Category: You’re Hired

Mattel, Inc has promoted Krista Berger to Senior Vice President, Barbie and Head of Dolls. It was announced by Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer at Mattel, to whom Berger reports. “I am delighted to announce Krista Berger’s well-deserved promotion to Senior Vice President, Barbie and Head of Dolls,” said Lisa McKnight. “Krista’s stellar, 15-year journey with Mattel reflects her unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the company. I have had the privilege of working closely with Krista for years, and her promotion is a testament to her dedication, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership. I look forward to seeing Krista excel in her new role and continue to elevate our Dolls category to new heights.”

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) announced that WBD and industry veteran Philippe Roucoule has been named Senior Vice President of EMEA Consumer Products, effective immediately. Roucoule, who recently held the position of Vice President, Category and Retail Business Development for WBD, will report to Robert Oberschelp, Head of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of the Warner Bros. Discovery Revenue & Strategy division run by Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer, Bruce Campbell. Roucoule succeeds longtime European Consumer Products head, Julian Moon, who previously announced his upcoming retirement after 33 years with the company. Moon continues to oversee Consumer Products for the Asia Pacific region as he works with Oberschelp and WBD leadership on succession plans.

Right Angle Entertainment has announced veteran live entertainment industry executive Joe Ruffner has been promoted to executive director. His responsibilities will entail the oversight and management of Right Angle Entertainment’s touring productions, as well as adding his expertise to the rapid and strategic growth of the company. Right Angle Entertainment was founded in 2014 by Alison Spiriti and Justin Sudds and produces and/or manages the North American tours and experiences for Wheel of Fortune Live!, Hasbro’s Clue a Walking Mystery, The Price is Right Live!, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, The Simon & Garfunkel Story, The Psychology of Serial Killers, The Life and Music of George Michael, Ghosts: Do You Believe? and many more.

The Wiggles, the world’s premier children’s entertainment organization, is excited to announce the appointment of Luke O’Neill to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer. This significant move marks the beginning of a new chapter in the illustrious 30-plus year history of The Wiggles, the beloved global icons renowned for their innovative and engaging children’s edutainment content. O’Neill boasts a proven track record in accelerating growth and leading digital transformations for top-tier companies in the Real Estate, Hospitality, and Events industries. He joins The Wiggles at a time when the media industry is undergoing further disruption with fragmentation of audiences through the expanding number of digital streaming services and FAST channels. Having worked as a consultant with The Wiggles since mid-2023, O’Neill has already played a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction for the brand’s future, leading the development of a new digital strategy, while refocusing efforts in consumer product licensing and sponsorship opportunities.

In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, Cepia Toys, a renowned leader in the toy industry, announces the appointment of Josh Ganet as its new Chief Commercial Officer. This announcement comes shortly after the addition of Leslie Peck as Head of Sales, North America, marking a significant strengthening of the company’s commercial strategy. Ganet’s role will be pivotal in leading global sales and development, particularly as the company gears up for the 15th anniversary relaunch of Zhu Zhu Pets with ‘Zhu Zhu Aquarium’ and the introduction of the highly anticipated ‘Decora Girlz’ line of fashion dolls this spring.

Relatable (formerly What Do You Meme?), a modern entertainment and consumer product company inspired by pop culture and social media, announced the hiring of new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Karen Branson. This expansion follows Relatable’s highest-grossing revenue year in company history. Branson brings over 15 years of experience in the toy and game industry, where she has developed and delivered on nationwide growth plans and sales strategies. Prior to joining Relatable, Branson most recently served as Senior Vice President of IMC Toys North America.

Plus-Plus, the pioneering Danish brand known for its open-ended, creative toys that set play free with one simple shape, has announced the addition of toy veteran Tony White as Vice President of Sales for Specialty Accounts. White will be managing all specialty (non-national) account sales for Plus-Plus USA, including its network of 80+ independent sales representatives and its own internal sales teams. Moving forward, Bret Faber, now Vice President of Sales for National Accounts, will exclusively focus on the company’s growing trade in the grocery, bookstore, travel, and other key account market segments.

Toy Monster International (TMI) have hired former Bandai exec Michael Ciminera to take on the Leadership position of President of North America (USA & Canada). Working between NJ and TMI’s recently set up Bentonville hub, Michael Ciminera will oversee Sales, Business Development, Operations and Retail Marketing for the US and Canadian markets across the Toy, Licensing and Homewares divisions of The Monster Group. He reports into the Founder Nir Pizmony.

Fast-growing creative studio, Toikido, has expanded its commercial team with the appointment of experienced Licensing Director, Sabrina Segalov, who will be working alongside Chief Commercial Officer Will Ochoa, and US Managing Director Darryl Lai. Established in 2020, Toikido boasts a global ecosystem across licensing, gaming, music, marketing, and entertainment and is dedicated to developing its own exceptional intellectual properties [IP] across all entertainment genres.