2023 - Page 52 of 124 - aNb Media, Inc.

Disney, Pokémon, Mattel and More Named License Global’s Top Global Licensors in 2023 Report

License Global has reveals its highly anticipated annual study, The Top Global Licensors report. This year’s report totaled $273.4 billion in retail sales of licensed consumer products in 2022, with over 40 brands in the report seeing collective growth of more than $26 billion. The annual Top Global Licensors report collects global retail sales of licensed consumer products and experiences from the biggest global brands spanning sectors such as entertainment, sports, gaming, toys, corporate brands, fashion and apparel, among several other categories.

In KidZ Academy and Newly-Designed Activity Kits Launch to Inspire Children Everywhere to Celebrate Cultures Around the World

Global edutech and multimedia company In KidZ is making change through play by launching newly-designed activity kits that expose children to the sites and uniqueness of an entirely new culture, one box at a time. In KidZ has introduced bold and vibrant newly-designed learning kits representing Australia, Black America, Dia de los Muertos, Guatemala, Italy, and France. The learning kits are filled with interactive, family-friendly activities and games designed for children ages 3 and up. Tailored for any family’s budget and size, they are available in small kits for $29.99 and large kits for $49.99.

WIT Announces 2023 Wonder Women Awards Finalists

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) proudly reveals the highly anticipated slate of finalists for the prestigious 2023 Wonder Women Awards. This esteemed recognition honors outstanding female executives, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers, whose exceptional accomplishments have made a profound impact on the toy, licensing and entertainment industries.

Mattel Announces Departure of Richard Dickson, President and Chief Operating Officer

Mattel, Inc (NASDAQ: MAT) announced that Richard Dickson, President and Chief Operating Officer, will step down from his position with the Company effective August 3, 2023 to take the role of president and chief executive officer at another public company. Richard Dickson has been at Mattel for a collective 20 years.

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Just Play Appoints Joel Berger and Jess Richardson to Business Development Team

Just Play, a leading global toy company, is announcing the addition of two key executives to the company’s business development team who will bolster growth across various categories. The recent hires at Just Play include Joel Berger as Senior Vice President (SVP) of New Business Development, and Jess Richardson as SVP of Global Licensing & Business Development. Geoffrey Greenberg, Just Play’s Co-President stated: “I am very excited to welcome Joel and Jess to our leadership team. They are both respected figures in the toy industry with years of experience which will amplify Just Play’s global growth. Jess is a dynamic and creative executive who will lead our global licensing partnerships and search for additional business opportunities. Joel will lead Just Play’s emerging channel and international product development efforts.

Nelvana Embraces Creative Journey and Reveals First Look for Original Short Film ‘Jelly’

Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, a world-leading international producer, distributor, and licensor of children’s animated and live-action content, has announced the studio produced its second original short film entitled Jelly, created and directed by Emmy Award-winning director Robin Budd (Beetlejuice, Hotel Transylvania: The Series), and reveals ‘first look’ images. Featuring music from esteemed composer Daniel Lanois, Jelly is a 2D animated short film exploring the universal reality that life is too precious to be unhappy at work and encourages the pursuit of one’s true passion. The 13-minute film is set to have its world premiere at the 27th Edition of Fantasia International Film Festival this month, and has started to receive interest among renowned festivals internationally.

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Nxt Gen Appoints EVP of Sales & Licensing

Nxt Gen Brand Marketing, a global Licensing Agency, is pleased to announce they have appointed Richard Glassman as the EVP of Sales. Glassman, brings over 30 years of experience in the Toy Industry as V.P. Licensing, Marketing and Product Development with leading Toy, Novelty and Entertainment companies located in the US, Hong Kong, and the U.K. This latest addition comes as Nxt Gen Brand Marketing continues to strengthen their overall merchandising programs, with an emphasis on Toys, Novelties, Gaming, Publishing and more, for the upcoming August 2023 launch of “Creepy Candy”. An exciting new kid’s animated series from Toonz Media and Leadbelly Productions soon to be streaming on YouTube and YT Kids. Glassman will also play a key role with other Next Gen clients’ brands.

The Licensing Awards: The 2023 Finalists in Full

The Licensing Awards has once again attracted a phenomenal number of entries and nominations for 2023 across all the categories. Some 3,500 products were entered across the 11 Product awards categories, with the finalists being arrived at by some 250 retail buyers across the whole gamut of licensed and consumer products. These included executives from Tesco, Asda, Marks & Spencer, TruffleShuffle, My 1st Years, Card Factory, FatFace, Moonpig, TJ Morris, Next, Paultons Park, DFS, Character.com, The Works, HMV, The Entertainer, Fraser Group, Ted Baker, Vanilla Underground, Lakeland, Morrisons, JoJo Maman Bébé, Home Bargains, Sainsbury’s, Specsavers and B&M Stores.

Events News

ToyFest Announces Dates for the 2024 Show

The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) announces the return of ToyFest to The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, March 3 – 5, 2024. The newly opened Expo Center in downtown Las Vegas served quite well for ToyFest the past two years. As an added benefit, ToyFest attendees have access to cross-over gift and accessory lines presented at the World Market Center’s permanent showrooms. Sandy Lepire, ToyFest President said, “ToyFest 2023 was filled with so many buyers from all over the country and manufacturers showing amazing new products! With the dates of ToyFest now set for 2024, the attendee registration open, the hotel booking site is available, and we have begun planning. Our goal is to make 2024 a great show for all to come play and learn.”