Bob Bove Resigns from Press Pass

Bob Bove, who has spent 20 years in the sports collectibles industry, announced his resignation as managing director for Press Pass. Bove plans to remain an owner and investor of Press Pass, but said he will no longer have an active role with the company that he’s been associated with since its formation in 1992.

“The decision was not an easy one because I am leaving a career that I have been passionate about, partners I have thoroughly enjoyed working with, and colleagues whom I like and respect,” Bove said in a statement announcing his resignation. “The past 16 years have been an incredible, memorable and rewarding journey.”

After going to work for Upper Deck in 1988 and assisting in establishing the company’s sales and marketing efforts, Bove and former Pro Set executive Victor Shaffer teamed to form Press Pass in 1992. The company, then headquartered in Dallas, started out in the non-sports market before venturing into the racing card category in 1993. It eventually expanded into draft pick and prospects sets for football (licensed by Players Inc) and basketball. In 1998, Press Pass was purchased by Racing Champions (now known as RC2), had its operations moved to Charlotte and became part of a publicly owned toy company. It was sold in 2006 to a group of private investors that included Bove.

A statement issued by the company said, “Bob Bove was one of the original founders of the company, and he has been the lynchpin of many industry-shaping initiatives, including race-used memorabilia cards.”

Kevin Camp and D.J. Kazmierczak, both senior vice presidents of Press Pass, will now assume the leadership roles within the company. Camp will continue to have responsibility for licensing and human resources, and will now also oversee customer service. Kazmierczak will have responsibility for the company’s sales effort in addition to his existing oversight of marketing and product development.