Authentic Brands Group Hired New Communications Chief
Lark-Marie Antón joins the company to oversee global strategy as it prepares for an initial public offering.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Public Companies
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Authentic Brands Group has appointed Lark-Marie Antón as its chief communications officer. Antón will lead the firm's global brand strategy and corporate communications as it readies for a planned public offering in early 2027.
Why it matters
The hire positions the company to better articulate its expanding media and entertainment business to potential investors. This strategic move aims to clarify the firm's market identity ahead of its transition to a public company.
Authentic Brands Group recorded $2.2 billion in annual revenue and $1.8 billion in EBITDA. The company has also invested $2 billion in deals over the past 18 months.
The players
Lark-Marie Antón
She is the new chief communications officer at Authentic Brands Group who previously worked at USA Today Co.
Matt Maddox
He became the CEO of Authentic Brands Group in May 2026 and oversees the firm's executive committee.
Jamie Salter
He transitioned to the role of executive chairman at Authentic Brands Group in early 2026.
Steven Bartlett
He is a business partner who began working with Authentic Brands Group in September 2026.
The details
Antón, who previously led the Gannett rebrand to USA Today Co., will report directly to CEO Matt Maddox and serve on the firm's executive committee. Her role focuses on explaining the company's media and entertainment segment, which currently accounts for 20% of the business, as it prepares to stage 92 live events next year.
Timeline
January 2026: Jamie Salter transitioned to executive chairman.
May 2026: Matt Maddox became CEO.
September 2026: The company entered a partnership with Steven Bartlett.
First half 2027: Authentic Brands Group plans to go public.
Market Landscape
This hire mirrors the broader industry trend of brand management firms building internal media and events capacity to drive growth before entering public markets. It strengthens the company's competitive position against other diversified holding groups currently vying for market share.
The appointment signals an upcoming shift in how the company will communicate its brand presence to the public and retail customers. Clients and partners should expect more centralized messaging regarding the firm's media and entertainment initiatives as it approaches its 2027 IPO.
The takeaway
Strong corporate communication is a prerequisite for firms transitioning from private deal-making to the scrutiny of public stock markets. Investors and stakeholders should monitor how the company integrates its new media strategy to maintain its recent 24% total growth rate.
Further reading
For more on the latest corporate transitions, visit the Public Companies section.
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