Category: You’re Hired

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind decades of award-winning educational content, today named Kim Díaz the newest Vice President of Creative Development. Since joining Sesame Workshop in 2016, Díaz has been a leader in her field, overseeing all aspects of content development, generating new program ideas for kids and families, and serving as Creative Producer for select current series. As the VP of Creative Development, Díaz will develop and lead the creative development strategy for new long-form and short-form series, specials, and other programming initiatives which align with Sesame Workshop’s mission and creative vision. She will also be responsible for developing and vetting innovative program ideas and genres and identifying and partnering with the right distributor for each property. She will report to Kay Wilson Stallings, Executive Vice President of Creative and Production.

Goliath Group, a family-owned global toy company, announced that it unanimously chose toy industry veteran Brian Weiss as Goliath’s President of North America. Weiss started his tenure at Goliath Group on Nov. 1 and is focused on expanding and accelerating business growth in the United States and Canada.

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organization behind multiple well-loved, Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, has named Mallory Mbalia to the newly created position of Director of Learning and Education. In her new role, Mbalia will work to expand the company’s “neighborhood” of educational partners and advisors as well as collaborate with its production; marketing, communications, and engagement; fundraising; and licensing teams. She reports to President & CEO Paul Siefken.

University Games announced the appointment of industry veteran, Jeff Pinsker, to the newly created role of Executive Vice President. Pinsker entered the toy industry in 1991 as a product manager at University Games. During his 9-year tenure with the company, Pinsker served as a marketing manager, general manager and president of the company.

Sesame Workshop has named Brett Robinson Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance, Technology, and Facilities. In his role, Robinson will be responsible for advising on all fiscal matters, including annual and long-term planning/forecasting, accounting, budgeting, risk management, compliance, and analysis. He will also oversee the IT and Engineering divisions and play a key role in ensuring that Sesame Workshop has the right tools, systems, and technology in place to support a dynamic work environment and a culture that supports growth and evolution. He will help track and identify key metrics to drive the organization’s work and impact.

Faber-Castell USA has announced the appointment of Scott Flynn as Managing Director/CEO, succeeding newly retired Jamie Gallagher. “The opportunity to lead such a talented and focused team within a globally recognized company that is responsible for bringing memorable creative experiences to the hands of millions around the country and the world is incredibly thrilling,” said Flynn. “I am committed to utilizing my background and experience within the toy and arts & crafts sectors to continue Faber-Castell USA’s success in the years to come.”

PlayMonster Group LLC, a leading international toy and game company, has announced that global business leader Steve Adolph has joined the company as President, and Sharon Fosbery has been promoted to Chief Brands & Strategy Officer to join the company leadership team.

Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, announced that Sam Ferguson has been elevated to Senior Vice President of Global Licensing, effective immediately. In his newly expanded role, Ferguson will oversee the company’s global inbound and outbound licensing efforts reporting to Judd Karofsky, Executive Vice President, Jazwares.

PlayMonster is excited to announce Playskool’s brand-new Glo Friends product line, featuring an adorable cast of characters that teach the cornerstones of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) through mindful play, active listening, and encouraging kids to engage with literacy. This community of adorable, light up bugs will illuminate a child’s world with special Glo moments from morning to night!