Category: You’re Hired

Spin Master, a leading global children’s entertainment company, has announced that Chris Beardall, President, Toys and Chief Commercial Officer will retire as of December 31, 2023. Doug Wadleigh, currently Head of Global Toy Brands, will succeed Chris as the new President, Toys beginning in January 2024, reporting to Max Rangel, Global President & CEO. “During Chris’ illustrious 23-year career with Spin Master he has been a driving force behind the introduction of thousands of toys to the market while also deepening and diversifying our portfolio and expanding our global footprint,” said Spin Master’s Global President & CEO, Max Rangel. “Chris leaves a legacy of amazing innovation that will forever be imprinted on the toy industry, and we wish him health and happiness in his next chapter. We’re grateful to have Chris’ support as we transition our Toy creative centre leadership to Doug, a seasoned toy industry executive. Doug has already made a meaningful impact at Spin Master, helping to strengthen our global toy brands and acquire new licensed partnerships. Under his leadership we will continue to unlock future growth within our toy business.”

WildBrain Ltd (“WildBrain” or the “Company”) (TSX: WILD), a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, announces senior leadership changes and a streamlined business structure under a focused strategy designed to optimize its existing 360° IP management expertise and drive the growth of key WildBrain and partner franchises across its core capabilities of Content Creation, Audience Engagement and Global Licensing. As part of these changes, Nick Gawne has joined WildBrain as Chief Financial Officer, effective November 8, bringing over 20 years’ experience in finance, operations and business development in the media space with a focus on kids’ and family IP, including almost 15 years with eOne. A Chartered Professional Accountant, Gawne was most recently Executive Vice President and General Manager at eOne for three years following the acquisition of eOne by Hasbro. In that role he oversaw international teams in finance, HR and communications as well as three operating units across location-based entertainment, app publishing and animation.x

StickTogether Products has named toy industry veteran Bill Benda as its new consumer national sales manager. In this role, Benda will help grow the footprint of the company’s recently-launched Puzzle Face in brick-and-mortar and online stores nationwide. The one-of-kind Puzzle Face innovation allows young and old alike to create an unlimited number of different faces – their face, a friend’s face, a famous face from history – all with one 300-piece puzzle that can be assembled and reassembled again and again.   “Puzzle Face is truly a remarkable – and magical – innovation that makes an ideal gift for any home, classroom, or office,” said Sylvia Stein, president of StickTogether Products. “As we work to bring Puzzle Face to more stores and consumers nationwide, we know that Bill’s leadership and experience in the industry will be invaluable. We are thrilled to have him join our team.”

 YuMe Toys (part of Maxx Group), a shining star in the world of toys and collectibles since 2017, is thrilled to announce the arrival of a marketing maverick, Ryan Kravontka, who takes the helm as Global Marketing Director. With a remarkable career spanning entertainment and media, Ryan is poised to bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of invaluable experience to propel YuMe’s growth well into 2024 and beyond.  Ryan Kravontka, formerly the Senior Director of Business Development and Strategy at the prestigious creative agency XX Artists (now part of Media.Monks), is a seasoned expert in crafting innovative solutions and global marketing strategies.

Bruce Campbell, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer of Warner Bros Discovery, has announced a new global structure for Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences (GBFE), the division that comprises WBD’s worldwide consumer products, themed entertainment, franchise management and development, and DC Comics businesses. The changes were made following the decision of Pam Lifford, President of Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences to step back from her role to focus on her family member’s healthcare needs.

Falcon’s Beyond (“Falcon’s” or the “Company”), a global entertainment powerhouse and visionary leader in immersive storytelling, is proud to announce it has named Bruce A Brown as Executive Vice President of Legal, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, reporting to the Company’s President Simon Philips. With more than 20 years of legal expertise, Brown will strategically advise and oversee legal, compliance, enterprise risk management, and government relations for Falcon’s Beyond. Brown will also serve as a key advisor to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors.

DeAPlaneta Entertainment is pleased to announce that Alessandra Dematteis has joined as Head of Media Sales for the company’s Kids & Family division in Italy, where she will also oversee operations in Greece, Turkey and Asia. Alessandra Dematteis has extensive experience in the production and distribution of children’s and family content thanks to her work in Italian publishing and transmedia entertainment company Atlantyca. Atlantyca, which has offices in Italy and Beijing (China), is the producer of series as “Geronimo Stilton”, “Bat Pat” or “Berry Bees”, among many others.