Former WWE co-presidents George Barrios and Michelle Wilson announced their new company, Isos Capital Management.
Barrios and Wilson, who were released from their WWE jobs on January 30 last year, will identify and run attractive investment opportunities in the global media, sports and entertainment industries with the new venture.
“Global connectivity has sparked unprecedented disruptions in the creation, distribution and consumption of content. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated these changes and requires a new strategic framework for success,” Barrios said in a press release. “In this scenario, Michelle and I see unique opportunities for growth and value creation across the media, entertainment and sports ecosystem.”
Barrios and Wilson started at WWE in 2008, and worked their way up to the co-president until he left in January last year. The Isos announcement looked at how they worked together in WWE, making the company “one of the most successful multiplatform media businesses in the world into traditional, digital, social and consumer direct media platforms. Working together for over 11 years , Barrios and Wilson’s experience in strategic transformation and value creation led to record revenue, profit and market capitalization. “
“There is no better time to invest in the industry and we believe that Isos offers a distinct advantage in the market. We are a company built by operators for operators and we bring proven strategies and innovative thinking to help media, entertainment and sports companies win in the long run. term, “Wilson said in the press release. “George and I have worked together for more than a decade and demonstrate how to achieve revolutionary results in an evolving landscape. We are eager to use our experience, insights, network and capital in partnership with management teams to accelerate growth and improve meeting needs. consumer. “
Below is the full press release issued today about Isos Capital Management, based in Westport, CT, about 20 minutes from WWE HQ in Stamford, CT:
Media and entertainment executives George Barrios and Michelle Wilson announce the formation of Isos Capital Management
Company with a unique position to identify and execute attractive investment opportunities in the global media, entertainment and sports industries
WESTPORT, Conn., January 11, 2021 / PRNewswire / – Media and entertainment executives George Barrios and Michelle Wilson today announced the formation of Isos Capital Management (“Isos” or “Firm”) to identify and execute investment opportunities attractive by leveraging their unique operational experience, insights and network.
Isos co-founders plan to invest in businesses that fit their megatrend theses that shape the industry and provide value creation through brand growth, digital transformation and globalization. Isos will target early stage, growth and advanced media, entertainment and sports companies and will consider a variety of investment vehicles.
Mr. Barrios and Ms. Wilson bring in-depth industry experience, having worked for leading global companies in the media and sports sectors, including the National Basketball Association, Time Warner, HBO, The New York Times and the United States Tennis Association . Most recently, they served as Co-Chairs of WWE, Inc. (“WWE”), where they co-led the company’s day-to-day operations and strategy, making WWE one of the most successful multiplatform media businesses in the world on traditional, digital, social and direct-to-consumer media platforms. Working together for over 11 years, Barrios and Wilson’s experience in strategic transformations and value creation has led to record revenue, profit and market capitalization.
“Global connectivity has triggered unprecedented disruptions in content creation, distribution and consumption. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated these changes and requires a new strategic framework for success,” said Mr. Barrios. “In this scenario, Michelle and I see unique opportunities for growth and value creation across the media, entertainment and sports ecosystem.”
“There is no better time to invest in the industry and we believe that Isos offers a distinct advantage in the market. We are a company built by operators for operators and we bring proven strategies and innovative thinking to help media, entertainment and sports companies win in the long run. term, “said Ms. Wilson. “George and I have worked together for more than a decade and demonstrate how to achieve revolutionary results in an evolving scenario. We are eager to use our experience, insights, network and capital in partnership with management teams to accelerate growth and better meet needs consumer. “
About George Barrios, founder and co-CEO, Isos
Mr. Barrios is an award-winning c-suite executive and most recently served as co-chair and board member of WWE. In 2017, Institutional Investor ranked George among the top 3 CFOs in the media industry as part of its Latin American executive team ranking. He joined WWE in 2008 as Director of Strategy and Finance. He previously held leadership positions in finance, strategy and operations at the New York Times, Praxair, Time Warner and HBO. He received his MBA from the University of Connecticut School of Business. He currently serves as President of the National Council of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.About Michelle Wilson, founder and co-CEO, Isos
Ms. Wilson is a leading sports and entertainment executive and, most recently, served as co-chair and board member of WWE. In 2018, Forbes named Ms. Wilson one of the 10 most powerful women in the sport. She was also featured on the Adweek 50 list, which highlights top executives in Media, Marketing and Technology, and named one of Sports Illustrated’s 10 Most Influential Women in Sports. She joined WWE in 2009 and, prior to her appointment as co-president, served as director of revenue and marketing. Previously, Michelle served as marketing director for the United States Tennis Association, oversaw all marketing efforts for the launch of XFL, a partnership between WWE and NBC, and held brand and consumer product management positions in the NBA and Nabisco , respectively. She received her MBA from Harvard Business School.About Isos Capital Management
Headquartered in Westport, CT, Isos Capital Management is an independent investment company focused on identifying and executing investment opportunities in the media, entertainment and sports industries. With its deep operational, strategic, digital and brand experience, the company partners with management teams to accelerate growth, transform its business models and better meet the needs of tomorrow’s consumers and customers. Isos invests in early stage, growth and advanced stage media, sports and entertainment companies and considers a variety of investment vehicles. For more information, visit www.isoscap.com.