Fifteen years ago, against the backdrop of the global sports and entertainment industry, Jason Greene and Chris Flannery first crossed paths. Jason was then a rising executive at Anschutz Entertainment Group, helping drive global strategy and corporate development for one of the world’s leading live entertainment companies — building major venues, launching initiatives in Latin America, and brokering landmark partnerships across music, sports, and media. At the same time, Chris was President and COO of Ripken Baseball, expanding Cal Ripken Jr.’s business empire through professional team ownership, youth baseball destinations, property ventures, and the impactful Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. Their initial introduction brought together two ambitious leaders deeply invested in shaping business from different vantage points.

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What began as a professional connection quickly evolved into a genuine friendship. Through countless meetings, calls, industry events, and late-night strategy sessions, Jason and Chris developed a deep respect and easy rapport. Naturally, they started exploring opportunities together across sports, music, and branded ventures — figuring out how to build and scale operations, optimize assets, and unlock value. Just as often, they simply talked about life: balancing demanding careers with raising families. Over time, Jason got married and had three children; Chris, already married with three kids, left Ripken to chart his own entrepreneurial course.

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Their paths proved uniquely complementary. Jason became a seasoned operator and trusted advisor, blending financial rigor, operational expertise, and strategic vision. Across startups, global corporations, and private equity-backed ventures, he built a reputation for driving transformation and growth, leading transactions and initiatives exceeding $1 billion. From Latin-focused live entertainment to scaling a Web3 startup, turning around consumer brands, advising on sports venue developments, and immersive experiences like The Minecraft Experience — Jason thrived on helping businesses pivot, expand, and create long-term value.

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Meanwhile, Chris’s career spanned sports, entertainment, and IP on a global scale. After Ripken, he co-founded Legends 10, managing Pelé’s historic brand and building a platform that safeguarded and elevated his legacy. He launched a pharmaceutical venture in Brazil from scratch through to a successful exit, and through his firm 1966 Americas became a go-to figure for iconic personalities and estates. From The Beach Boys, Tina Turner, and Frank Sinatra to B.B. King and Neymar Jr., Chris specialized in harnessing IP to drive new business — licensing, exhibitions, content, and global campaigns.

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Inevitably, their shared passions found a focal point: the power of photography archives to preserve and extend cultural legacies. Over the years, they scouted numerous deals, embedding themselves deeper into the world of image rights, waiting for the “right” opportunity to make their mark. That chance came through Chris’s connection to iconic rock photographer Neal Preston, who introduced them to Karin Grant, widow of LIFE Magazine photographer Allan Grant. Ready to “free Marilyn,” Karin sought the right stewards for Allan’s Marilyn Monroe archive and saw in Chris and Jason trusted partners who would not only give Marilyn new life but would also honor Allan’s legacy.

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After meeting with Karin and her daughter Krissi, Jason and Chris knew this was the opportunity they’d been waiting for. In March 2025, they partnered to acquire the archive, which includes the last formal images ever taken of Marilyn Monroe. It was more than an investment — it was the culmination of years of dialogue, exploration, and friendship – and the chance to have a tiny impact on the world.

 

Their journey is a testament to more than business synergy. It’s the story of two friends from different corners of the world — Jason from Canada, Chris from the UK — who built families, careers, and a deep trust over 15 years. It’s about the joy of partnering not just on transactions, but on ventures that celebrate human creativity and preserve iconic stories for new generations. And above all, it’s proof that some of the most enduring successes are born from genuine respect, shared adventure, and the belief that legacies deserve to live on.