Funko, Inc. CEO Brian Mariotti is taking a leave of absence and will cease serving as CEO. The move was made "with the full support of the Funko Board of Directors," according to the company’s announcement. Mariotti built the company into a global merch (including tabletop games) powerhouse, but its emergence from Covid has been painful; the company lost $61.1 million in its first quarter, which included a $30.1 million inventory write-off (see "Posts $61.1 Million Loss").
The role of CEO will be filled by director Michael Lunsford on an interim basis and the company undertakes a search for a new CEO. The role is a perfect fit for Lunsford, who has previously served as interim CEO of two public companies as they transitioned from the founders' tenures EarthLink and RealNetworks. Lunsford has had six previous CEO positions in all.
"Funko has been my labor of love for nearly two decades," Mariotti said in a statement accompanying the announcement. "While I'm going to step away from the day-to-day business to recharge my batteries, I plan to stay active on our Board. I hope to come back and contribute to Funko again in new creative ways. I look forward to seeing our team and fans at San Diego Comic-Con next week."
![](https://icv2.com/images/article_thumbs/650x650_1470b8910b252a8b384e56fca2847cdf6953e81a8508f8b1d91b7879.jpg)
Brian Mariotti to Take 'Leave of Absence'
Posted by Milton Griepp on July 14, 2023 @ 3:39 am CT
![](https://icv2.com/imgs/icon_print.jpg)
MORE COMICS
New Deadpool, New Spider-Girl, New TVA
July 26, 2024
Marvel will introduce a new Deadpool, a new Spider-Girl, and a new Time Variance Authority team.
New Comics Franchises Via Their Agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products
July 26, 2024
Dynamite Entertainment unveiled five new major comics franchises which will be published in 2024 and beyond via its agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP).
MORE NEWS
Serialized Simultaneously in Japan and the U.S.
July 26, 2024
The new series will be released simultaneously in Japan and the U.S.
Three Series to Launch Under New Imprint, Abrams Comics
July 26, 2024
Abrams ComicArts will launch their Abrams Comics line with three new series.