Xilam Animation, the independent animation production and distribution company, announces a new organizational structure for its production division, effective as of January 1, 2022, in order to prepare for market growth in coming years, both in terms of volume and in value, and in particular on platforms.
Following Genius Brands’ acquisitions of Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, Inc. (WOW!) and Ameba TV, and major investment in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment (YFE) to build a global footprint, as well as the worldwide rollout of Kartoon Channel!/Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse, Genius Brands International, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNUS), announces the promotion of Kerry Phelan to the newly created position of Chief Brand Officer.
Goliath, one of the few remaining, family owned global toy and game companies, announced today that David Norman, President of Goliath North America, retires in March after serving the organization for over a decade. Peter Boutros has stepped in to succeed David Norman as the new President of Goliath, North America.
WarnerMedia announced today that industry veteran Nitin Chawla has been named Head of Finance, Strategy, Planning and Global Operations for WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences. Chawla, who started January 18, reports to Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences, and Jessica Holscott, Head of Finance for WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group. Chawla joins as long time Warner Bros. executive and current Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations for WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences, Nairi Gardiner, is retiring after a successful 30-year career at the Studio.
9 Story Media Group has announced the appointment of Katrina Hitz-Tough to the newly created position of SVP, Franchise Strategy & Marketing. Hitz-Tough will lead 9 Story’s recently established Franchise Management division to drive growth for select IP in 9 Story’s expanding portfolio of exciting kids’ properties, including the groundbreaking animated series Karma’s World (Netflix), the up-and-coming Ladybird Lu (HBO Max) and the evergreen toy-based property Colorforms. Reporting to Natalie Osborne, 9 Story’s Chief Strategy Officer, Hitz-Tough is tasked with leading the new Franchise division with the goal of extending key 9 Story IP beyond the screen. She will be working closely with 9 Story’s in-house Consumer Products division, led by Co-VPs Kristin Lecour and Kyra Halperin, as well as the company’s Marketing, Digital, Interactive, Production, Distribution and Research teams.
Oregon-based Hog Wild Toys, LLC has welcomed Steve Markey as the new Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North America, it was announced today by Jy Liao, president. In his new role, Markey will take the reins on all marketing initiatives and lead the Hog Wild North American sales teams with a strong directive to focus on the novelty foundation of the company.
Addressing the need for talent created by an ever-increasing production pipeline, Lighthouse Studios has appointed long-time animation consultant, Michael Downey, to the newly created position of Talent Management Director for the Kilkenny-based Irish studio. The announcement was made by Lighthouse Studio’s Managing Director, Claire Finn.
Award-winning STEAM brand, Osmo from BYJU’S, announces Peter Glovin’s appointment as Senior VP of Educational Sales, effective immediately. In this role, Glovin, a seasoned senior edtech sales executive, will develop and implement a U.S. sales strategy for the brand’s educational sales division, Osmo Education, as well as expand its sales team, targeting the Pre-K to Grade 5 education market. Osmo Education celebrated its fifth anniversary last March.
Joann Acevedo has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Softlines Licensing, North America ViacomCBS Consumer Products. It was announced by Jose Castro, Senior Vice President, Softlines, Fashion & Lifestyle Licensing and Global Collaborations, ViacomCBS Consumer Products.