The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, completes a senior management makeover nearly six months in the making with the appointment of Jack Vitek as its new Editor-in-Chief. Vitek joins Marlin after nearly 15 years of service to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), most recently as its Marketing Director.

When we set out to find a new Editor-in-Chief who could help us elevate our content strategy across all Marlin Group activities, we were looking for someone who checked three boxes. First, we needed someone who has time in the cockpit and understands the big-game fishing industry. Second, we were looking for someone who had experience in the publishing of print and digital content. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we needed a good cultural fit for the team, someone who could represent Marlin out on the docks or at a boat show. That’s a tall order, but we found that and more in Jack Vitek.

In taking on the new role with Marlin, Vitek will be charged with developing and executing a content strategy that fully integrates all four Marlin Group pillars – media, tournaments, expeditions and advocacy.

“Jack’s personal enthusiasm for big-game fishing, combined with his long experience at the IGFA, gives him a strong foundation to help us better leverage our tournaments and expeditions as content factories,” Ritchie said. “And given his wide-ranging efforts to promote the conservation of game fish, he will play a key role in helping us build out Marlin’s advocacy platform.”

At the IGFA, Vitek was responsible for all of the association’s media activities, corporate partnerships, tournaments, and world records, leveraging content to promote the association’s membership while also advocating for responsible stewardship of all pelagic species.

“For more than 40 years, Marlin has been the definitive voice of big-game angling and synonymous with excellence,” Vitek said. “I’m honored, humbled and excited to join the talented team at the Marlin Group, where we will work to raise the bar on Marlin’s tradition of excellence as we promote the lifestyle, culture and passion of big-game angling.”

The hiring of Vitek, effective July 1, follows new appointments for all senior management positions within the group, starting with Natasha Lloyd to Publisher & Vice President in January of 2024. Other recent appointments include Dave Morel as Sales Director, Jennifer Dudas as Tournament Director, Capt. Jen Copeland as Expeditions Director, and Andrea Winters as Marketing Director.