Mark Arena

Mark Arena
Born (1984-09-28) 28 September 1984 (age 40)
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
EducationSacred Heart College, Edith Cowan University
Occupations
  • Businessman
  • Cyber security entrepreneur
Known for

Mark Arena (born 28 September 1984[1]) is an Australian businessman and cyber security entrepreneur. He co-founded Intel 471 in 2014 and became majority owner of the Perth Wildcats basketball team in 2024.

Early life

Arena was born in Perth, Western Australia.[2] He grew up in Greenwood, went to school at Sacred Heart College and then studied software engineering at Edith Cowan University.[3]

Career

Arena started his career as a technical specialist for the Australian Federal Police in Canberra, where he tracked cyber criminals. He later moved to the Netherlands.[3]

In 2014, Arena co-founded Intel 471,[2] a company that tracked criminals and sold intelligence on cyber threats.[3] He moved back to Perth after selling his company in 2023.[2][3][4]

In May 2024, MT Arena Capital Investment Property Limited (MTACI) made a non-binding indicative offer for National Basketball League (NBL) club, the Perth Wildcats.[5] In July 2024, Sports Entertainment Group agreed to sell 90% of their 95% shareholder ownership of the Wildcats to Arena at an estimated value of $40 million.[6][7][8] On 14 August 2024, Arena officially became the majority owner of the Wildcats after purchasing 52.5 per cent of the club for $21 million. He will provide another payment of $15 million in 2026 to receive an extra 37.5 per cent and can then buy the entire club in 2028.[9][10][11]

References

  1. ^ "It's Mark Arena's birthday. Join us in wishing the boss a happy 40th!". facebook.com/wildcats. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Mark Arena". Business News. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d O'Donoghue, Craig (14 August 2024). "Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena's remarkable life from a cyber security star to leading a NBL powerhouse". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024.
  4. ^ Beyer, Mark (30 May 2024). "Who Is Mark Arena". Business News. Retrieved 15 August 2024. "After nine years and a record-setting 2022, it was the right time to step away from my position as CEO," Mr Arena said at the time. The 39-year old has continued as a director of the business.
  5. ^ "Wildcats receive $40M offer". NBL.com.au. 30 May 2024. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  6. ^ "Perth Wildcats sale agreement". Wildcats.com.au. 11 July 2024. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024.
  7. ^ Barrett, Jackson (11 July 2024). "Perth tech entrepreneur Mark Arena purchases Perth Wildcats from Craig Hutchison's SEN Teams group". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024.
  8. ^ Chadwick, Justin (11 July 2024). "Hutchison sells NBL club Perth Wildcats for $40m". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024.
  9. ^ "Wildcats welcome Mark Arena as new owner". Wildcats.com.au. 14 August 2024. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024.
  10. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (14 August 2024). "Mark Arena is the new majority owner of NBL's Perth Wildcats after he completed his $21 million payment". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024.
  11. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (14 August 2024). "New Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena focused on winning NBL championships instead of chasing profits". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024.