Long-Time Entertainment Executive Don Gold Exits UFC, Relocates To Los Angeles
Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) November 02, 2015 -- Don Gold, former UFC® Executive Vice President of Entertainment and most recently the Chief Revenue Officer for UFCFIT®, today announced he is departing from the Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts organization in order to relocate to his hometown of Los Angeles.
"After more than 20 years of working with the UFC, it’s with a great sense of pride that I leave a company that not only means the world to me, but also means so much to millions and millions of others,” said Gold. "I send my deepest appreciation and warmest wishes to my expansive UFC family as I return to LA.”
Gold exits the UFC after being involved for two decades, back to its inception and first-ever live televised Pay-Per-View event featuring Royce Gracie in November 1993. Over the years, professionals in the entertainment, sports and television landscape have lauded Gold’s accolades and achievements. More profound, however, is the universal acclamation for his integrity, leadership and work ethic.
As EVP of Entertainment, Gold managed brand partnerships with EA Sports, LionsGate, Interscope Records, Jakks Pacific and Anchor Bay Home Entertainment, opening new markets and generating new revenue streams for the UFC.
Gold helped produce five top-selling UFC-branded video games for PlayStation, Xbox & Wii. Upon its debut in 2009, the video game “UFC Undisputed®,” which featured The Ultimate Fighter® Season One winner Forrest Griffin on the cover, was named Best Individual Sports Game of the Year.
Ron Schwartz, President and General Manager, Lionsgate Home Entertainment commented, "Don is humble with a high level of integrity, and genuinely cares about people. He recognizes and develops individual and team potential and makes loyalty a high priority. He is a great listener and emulates the traits of an effective leader.“
Bill Clark, President, Anchor Bay Entertainment said, "Throughout our partnership, Don has consistently exhibited a remarkable ability to exceed expectations through greater sales, increased profit margins, enhanced market share, and expanding geographic coverage. He has great ability in deal making, and operates with integrity, fairness and professionalism.”
Gold’s most recent industry honor was winning the 2014 Greensheet Award for Infomercial Excellence for UFCFIT, an
at-home fitness and nutrition program he co-created with famed coach and trainer Mike Dolce. The pair spent years planning, producing and bringing to market this UFC-inspired individual health and fitness program.
"I learned so much working with Don on the creation of the UFCFIT program,” said Dolce. “His experience in this category is off the charts. I’m positive that no one else but Don Gold could have made UFCFIT a reality. He knew exactly what to do, and how to do it, without compromising the brand integrity.”
"It’s been a privilege to work with so many legendary athletes, from Royce Gracie, to Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture, right up to today’s superstar Ronda Rousey,” said Gold. "It’s been an honor to work in mixed martial arts and help it grow into one of the fastest growing sports in the world. I’m excited to be headed back to LA where technology and innovation is thriving, and to apply all of my skills and assets to the next big thing.”
Jennifer Wenk, APR, STAR Public Relations, http://www.StarPRLasVegas.com, +1 (702) 635-0995, [email protected]
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