CPLG undergoes a major restructure to reflect the increasing importance of multi-territory partners and synergies across retail, licensing and operations. Maarten Weck, currently MD Northern Europe, takes on the additional responsibility of heading up CPLG U.K. John Taylor is elevated to Commercial Director U.K. and Gemma Witts is promoted to Retail & Marketing Director U.K. Maria Gurrieri, currently MD Italy, adds Turkey and Greece to her overall remit to become MD Southern Europe. Pau Pascual, who currently manages Iberia, now also oversees the Middle East and supports the expansion plans of CPLG MENA, headed by Abdel Boazzati, MD MENA. Stephen Gould, current MD U.K., steps down.
DHX Brands increases its U.K. team with four new appointments: Debbie Walker is Brand Manager, leading brand and marketing initiatives for preschool properties Twirlywoos and In the Night Garden; Cheryl Brock is Design Manager; Alessia Foster is Head Product Development; and Holly Taylor is Product Development Manager with a focus on apparel and soft lines development.
Nickelodeon promotes Dion Vlachos to EVP Retail Sales, Marketing & Publishing.
Macy’s names Richard Lennox CMO.
Mary Lou Gardner is named EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer & CMO of Fred’s Inc.
VF Corp. appoints Jim Pisani Global Brand President Timberland.
The Brand Liaison hires Laurie Smith to lead special projects and Katey Gabrielson as a member of the company’s senior management team and lead on new business initiatives.
Bonnier Publishing forms Bonnier Publishing USA. The new company will be headed by Shimul Tolia, currently President of children’s publisher Little Bee Books.
Jet.com co-founder Marc Lore will take over as President & CEO of Walmart ecommerce once the retail giant closes on its Jet.com/Hayneedle acquisition.
Academy Sports + Outdoors names Michelle J. Gloeckler EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer & President of Academy Intl. Ltd., its global sourcing entity.
hhgregg’s new President & CEO Robert Riesbeck restructures the specialty retailer’s executive team; Sam Johnson is promoted to Chief Retail Officer and Chris Sutton SVP Marketing.
Peter Knapp joins Park Literary & Media as Agent.
Janna Sendra joins Crypton as Director Fabric Design & Merchandising.
Warren Traeger leaves his role of Licensing Director at Icon Live.
Martin Markle departs CBC Television as Senior Director Children’s Content.
Penguin Random House will soon be united under one roof, with Penguin joining Random House at its 1745 Broadway location in early 2019. The shift in location will cause no changes to the publisher’s organizational structure.