By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief After two years of isolation during the pandemic, it's hard to say if Licensing Expo's theme on experiential licensing is ironic, or a sign of rising hope. After all, it's been two years since the Expo was able to hold a live, in-person event, but on the other hand, May 24 will see the triumphant return of hand shaking and face-to-face … [Read more...] about Licensing Expo Keynote To Focus On Experiential Entertainment
News & Trends
Acquisitions: Hasbro Brings D&D Beyond Into Its Corporate Dungeon
Purchase of D&D Beyond to Add Nearly 10 Million Players to Digital Tabletop Ecosystem—The Fastest-Growing Dungeons & Dragons Category Hasbro says it is acquiring D&D Beyond, the leading digital toolset and game companion for the company’s groundbreaking fantasy gaming franchise Dungeons & Dragons. D&D Beyond is currently owned by Fandom, the world’s … [Read more...] about Acquisitions: Hasbro Brings D&D Beyond Into Its Corporate Dungeon
Dr. Seuss Expands Its Marketing and Licensing Teams
The children's entertainment company Dr. Seuss Enterprises has promoted Shannon Spisak to Vice President of Marketing and Communications. As well, Dr. Seuss is further expanding their management team with the new appointments of Vienna Downes, Jimeka Broussard, and Raquel Ojalvo into positions within retail and licensing. Spisak previously held the role of Senior Director of … [Read more...] about Dr. Seuss Expands Its Marketing and Licensing Teams
CAA Completes Takeover of CAA-Global Brands Group
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) says it has completed its takeover of CAA-GBG Global Brand Management Group. CAA-GBG was originally created as a joint operation between CAA and holding company Global Brands Group in 2016. The two companies founded their joint venture in 2016, and became a major player in brand licensing. Clients included Budweiser, Coca-Cola, The Cheesecake … [Read more...] about CAA Completes Takeover of CAA-Global Brands Group
Who’s News: Major Leadership Changes at Hasbro and Mattel
Mattel Names New President and Chief Commercial Officer; Hasbro Adds Two New Directors Two of the world's largest toy and entertainment conglomerates have made key changes to their upper management and board composition. Hasbro announced Elizabeth Hamren, Chief Operating Officer of Discord Inc., and Blake Jorgensen, Executive Vice President of Special Projects, and former … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Major Leadership Changes at Hasbro and Mattel
Mattel Promotes Steve Totzke to President and Chief Commercial Officer
Mattel has promoted Steve Totzke to President and Chief Commercial Officer of the Company. The appointment was announced by Mattel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ynon Kreiz, to whom Totzke reports. “Steve has played an integral role in creating Mattel’s current momentum, strong results and best-in-class commercial capabilities,” said Kreiz. “With Steve’s oversight, the … [Read more...] about Mattel Promotes Steve Totzke to President and Chief Commercial Officer
San Diego Comic Convention Appoints IMG as its First-Ever Licensing Agency
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The San Diego Comic Convention, organizer of the annual Comic-Con event, has appointed global licensing agent, IMG as its first-ever exclusive licensing representative. With a presence in over 30 countries, IMG is known for managing athletes and fashion icons, owning and operating hundreds of live events annually, and being a leading … [Read more...] about San Diego Comic Convention Appoints IMG as its First-Ever Licensing Agency
NFTs, social media and new retail rules at Licensing U
Topics have been announced for Licensing U, part of Licensing Expo being produced in May by Licensing International. The goal of the program is to provide attendees with information on the licensing industry. Expert-led education topics will include NFTs, TikTok, retail, and more. Passes for Licensing U will become available on April 11 on the online platform. "The licensing … [Read more...] about NFTs, social media and new retail rules at Licensing U
Who’s News: Cyber Group Promotes Raphaelle Mathieu to EVP
Cyber Group Studios has promoted Raphaelle Mathieu from SVP sales to a newly created role as Executive Vice President. Mathieu will now be in charge of all commercial activities worldwide for the French studio. She will work directly with CEO Pierre Sissmann and COO Dominique Bourse to plan strategies for overall growth. “As the company is now developing into an international … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Cyber Group Promotes Raphaelle Mathieu to EVP
Environmentalists Call on Licensing Industry to Adopt Sustainable NFT Programs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Environmentalists are demanding corporations stop working with any NFTs that are linked to cryptocurrencies using Proof of Work systems. According to backers of the Change the Code, Not the Climate campaign, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin that use Proof of Work systems for create their coins are creating a global warming crisis. They point … [Read more...] about Environmentalists Call on Licensing Industry to Adopt Sustainable NFT Programs