Category: You’re Hired

Sesame Workshop, the media and educational nonprofit behind Sesame Street and decades of award-winning children’s programming, has named Dr. Alison Bryant, a renowned expert on the impact of media, technology, and play, to the new position of Chief Research, Data, and Impact Officer (CRDIO). The move signals Sesame Workshop’s commitment to research as a strategic driver in identifying the needs of children and families around the world in order to create content with the broadest possible impact. Dr. Bryant will oversee Sesame workshop research, data strategy, analytics, and impact measurement as well as the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, the Workshop’s independent research and innovation lab. She joins the organization’s Leadership Operations Team and will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Steve Youngwood.

PlayMonster reaches a new milestone, as CEO Tim Kilpin announces a global organizational structure that will unify the company’s mission around the world. The announcement signals a move towards unified initiatives and planning as one global company.

Continuing to bolster its executive team for the rapidly growing Kartoon Channel!, Genius Brands International (“Genius Brands”) has announced the appointment of Cindy Kelly to the newly created position of Head of Advertising Sales & Co-Chief Revenue Officer for Kartoon Channel!, working alongside Todd Steinman, who was recently appointed Co-Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer.

Award-winning STEAM brand, Osmo from BYJU’S, announces Kar-Han Tan’s appointment as Head of Computer Vision and Machine Learning, effective immediately. With three decades leading teams in robotics and AI research and development, Tan will further the development of a world-class computer vision and AI platform that aids in the creation of new products, games, and devices incorporating gains made in deep learning technology. In addition, he will lead a growing global team to research, develop, and optimize new algorithms for computer vision and AI-enabled features such as object detection, object recognition, hand tracking, pattern matching, and hand-drawing analysis, among others, all in an effort to create the best learning tools and outcomes.

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind the well-loved, Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat as well as the newest hits, Donkey Hodie and Alma’s Way, has named Aleya Crable Jennings Director of Corporate Sponsorships and Individual Giving. Jennings, who reports to company President and CEO Paul Siefken, will direct corporate and individual fundraising efforts to help Fred Rogers Productions continue to realize its education and social missions.

Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG has appointed former MGA Entertainment and Warner Bros. executive Carlotta Caracciolo as its first VP, Middle East and Africa, to oversee the company’s consumer products strategy in the region. The appointment was announced by Julian Zag, SVP Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, to whom Caracciolo reports.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced today that Susan Brandt, an entertainment industry veteran who has been leading the company for more than two decades, has been promoted to president and CEO. Brandt, who was previously president of the company, will continue to lead the charge around the beloved entertainment property and oversee the worldwide operations.

Pocket.watch, the premiere kids and family entertainment company that creates global franchises from the YouTube stars and characters loved by Generation Alpha, today announced the appointment of Manuel Torres Port as Global Head of Consumer Products, effective immediately.

PlayMonster launches into 2022 with fresh capital from global private markets firms Adams Street Partners and H.I.G Capital, and promotes tenured industry leader Tim Kilpin and former PlayMonster President to the role of CEO. This significant capital investment and leadership change symbolizes PlayMonster’s latest chapter as a top international toy and game company, and sets the foundation for continued growth and innovation in 2022 and beyond.