By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The founders of Chizcomm have exited Genius Brands over a contractual dispute and conflict over strategic vision. ChizComm was acquired in November of 2020 by Genius Brands, which has grown rapidly due to an aggressive acquisition strategy. At the time, all seemed like sweetness and light would prevail. This week, however, Chizcomm … [Read more...] about ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute
News & Trends
Who’s News: Veteran Licensing Consultant Caroline High Joins ARTiSTORY
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Art and cultural IP licensee specialist ARTiSTORY is growing its UK team with the appointment of Caroline High. “Having worked with Caroline previously I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work together again at ARTiSTORY,” said Natasha Dyson, ARTiSTORY Co-Founder and Licensing Director. “A huge part of ARTiSTORY’s business is creating … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Veteran Licensing Consultant Caroline High Joins ARTiSTORY
Who’s News: Jewel Expands With Three New Management Hires
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Jewel Branding & Licensing has announced the hiring of three new employees to support its continued growth in licensing and creative services. Jewel is known for developing and managing strategic licensing programs at all levels of retail around the globe. The company says the expansion to JBL's employee roster will increase the company's … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Jewel Expands With Three New Management Hires
Who’s News: Jazwares Appoints Its First Chief Brand Officer
The toy and licensing company Jazwares announced that Jeremy Padawer joins the C-suite as the company's first Chief Brand Officer, effective immediately. As well, Jazwares revealed three other key promotions in the fast-growing company, elevating Herb Mitschele to Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Planning, Guy Thomas to Senior Vice President of U.S. Sales, and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Jazwares Appoints Its First Chief Brand Officer
Breaking News: Hasbro Taps ‘Head Wizard’ Chris Cocks as New CEO
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Global play and entertainment giant Hasbro has named Chris Cocks, the President and COO of its Wizards of the Coast division, as the new CEO for the parent company. In doing so, Hasbro clearly saw the logic of choosing someone with a track record of generating revenues, as Wizards has been the fastest growing segment at Hasbro for years. Cocks … [Read more...] about Breaking News: Hasbro Taps ‘Head Wizard’ Chris Cocks as New CEO
Toy Fair Going Ahead Despite Omicron Outbreak In UK
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The British Toy and Hobby Association has confirmed that the licensing trade show, Olympia Toy Fair 2022, will be going ahead as planned. It will be taking place from Jan. 25 to 27, barring any sudden changes in government safety regulations. The Toy Fair is known as the UK’s largest game and hobby event. In 2020, the Toy Fair featured 260 … [Read more...] about Toy Fair Going Ahead Despite Omicron Outbreak In UK
Toy Licensing: Fun In Motion Toys Brings Andy Moberg On Board
Licensing veteran Andy Moberg has been hired to lead sales at award-winning company Fun In Motion Toys. Fun In Motion Toys is the creator of Shashibo and other fidget toys such as Spinballs, Mozi, and Wandini. Shashibo is a three-time Toy Of The Year Award finalist. Moberg has joined this company as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Andy brings a great combination of … [Read more...] about Toy Licensing: Fun In Motion Toys Brings Andy Moberg On Board
First Woman Chair At Disney Takes The Reins On New Year’s Eve
The Walt Disney Company enters the New Year with a new chairperson, as Susan Arnold becomes the first woman to head Disney's board. Arnold will take over from current chair Bob Iger when he steps down on Dec. 31. Iger has been with Disney in senior management or board roles since 1996. Arnold has been a member of Disney’s board for 14 years and has served as its independent … [Read more...] about First Woman Chair At Disney Takes The Reins On New Year’s Eve
Who’s News: Exile Studio Tags Stephen Davis to Head Kids Programming
Exile Content Studio has created a new children's programming division, to be headed by former Hasbro Chief Content Officer Stephen Davis. The LA-based studio is better known for its adult dramas, like the Netflix hit El Chapo, but is now creating a kid's division. The company says Davis will lead a major expansion through the acquisition and development of new IP, and will … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Exile Studio Tags Stephen Davis to Head Kids Programming
Who’s News: Vandamme To Head New Jazwares Sales Office in Paris
Jazwares is opening a new office in Paris; a reflection of its strategy for rapid growth in the European market. The company says the sales office will be headed by veteran Vincent Vandamme, who most recently was the Head of Field Sales for LEGO in France. “We have meaningful direct to retail businesses in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Benelux region, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Vandamme To Head New Jazwares Sales Office in Paris