Authentic Brands Group has appointed Lark-Marie Antón as its first chief communications officer, chief executive officer Matt Maddox announced on Monday.

The role is newly created at the brand licensing business. It arrives as ABG hires up before it prepares to go public in the first half of 2027.

Antón joins from USA Today Co., the publisher formerly known as Gannett, where she spent more than five years leading enterprise communications across the USA Today Network.

Why is ABG adding senior roles now?

The appointment fits a broader leadership reshuffle at the company this year:

• ABG promoted Matt Maddox to chief executive officer in May.
• Founder and former CEO Jamie Salter moved into the role of executive chairman in January.
• Antón's hire fills a newly created communications position as the company builds out its C-suite ahead of its planned IPO in the first half of 2027.

Maddox's announcement on Monday confirms the communications function will sit at the top table as ABG moves toward a public listing — a step that typically places investor and media relations under heavier scrutiny.

Who is Lark-Marie Antón?

Antón brings more than five years of enterprise communications experience at USA Today Co. During her tenure, she led enterprise communications across the USA Today Network, the company's nationwide publishing operation.

Her move from the publisher formerly known as Gannett to a brand licensing group marks a shift from media-side communications to corporate-side reputation management at a company preparing for life as a listed business.

What comes next?

ABG has set its public debut for the first half of 2027. Antón's first task will be shaping how the company — now led by CEO Matt Maddox and executive chairman Jamie Salter — presents itself to investors, media and partners as that window approaches.