The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, has named industry veteran, Dave Morel, as Publisher. Morel, who previously served as the group’s Sales Director, replaces Natasha Lloyd, who is retiring from day-to-day responsibilities after 28 years of service. Lloyd will continue to manage special projects for the brand as Publisher Emeritus.
“When we brought Dave Morel aboard as Sales Director, we did so knowing that we were also hiring Natasha Lloyd’s eventual successor,” said David Ritchie, Marlin Group CEO. “Dave has been a successful sales professional for some of the biggest media brands in the boating and fishing industry. He’s launched his own magazine, so he knows intuitively how to balance the needs of the client against the needs of the reader. And he also has been a client, working to manage a vibrant boat dealership during turbulent times. We know the Marlin brand is in good hands under his leadership.”
For Morel, the appointment represents a natural progression of leadership after selling across Bonnier’s former network of marine brands, which included the appointment as Publisher of both Salt Water Sportsman and Sport Fishing.
“This is such an amazing opportunity,” Morel said. “We are coming off the most significant year of strategic enhancements in Marlin’s 40-plus-year history, as we transformed what was just a magazine into a fully integrated network of complementary business pillars. Where we had advertisers before, we now have brand partners who benefit from integrated products and solutions that span across traditional media channels as well as a robust portfolio of best-in-class experiential events. The Marlin Group stands as the undisputed flagship for the global big-game community, and to be named Publisher at a time where we are positioned to strengthen that standing further is truly a dream come true.”
In announcing her retirement, effective at the end of February, Lloyd looks back on an impressive legacy in the big-game fishing industry.
“For more than 28 years, Natasha has carried the Marlin pennant proudly, and we are incredibly grateful for the many wonderful years that she dedicated to Marlin and to Bonnier,” Ritchie said. “Natasha is an icon in this industry, and for good reason. Setting Marlin up for success has been her steadfast mission, and she’s done that yet again in her departure, by hand-picking her successor. We are excited for her and wish her the very best in the future.”
In her new Publisher Emeritus role, Lloyd will provide consulting services and manage special projects for The Marlin Group. Recruiting is currently underway for an Associate Publisher/Sales Director to join The Marlin Group in a leadership position, reporting to Dave Morel. Interested candidates can apply here.
