Universal Music Group’s (UMG’s) leading merchandise and brand management company, Bravado, has announced the new leadership appointments of Alyssa Tobias, Vice President, Head of Creative Services; Bill Ashton, Head of A&R; Keith Taperell, Vice President, Global Brand Partnerships and Energy Marketing; and Kim Youngberg, Head of Legal, effective immediately.
Moose Toys, a leading innovator in the toy industry, announces that industry veteran Hollie Holmes joins the company as vice president global licensing. She will be based out of the company’s US operation in El Segundo, Calif. beginning June 5. In this leadership position, Holmes is responsible for driving the global long-term strategy for the department to maximize growth for Moose’s inbound licensed portfolio of brands and flanker segments. “The opportunity to join Moose and be a part of the thoughtful and strategic global growth of its licensing portfolio presented a not-to-be-missed next step in my career,” said Holmes. “Moose is renowned for innovation with its own brands, as well as taking licensed brands to the next level, and I look forward to continuing to build on successful licensing initiatives.”
PlayMonster Group LLC, a leading international toy and game company, has announced the appointment of Bryan Margner as Chief Financial Officer, effective June 1, 2023. With extensive experience in retail, manufacturing, and consumer goods, Margner brings a strong track record of delivering shareholder value to international organizations. He joins PlayMonster after a decade with Instant Brands, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of Finance and CFO of the North America business unit. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the organization’s commercial and operational aspects of the business, in addition to his CFO role.
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, announced the promotion of Valerie Mitchell Johnston to Executive Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs and General Counsel, effective July 1, 2023. In addition, Sesame Workshop’s Board has voted to name Johnston Board Secretary on the same date. Johnston will report to Steve Youngwood, CEO.
Fast-growing entertainment company Toikido announced the appointment of industry veteran Darryl Lai as its new Managing Director for the Americas. This strategic move establishes Toikido USA. Lai will report to Will Ochoa, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer. Founded in 2020, London-based Toikido has experienced rapid success since its inception, already selling nearly 20 million products, across 75 countries in more than 100,000 stores.
People of Play, the visionary force behind premier toy and game industry events, curator of the dynamic POP platform, and trusted purveyor of industry news through the esteemed Bloom Report, proudly announces the appointment of Jenna Stirling as Executive Director. “Jenna is like that mythical unicorn on our team, with a treasure trove of experience in the toy industry and a mind bursting with ideas,” said Mary Couzin, the president of Chicago Toy and Game Group dba POP. “We are fortunate to be bringing her on board as we continue to rock our events, level up the POP platform, ignite sparks with Play in Education initiatives, and be the biggest cheerleaders for every tribe in the toy and game industry. It’s all about building an amazing community, making connections, and unleashing the incredible power of play!”
WildBrain Ltd (“WildBrain” or the “Company”) (TSX: WILD), a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, has promoted Josh Scherba to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. Scherba has also been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors. Under the Company’s succession plan, Scherba replaces Eric Ellenbogen who has stepped down as CEO and Vice Chair. Additionally, Jim Fielding, Chief Marketing and Brands Officer, has been appointed as Strategic Advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors.
University Games has announced Daniel Fox as Division Manager for its Briarpatch product business. In his new role, Daniel Fox will be responsible for the management of the current University Games’ Briarpatch catalog of games and puzzles for children and preschoolers, as well as continued product development for the company’s successful I SPY, Pete the Cat, The World of Eric Carle, and Richard Scarry lines. Fox will work out of the Kansas City and San Francisco offices and report directly to Craig Hendrickson, University Games’ SVP Product Development.
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, has promoted Whit Higgins to EVP and Head of Global Enterprises (formerly the Media and Education Group). Higgins will be responsible for all international and domestic commercially funded business including Distribution, Licensing, Sponsorship, Themed Entertainment, Formal Education, and Digital. He will also continue to oversee the organization’s offices in Europe, China, Japan, and Latin America. Higgins reports to Steve Youngwood, CEO.