Entertainment Earth® Announces New CEO: A Visionary Leader Takes the Helm

Entertainment Earth, the renowned online retailer and wholesaler of pop-culture toys and collectibles, has recently appointed Billy Lagor as its Chief Executive Officer. With his extensive experience in e-commerce strategy, brand management, and digital transformation, Lagor is set to strengthen Entertainment Earth's visibility in the collectibles space and lead the company into its next phase of growth.

Lagor's appointment comes as the company's co-founder, Aaron Labowitz, takes a step back from his role as CEO. However, Labowitz will remain on the Board of Directors alongside his brother, Jason Labowitz, former President of Entertainment Earth. Joining them are Aaron Lipman, the former Chief Technology Officer, and investment partners Equity Group Investments (EGI) and IVEST Consumer Partners (IVEST).

In his new role as CEO, Lagor aims to build on Entertainment Earth's customer- and partner-focused approach. Under the Labowitz brothers' leadership, the company has already established a loyal customer base and a robust network of partners within the fan market. Lagor's leadership, combined with his industry expertise and passion, will further solidify these relationships and drive profitable growth for the company.

Lagor brings a wealth of experience to Entertainment Earth, having previously served as the Senior Vice President of Wine and Spirits at Constellation Brands, where he focused on brand strategy and enhancing the consumer experience. Prior to that, Lagor spent over 15 years at Hasbro in senior roles, where he played a pivotal role in building the company's e-commerce strategy, driving regional growth in Asia Pacific, and leading digital transformation initiatives for its top brands.

George Jones, Chairman of Entertainment Earth and Co-Founder/Managing Partner of IVEST, expressed his confidence in Lagor's ability to deliver superior results. Jones highlights Lagor's digital and customer-first mindset, strategic acumen, and track record as key assets that will contribute to the continued growth and success of Entertainment Earth. The entire board and ownership group are excited about the new chapter of growth that Lagor will lead.

Co-founder Aaron Labowitz expressed his pride in the company's journey from a simple idea to becoming a leading collectibles platform. With Lagor at the helm and the support of EGI, IVEST, and the rest of the board, Labowitz is confident about the bright future and endless possibilities that lie ahead for Entertainment Earth.

Entertainment Earth, headquartered in Simi Valley, California, has been a pioneer in the collectibles and toy industry for over two decades. The company offers an extensive selection of licensed products, ranging from popular toys and gift items to high-end limited edition pieces and hard-to-find collectibles. Through its wholesale division, EE Distribution, Entertainment Earth also enables smaller retailers and distributors worldwide to expand their businesses by purchasing in bulk. Additionally, the company designs and develops its own branded toys and collectibles from well-known licenses. Entertainment Earth's presence at San Diego Comic-Con for over 20 years has further established its reputation as a prominent player in the pop-culture space.

Equity Group Investments (EGI), founded by Sam Zell over 50 years ago, is the investment partner of Entertainment Earth. EGI has an impressive track record of building public and private businesses, including multi-billion-dollar companies. The firm's flexible capital and open investment mandate enable them to pursue opportunistic transactions across various industries and geographies. EGI's current portfolio spans transportation and logistics, energy, retail, waste and infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, agribusiness, and real estate.

IVEST Consumer Partners, another investment partner of Entertainment Earth, is a private equity firm focused on the consumer sector. With a team of experienced operators, IVEST has a proven track record of growing consumer businesses across various categories. Their expertise and knowledge provide strategic value to portfolio companies by supporting management in achieving their objectives.

The appointment of Billy Lagor as CEO marks an exciting new phase for Entertainment Earth. Lagor's leadership and expertise, combined with the ongoing support of the board and investment partners, position the company to achieve even greater success in the vibrant world of pop-culture collectibles. As Entertainment Earth continues to innovate and expand, collectors and fans can look forward to an even more immersive and enjoyable online shopping experience.