NEW YORK — Michael Brandstaedter has been named chief executive officer of the Topps Co., Inc., the maker of confectionery brands such as Ring Pop, Push Pop and Bazooka bubblegum.
Mr. Brandstaedter joined the company in 2009 as general manager of the global confectionery business and most recently was president and chief operating officer of Topps. He will retain the title of president.
Prior to joining Topps, Mr. Brandstaedter held marketing roles at Nabisco and Kraft Foods, leading such businesses as LifeSavers candy, Planters nuts and Oreo cookies. He received a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in business administration from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
Founded in 1938, the Topps Co. also creates and markets sports and entertainment cards and collectibles. The company was acquired in 2007 by Michael Eisner’s Tornante Co. and private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners.
“Mike’s continued success can be attributed to his deep knowledge of our brands, focused leadership and unmatched passion for the company's products, customers and employees,” said Andy Redman, president and chief operating officer of Tornante and chairman of Topps. “He’s led Topps’ expansion in confectionery, brought new licenses to sports and entertainment and enabled rapid digital evolution. I couldn't be more confident in our decision to appoint Mike to drive the next stage of expansion for Topps.”