Deadline reports that Ricky Strauss, one of the key executives who launched Disney+ and former head of marketing for Walt Disney Studios, is leaving the company after nine years. The announcement was made internally through a memo obtained by Deadline, and Strauss also reportedly shared the news with his staff. The decision to leave comes as Disney has launched a full-scale … [Read more...] about Key Exec Ricky Strauss Leaves Disney
Who's News
Fashion Licensing Pioneer Ruth McCarthy Manton Dies at 95
Ruth McCarthy Manton, a pioneer in the business of fashion licensing, passed away at her home on Christmas Eve. Manton was also among the first female fashion journalists in the industry, but it was her innovative work after founding Aries Design Management that made her a force to be reckoned with in the licensing business. Manton's idea was to link up top designers directly … [Read more...] about Fashion Licensing Pioneer Ruth McCarthy Manton Dies at 95
Troubled JC Penney Searching For New CEO
JCPenney has survived the ups and downs of the economy for 118 years ... but whether it will survive much longer is open to question. The company now hopes new blood in the CEO suite will help JCPenney turn around a dire situation that saw the department store chain file for bankruptcy in May, after losing money for 10 straight years. CEO Jill Soltau, who took on the position … [Read more...] about Troubled JC Penney Searching For New CEO
Who’s News: Big Moves at Henson, Sony, iHeart Media
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Selects New President for Global Digital Sony looked internally to fill the position of President, Global Digital, promoting Antony Bebawi to the position, reporting directly to Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Jon Platt. Throughout his career at Sony/ATV, Antony has spearheaded pivotal digital initiatives and led the negotiation of key deals with the major … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Big Moves at Henson, Sony, iHeart Media
Founders Transition to New Leadership at Spin Master
Max Rangel Joins Spin Master as Co-Founders Ronnen Harary and Anton Rabie Transition Their Roles in Spring 2021 Spin Master has been led by its co-founders since the company's inception, but next month the company will have its first 'outside' CEO in Max Rangel, formerly of SC Johnson & Sons. Spin Master is a major force in the toy and children's entertainment world, and … [Read more...] about Founders Transition to New Leadership at Spin Master
Penske Media Appoints Rachel Terrace to Key Role
Penske Media Corporation has appointed Rachel Terrace as its new SVP of Licensing and Brand Development. In Terrace's new role she will lead licensing and brand extension activity in the US across Penske Media's portfolio of brands. Effective immediately, she reports to Craig Perreault, Chief Digital Officer for the company, and is based in New York. "Rachel's experience … [Read more...] about Penske Media Appoints Rachel Terrace to Key Role
Who’s News Roundup: Week of Dec. 9
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
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