BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Raptor Group (“Raptor”) today announced that it has launched RaptorAccelerator, a new consulting business focused on providing specialized sales and revenue generation advisory services to companies in the sports, media, entertainment and content technology sectors. RaptorAccelerator is led by Managing Directors Mark Pannes, former Director of HSBC Private Bank’s Global Sports Group (GSG), and Sean Barror, former Senior Vice President of Sales for Madison Square Garden (MSG).
RaptorAccelerator has established an advisory board of veteran sports business, media and entertainment professionals, including: James J. Pallotta, Chairman and Managing Director of Raptor Group; Scott O’Neil, President of Madison Square Garden; Michael Mendenhall, President and Chief Operating Officer of LIPMAN; Richard E. Gotham, President of The Boston Celtics; and Nick Keller Founder and Managing Director of Benchmark Sport Holdings.
“We are delighted to have two of the most successful and highly regarded executives in the field leading this unique advisory firm. With more than 40 years of combined experience, including over $1 billion in sponsorship, rights and licensing deals, Mark and Sean have the perspective, track record and relationships necessary to unlock significant value for clients and set them on the fast track to revenue growth and commercial success,” said Pallotta.
Pannes commented, “Developing and rebuilding revenue engines for businesses – that’s what we do; what we’ve always done. RaptorAccelerator is a very targeted approach to help companies within or focused on the sports, media, entertainment and early stage tech sectors achieve commercial success more rapidly, both in the US and internationally.”
Barror continued, “Raptor Group’s exceptional network of infrastructure, capital and relationships provides a robust platform to propel our clients’ businesses forward. By leveraging the full extent of our resources and expertise, we provide a strong competitive advantage, accelerating commercial expansion.”
At MSG, Barror led all founding level sponsorships for the arena’s recent $850 million renovation. Prior to joining MSG, Barror spent six years running corporate sales and business development with the Boston Celtics. During his tenure as SVP Sales, the Celtics saw more than 300% growth of corporate revenue. Barror’s sales and development experience also includes managing digital media sales at Terra Lycos where he oversaw a landmark global digital rights deal with Manchester United, and Thomson Financial Systems and DST Financial Systems where he led sales efforts for institutional technology platforms.
At HSBC Private Bank, Pannes founded and built a global practice which managed nearly $1.5 billion for over 500 athletes and institutions worldwide. Prior to HSBC, he served as Managing Director of Paris Basket Racing, and is credited with the revitalization of club operations. Pannes’ notable sales and operations experience also includes a CEO position at Skilo Brand, a sports and entertainment consultancy business, and a CMO post at the New York Knicks during the 1990s.
RaptorAccelerator will operate independently from Raptor’s investment management activities.
About RaptorAccelerator
RaptorAccelerator, headquartered in Boston, MA, with offices in New York City and Austin, Texas, is a majority owned subsidiary of Raptor Group, a diversified financial services firm. RaptorAccelerator provides specialized sales and revenue generation advisory services to sports, media entertainment and content technology companies.