Penguin Ventures, the licensing and consumer products team within Penguin Random House Children’s UK, has appointed Jess Houston as Senior Category Manager, UK Hardlines.
Houston, who is joining Penguin Ventures from Aardman Animations, will report to Commercial Director, David Sprei and will be responsible for growing the UK Hardlines business across the Penguin Ventures’ portfolio of iconic literary children’s brands, including The World of Peter Rabbit; The World of Eric Carle; The World of The Snowman; Flower Fairies and Fun with Spot.
David Sprei said: “Jess brings a wealth of licensing expertise to the team and I am so excited that she shares a passion for our wonderful literary portfolio. I have no doubt Jess will bring energy and a strategic mindset to the hardlines category and we are all looking forward to working with her. I am impressed by her extensive industry experience and knowledge, gained by working with some of the best-in-class licensees in the business and am certain Jess will be a huge asset to the Penguin Ventures team as she starts this new adventure.”
Jess Houston said: “I am hugely excited to join Penguin Ventures. The character brands are personal favorites of mine. They are classic but still extremely relevant and it’s going to be an honor to represent them in the hardlines space. I’m looking forward to connecting with the wider Penguin Ventures team members, licensees and partners. I’ll be bringing my enthusiasm, experience of licensing and creativity to the role.”
Penguin Ventures is the licensing and consumer products division of Penguin Random House Children’s UK. We manage and exploit our portfolio of iconic literary character brands including The world of Peter Rabbit; The World of Eric Carle; The World of the Snowman; Fun with Spot; Flower Fairies and more. We find new ways to tell the world’s favourite stories. Working with best-in-class partners in licensing, retail, promotions, experiential, theatrical, exhibitions; at location-based experiences; and across the digital landscape, we take our beloved characters off the page and on new adventures.