Bad Robot Tags Veteran Developer Michael Booth for New Video Game Studio The accomplished Bad Robot studio made a serious move this week, launching a video game division-Bad Robot Games—that will be guided by newly hired industry veteran Michael Booth as its General Manager and CEO Anna Sweet. Bad Robot, founded and led by renowned producer JJ Abrams, will now partner its … [Read more...] about Who’s News Roundup: Week of Dec. 9
Who's News
Netflix Snags Senior Producer From Disney+, While Facing Lawsuit for ‘Poaching’ Employees
Netflix has confirmed the hire of Dan Silver, VP of Non-fiction Originals at Disney+, to become its Director of Documentary Feature Films, reporting to Lisa Nishimura, VP of Independent Film and Documentary Features. The move comes as Netflix coincidentally faces another lawsuit—this time from Activision—over its allegedly aggressive hiring practices. Silver was a highly … [Read more...] about Netflix Snags Senior Producer From Disney+, While Facing Lawsuit for ‘Poaching’ Employees
Who’s News Roundup: New Faces, Promotions in Licensing & Entertainment
Cici Zheng Takes on Senior Role as Reesee Grows Its China Market Children’s entertainment, licensing and media company Reesee Entertainment is bolstering its development division with the appointment of Cici Zheng as a joint partner and VP of Content, Global Media and Licensing. Zheng’s previous role was as Director Content Development, Global Media and Licensing in Alpha … [Read more...] about Who’s News Roundup: New Faces, Promotions in Licensing & Entertainment
Indie Animation Studio ZAG Tags Sarah Boyer For Senior Licensing Role
The award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG opted for deep experience as it expands its retail division, hiring on Sarah Boyer as Vice President, Retail, North America. Julian Zag, Executive Vice President, Global Operations, says the timing was right to bring on Boyer, who formerly worked with MGA Entertainment, as the company has been successful in signing up a … [Read more...] about Indie Animation Studio ZAG Tags Sarah Boyer For Senior Licensing Role
Major Restructuring at Disney Television
Walt Disney Company is going through a major shakeup as the world's top entertainment conglomerate restructures its burgeoning television empire under the leadership of Dana Walden, Chairman of Disney Television. In essence Disney has consolidated its three television properties into two divisions. Touchstone, which was originally known as Fox 21, will be merged into 20th … [Read more...] about Major Restructuring at Disney Television
New CEO, Events President At Wizard Peter Katz Tapped to Run Events
Wizard Brands made some big moves this week in a major restructuring of the company's management team, led by the appointment of Scott Kaufman as Chairman and CEO. The Company also announced that finance and accounting executive Heidi C. Bowman has been appointed CFO for Wizard Brands, Inc. and distribution executive Mike Rees will take over as CEO of Jevo Holdings, LLC, a … [Read more...] about New CEO, Events President At Wizard Peter Katz Tapped to Run Events
Madaluxe Group Launches Licensing Division
A major new opportunity just popped up for licensing agencies and luxury brands in North America, as the luxury fashion firm MadaLuxe Group announced Nov. 23 it has launched its own licensing arm. The new division will be headed by Steven Barbery, who has been promoted from SVP of Timepieces to the newly created role of President of Licensing and Timepieces. The group’s … [Read more...] about Madaluxe Group Launches Licensing Division
Mattel Names Catherine Frymark EVP Corporate Communications
Toy giant Mattel is getting a new voice, naming communications guru Catherine Frymark as their Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications. In this role, Frymark will oversee external and internal corporate communications globally as well as the Company’s philanthropic efforts, including the Mattel Children’s Foundation. Frymark will join Mattel next month, reporting … [Read more...] about Mattel Names Catherine Frymark EVP Corporate Communications
Licensing Veteran Nowicki Chosen for Key Role at Mattel
Mattel has new leadership in the critical role of global consumer products and franchise marketing, bringing on accomplished veteran Rosalind 'Roz' Nowicki. Nowicki has more than three decades prior experience working with kids' products and entertainment brands, and is known for her deep experience in the world of brand licensing. She comes to Mattel from her most recent gig … [Read more...] about Licensing Veteran Nowicki Chosen for Key Role at Mattel
Bill Patterson Hired On As Chief Business Officer at SFIA
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has hired on Bill Patterson as its chief business officer, effective immediately. Patterson previously served as vice president of corporate marketing and strategic accounts at OpSec Security, a company well known to those working in the branding and licensing industry. Among other things, OpSec produces an impressive … [Read more...] about Bill Patterson Hired On As Chief Business Officer at SFIA