- Tournament veteran Michelle Gaylord named Atlantic Tournament Director
- Myles Blatt to head Marlin Expeditions with new destinations, formats
- Keeley Hemmel promoted to Marketing Director across all group activities
For Immediate Release
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February 4, 2026 — The Marlin Group today announced a series of strategic leadership appointments and organizational advancements designed to further strengthen its position as the world’s most authoritative big-game fishing network. These moves reflect a continued investment in leadership, innovation, and operational excellence across the company’s media, tournament, and experiential platforms.
At the center of the announcement are three leadership advancements that collectively signal The Marlin Group’s next phase of growth:
Michelle Gaylord named Tournament Director for Atlantic events
Tournament and industry veteran Michelle Gaylord officially joins The Marlin Group as Atlantic Tournament Director, overseeing the group’s flagship franchise, the Bermuda Triple Crown, as well as the Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands. Gaylord brings extensive tournament experience, deep relationships across the competitive billfishing world, and a proven skillset to deliver best-in-class angler experiences. In her new role, she will focus on elevating tournament execution, strengthening angler engagement, and continuing to set the global standard for professionally run, conservation-minded competition.
Myles Blatt appointed Director of Marlin Expeditions
Myles Blatt has been named Director of Marlin Expeditions, marking a strategic investment in the company’s experiential pillar. Blatt will lead the expansion of Marlin Expeditions into new destinations, instructional formats, and premium travel experiences, building on the program’s foundation of education, conservation, and access. With a background spanning global sales leadership, brand development, and hands-on sport-fishing experience, Blatt is uniquely positioned to scale Marlin Expeditions into a world-class platform that mirrors the authority and reach of The Marlin Group’s media and tournament brands.
Keeley Hemmel promoted to Marketing Director
Keeley Hemmel has been promoted from Senior Marketing Manager to Marketing Director, assuming oversight of marketing strategy across all group activities, including the recently acquired InTheBite. Hemmel has played a key role in modernizing brand voice, expanding digital reach, and driving integrated marketing initiatives across platforms. In her expanded role, she will lead long-term brand strategy, audience growth, and cross-channel storytelling as The Marlin Group continues to evolve as a global media and events leader.
“These appointments represent a deliberate investment in the future of The Marlin Group,” said David Ritchie, CEO. “Each of these leaders brings a unique skill set that strengthens our core pillars while positioning us for continued growth. This is about building the infrastructure, talent, and vision needed to serve the big-game community at the highest level—for decades to come.”
Connor Motsko, sales manager, will be leaving the company to pursue his own entrepreneurial interests. We thank him for his many contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
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About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and InTheBite, the market leading magazine for sportfishing captains for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.