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Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com to announce the news in our next issue of Who’s News.
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Netflix appoints Jackie Lee-Joe as its new CMO beginning in September. Hailing from BBC Studios, she replaces the retiring Kelly Bennett.
Former Sony PlayStation exec John Drake joins Disney as VP Business Development & Licensing Games. His main responsibility will be to “help pair amazing developers and publishers with the best IP in the world.”
Seperately, Disney builds up its SVOD content team with Matt Brodlie as SVP Intl. Content Development.
Ann Sarnoff is the new Chair & CEO at Warner Bros., replacing Kevin Tsujihara, who resigned after an investigation of alleged improper conduct. Currently President of BBC Studios America, Sarnoff headed up development of streaming service BritBox as Board Chair in her time accross the pond.
Following CPLG’s acquisition of TEAM! Licensing in Germany, the company realigns its German and French leadership teams. Joachim Knoedler is now Managing Director Germany, focusing on the territory exclusively. John Taylor is appointed Managing Director U.K. & France, adding France to his remit. Both Knoedler and Taylor continue to report to Maarten Weck.
Dan Amos departs Beanstalk to join Difuzed as Head Esports.
Tough Mudder promotes Kyle McLaughlin to CEO effective July 1st.
Nike appoints John Schweitzer as CEO & CFO of its Hurley brand.
DHX Media promotes Stephanie Betts to EVP Content; she will be responsible for development and production of DHX Media’s slate of original animated content, reporting to President Josh Scherba. Todd Brian joins DHX as Director Development Animation, reporting to Betts.
Studio 100 Group appoints Martin Krieger as the new CEO of Studio 100 Media and its subsidiaries m4e, Studio 100 Film, and Studio Isar Animation.
Genius Brands Intl. consolidates its distribution business, appointing Caroline Tyre as SVP Intl. Distribution. Tyre will also spearhead the ongoing digital growth as Head Genius Brands Network, comprised of the Kid Genius Cartoon Channel and Baby Genius TV.
Glen Schofield is the CEO of PUBG‘s new game development studio, Striking Distance.
The Point.1888 appoints Martin McLaughlin as its new Commercial Manager.
Wasserman promotes Elizabeth Lindsey to President Brands & Properties. Her remit includes the global marketing and representation agency’s creative and digital agency Laundry Service and production and influencer marketing company Cycle.
Helena Mansell-Stopher spearheads an industry think tank group to discuss ways that the wide licensing sector can improve its sustainability as well as facilitate changes through sharing resources and championing successes. The inaugural members of The Products of Change Group include:
- Trudi Bishop (Director, Bee Licensing);
- Jakki Brown (Joint MD & Editorial Director, Max Publishing);
- Paul De’Ath (BA Product Design/Course Leader, Central Saint Martins);
- Kelvyn Gardner (MD U.K., Licensing International);
- Robert Hutchins (Deputy Editor, Licensing.biz);
- Peter Johnson (Art Director, Creative Media);
- Helena Mansell-Stopher (Director U.K. & Europe Licensing, National Geographic);
- Daniel McGeehan (Consumer Products Manager U.K. & Ireland, National Geographic);
- Claire McNulty (Senior Director Europe, National Geographic Society);
- Gary Pope (Director, Kids Industries);
- Peter Rooke (MD, Art + Science Intl.);
- Will Stewart (MD, The Point.1888); and
- Louise Williamson (Head FMCG & Home, The Point 1888).
Andrew Georgiou is now President of Eurosport, running the Discovery-owned platform as well as overseeing sports rights and marketing across Discovery. He departs Lagardere Sports and Entertainment, which he joined in 2006 as COO.
Big Lots hires Jonathan Ramsden as EVP, CFO & Chief Administrative Officer to succeed the departing Timothy Johnson, effective Aug. 5th.
The North Face appoints Steve Lesnard as Global VP Marketing and Tina Rolen as VP Marketing EMEA.
Dana Stern joins Refinery 29 as VP Talent Relations & Casting, Branding & Editorial.
Nautilus‘ board of directors names James “Jim” Barr IV as CEO.
Canada-based Groupe Média TFO President & CEO Glenn O’Farrell resigns on Aug. 16th; the board seeks an interim president.
Bob Berney steps down as Amazon Studios‘ Head Marketing & Distribution.
Cherokee Global Brands changes its name to APEX Global Brands. The company recently acquired the Hi-Tec, Magnum, Interceptor, and 50 Peaks brands to join Interceptor, Cherokee, Tony Hawk, Liz Lange, Point Cove, Carole Little, Everyday California, and Sideout.
SC Johnson acquires Sun Bum, a personal care brand known for sun protection, hair care, and lip care products.