Seasoned operational executive to lead trading card company
Carlsbad, CA (June 1, 2010) – The Upper Deck Company, the worldwide leader in sports and entertainment trading cards, is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Meyer as its new President. A proven leader with more than 20 years of executive-level experience, Meyer brings enthusiasm, energy and a finely honed vision to Upper Deck as the company embarks on its 22nd year in business.
“I’ve been following Upper Deck for years and I am confident I can provide the kind of senior leadership the company needs, given my background in consumer products and operations improvement,” said Meyer, who most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Shuffle Master, Inc., the gaming industry's premier supplier of automatic card shufflers and proprietary table games. During his five-year tenure with Shuffle Master, Meyer played an instrumental role in growing the company’s revenue from $58M to $200M. He also played an integral part in expanding the company’s international presence by negotiating major acquisitions overseas to significantly increase business.
Prior to Shuffle Master, Meyer served as President of the Integrated Solutions Division of Concurrent Computer Corporation and has held leadership positions in a wide range of industries, including toy manufacturing, video game developing and publishing and turnaround/restructuring consulting. He brings significant in-the-trenches knowledge to his new post at Upper Deck. His impressive track record made him a terrific candidate for Upper Deck’s Founder and CEO Richard McWilliam.
“Paul is a proven leader who possesses enormous experience in a broad range of businesses, which made it compelling for me to bring him on board as our new President,” said McWilliam, who will remain as the company’s visionary. “As a company, we look forward to having Paul help lead us during 2010 and beyond.”
A born-and-bred New Yorker, Meyer grew up in Hicksville, Long Island and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from C.W. Post College. A lifelong Yankees’ fan, he enthusiastically shared that an autographed Derek Jeter jersey is his most cherished sports collectible.
“What do I look forward to most? Probably working with Upper Deck’s Product Development Team to identify ‘the next big thing,’” he answered when pressed about the trading card sector.
Asked to identify the greatest challenges facing Upper Deck in today’s hobby and retail marketplace, Meyer doesn’t hesitate with his answer. “The economy, increased competition and the need to continue to offer innovative products that collectors must have,” he said.
“Upper Deck’s reputation is one of producing matchless quality in sports and entertainment cards, unique collectibles and creative promotions,” he continued. “And it’s that kind of product innovation and investment in partnerships that will put Upper Deck back at the top.”
About Upper Deck
Upper Deck is the leading sports and entertainment trading card and collectibles company. For more information on Upper Deck and its products please visit www.upperdeck.com.
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Media Contact:
Terry Melia
Public Relations Manager, Upper Deck
760-929-3055; or terry_melia@upperdeck.com |