: Funko CEO to step down to ‘recharge’

Funko Inc. FNKO said late Thursday that Chief Executive Brian Mariotti will take a leave of absence, effective immediately. Mariotti was brought back to be the figurine maker’s CEO in December amid concerns about falling sales. Funko named board member Michael Lunsford as interim CEO and said it will start a “thorough” search for a new CEO, including internal and external candidates. Mariotti remains a member of Funko’s board. “While I’m going to step away from the day-to-day business to recharge my batteries, I plan to stay active on our board. I hope to come back and contribute to Funko again in new creative ways,” Mariotti said. Mariotti served as Funko’s CEO for years after buying the company with other investors in 2005. He moved to the role of chief creative officer in January 2022. Shares of Funko rose 1.1% in the extended session Thursday after ending the regular trading day down 0.7%.

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