Karl Mawhinney Named VP, Global Partnership Marketing For Harlem Globetrotters' Parent Company, Herschend Family Entertainment

Entertainment veteran to build team's strategic alliances, partnerships and sponsorships

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Feb 24, 2015, 08:00 ET

PHOENIX, Feb. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The parent company of the iconic Harlem Globetrotters, Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (HFE), has named Karl Mawhinney Vice President, Global Partnership Marketing. HFE is the largest family-owned theme park and attractions corporation in the U.S., with 26 locations across ten states, as well as the Globetrotters.

The Harlem Globetrotters logo

In his new role, Mawhinney will be focused on building strategic alliances, partnerships and sponsorships for the Harlem Globetrotters, who are coming off their most successful year ever. Mawhinney will help promote the Globetrotters' 2016 world tour and 90^th anniversary, which will be an 18-month celebration of the team's storied history, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment.

"We are excited to have Karl on board, and I know he is eager to start building on the already strong momentum the Globetrotters are experiencing," said Eric Lent, CMO of HFE.

Previously, Mawhinney was with Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment (VWSE) as director of sales, where he was responsible for generating new revenue across all business units – including Dorna TV visible signage with college and professional teams, integrated sponsorships for media properties, such as the U.S. Figure Skating Team and the Mexican National Team, as well as new client business for VWSE's consulting division.

Prior to VWSE, Mawhinney led the sales efforts for Lagardere Unlimited's Events Division, generating sponsorship revenue for national tours and events such as the Citi Open, Style 360 NYC Fashion Week, Kick it 3v3 Youth Soccer Tour, Hoop it Up and more.

The first 10 years of Mawhinney's career included a long stint with ISP Sports on the BIG EAST Conference and the national sales team, selling across all 65 ISP college properties. His most notable achievement during this time was the sale of the 2010 BIG EAST Tournament Presenting Sponsorship, the highest possible level of sponsorship. His advancement also included stops at Ohio State, Penn State, the Atlantic 10 Conference and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans-among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents-over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

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SOURCE Harlem Globetrotters