By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
The children’s social media network Zigazoo has appointed industry veteran Ashley Mady as its new President of Consumer Products.
In the newly created role, Mady will spearhead physical and digital consumer product initiatives, which consist of digital assets such as NFT’s, physical merchandise, and a fusion of the two categories.
“Brands are engaging with fans in ways we’ve never experienced before, and Zigazoo is paving the way into the future where digital and physical products have an opportunity to collide,” said Ashley Mady. “We have ambitious plans for how brands can benefit from what we’re building, and I’m ready to dive right in.”
Zigazoo is a popular children’s social media app that is available on the Apple App Store. The Zigazoo app is kidSAFE COPPA Certified and has been praised by children’s media advocacy organizations such as Common Sense Media.
Founded in 2020 by parents and former elementary school teachers, Zigazoo is known for hosting challenges prompted by celebrities, brands and influencers that engage kids to participate, earning them badges and Zigabucks. Recent partnerships have included big names such as Scholastic, Penguin Random House, Jazwares, Moonbug and Warner Bros.
The platform recently launched an NFT program built specifically for kids with safety and digital literacy at the forefront. The NFT program combines Zigazoo’s industry-leading community with a digital marketplace on the Flow Blockchain.
Mady’s past experience includes serving as Vice President of Brand Development at the specialty candy retailer IT’SUGAR, and as the Vice President of Brand Development at the popular toy company Basic Fun.
Prior to that, Mady founded and led the brand licensing agency Brandberry. Brandberry specializes in creating new IP as well as representing established brands. She also previously served as President of the global non-profit Women In Toys, Licensing and Entertainment. She currently sits on the board of the Toy Association, where she chairs The Genius of Play and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Toy Foundation.
“Ashley is a well-respected creator, connector and thought leader in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries, and we are pleased to welcome her to the Zigazoo team,” said Zigazoo founder Zak Ringelstein. “We look forward to putting her expertise to good use launching exciting and innovative new initiatives and products that meet the needs of our consumers.”
Zigazoo will be attending The Toy Association’s 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market show in Dallas from Sept. 20 to 22.