Raptor Appoints Ex-hsbc Director

Raptor Group has announced that Mark Pannes, former director of HSBC Private Bank’s Global Sports Group, is to control the Group’s new consulting business ‘RaptorAccelerator’ as managing director – alongside Sean Barror, former senior vice president of sales for Madison Square Garden

The new business focuses on providing specialized sales and revenue generation advisory services to companies in the sports, media, entertainment and content technology sectors.  

RaptorAccelerator has established an advisory board of veteran sports business, media and entertainment professionals, including: James J. Pallotta, chairman and managing director of Raptor Group; Scott O’Neil, president of Madison Square Garden; Michael Mendenhall, president and chief operating officer of Lipman; Richard E. Gotham, president of The Boston Celtics; and Nick Keller founder and managing director of Benchmark Sport Holdings.

Pallotta said: ‘We are delighted to have two of the most successful and highly regarded executives in the field leading this unique advisory firm’.  

‘With more than 40 years of combined experience, including over $1 billion in sponsorship, rights and licensing deals, Mark and Sean have the perspective, track record and relationships necessary to unlock significant value for clients and set them on the fast track to revenue growth and commercial success’.

Pannes added: ‘Developing and rebuilding revenue engines for businesses – that’s what we do; what we’ve always done’.

‘RaptorAccelerator is a very targeted approach to help companies within or focused on the sports, media, entertainment and early stage tech sectors achieve commercial success more rapidly, both in the US and internationally’.

At HSBC Private Bank, Pannes founded and built a global practice which managed nearly $1.5bn for over 500 athletes and institutions worldwide. 

Prior to HSBC, he served as managing director of Paris Basket Racing, and is credited with the revitalization of club operations.   

Pannes’ notable sales and operations experience also includes a CEO position at Skilo Brand, a sports and entertainment consultancy business, and a CMO post at the New York Knicks during the 1990s. 

RaptorAccelerator will operate independently from Raptor’s investment management activities.