Los Angeles-based
BBKO Ltd. has officially announced the active participation of
KISS bassist/vocalist
Gene Simmons as co-managing director of the company.
BBKO is a 21st-century boxing venture that seeks to broaden the sport beyond its traditional ring by infusing it with equally hard-hitting entertainment. The company was originally co-founded, and its business plan developed, by
Simmons prior to its July 2005 acquisition by
Orbit Brands Corporation.
KISS has broken box office records set by
ELVIS PRESLEY and
THE BEATLES and continues to be the juggernaut of licensing/merchandising, with over 2,500 licenses.
"Besides being an accomplished entrepreneur,
Gene has a canny sense of how entertainment can organically enhance a sports institution such as boxing," stated
Joe Cellura, chairman and CEO of
Orbit Brands Corporation. "His active involvement in
BBKO will fuel the growth of the company in all areas, and we enthusiastically welcome him aboard."
For more information, read the entire
press release.