an industry veteran with extensive experience in both media and tournaments, will continue to support growth initiatives as Editor-in-Chief.

Marlin Tournaments
The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica, the Bermuda Triple Crown, the Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands, and the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. In 2024, Tournament Director Jennifer Dudas will focus on introducing further enhancements to these prestigious events while also expanding the group’s footprint in international tournaments.

Marlin Expeditions
The Marlin Group regularly hosts anglers on Marlin Expeditions across the globe, with stops in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Australia and other billfishing hotspots. In 2024, additional expeditions for both individual anglers and corporate partners will be added, providing increased access to the world’s best fishing grounds, set against a backdrop of skill development. Leading this expansion is Capt. Jen Copeland, recently appointed Director, Marlin Expeditions. Copeland is uniquely qualified for this position, given her two decades of experience as a professional sportfishing captain as well as previously serving as senior editor of Marlin magazine and lead instructor for Marlin Expeditions.

Marlin Advocacy
Marlin has a long history of advocacy for the conservation of billfish and other pelagic species. This year, The Marlin Group will become even more active in the campaign to conserve the fishery and industry, with innovative marketing programs that align corporate support with worthy educational, research and advocacy causes. Franki Krock, Marketing Director, will play a key role in developing these advocacy programs and partnerships.

About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of Bonnier LLC, an outdoor-adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, motorsports and hunting.

Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.