As the industry readies for Licensing Expo, Jazwares has announced two strategic new hires joining its Licensing team. Karen Eggleston, a licensing, brand management, and marketing veteran with nearly 20 years of industry experience has joined Jazwares as Vice President of Licensing & Consumer Products, North America, while industry veteran Kim Bell joins as Senior Director, Licensing. Both are taking on newly created roles at the company.
Karen Eggleston joins Jazwares as the VP of Licensing & Consumer Products, North America. With nearly 20 years of experience in licensing, brand management, and marketing across hit gaming and entertainment brands, including Nintendo and number #1 property Pokémon, Eggleston’s expertise includes developing and driving strategic growth across established and emerging audiences, markets and categories, and securing and managing new business opportunities and global partnerships. During her tenure with The Pokémon Company International, Eggleston oversaw outbound licensing and promotions and was responsible for expanding the consumer products program to reach new categories, retailers, and fans. Eggleston is a graduate of the University of Washington and earned her MBA at Seattle Pacific University.
Kim Bell joins Jazwares as Senior Director, Licensing after serving as Director of Global and US Marketing at Moose Toys. With more than 20 years of experience in licensing, consumer products and brand management, Bell’s toy industry expertise includes identifying & securing global partnerships and delivering best in class toy products for top Toy and Entertainment companies. Most recently, Bell was responsible for strategically driving the vision & long-term growth plans for Bluey, one of the top Preschool brands in market. At Disney, Bell was responsible for leading and managing multiple licensees/categories within the Hardlines toys business for top-tier brands such as Disney Jr., Disney Baby, Disney Channel and Classics; partnering closely with retail on exclusive programs such as the highly successful Year of The Mouse Plush collection.