Totsy Appoints Niggli CMO
Totsy, the private sale site for moms and children, announced the appointment of David Niggli as chief merchandising officer after serving as a consultant during Totsy’s first phase of growth. Most recently, Niggli was president of FAO Schwarz, where he directed all merchandising, product development, special events and promotions, visual, and overall branding.
Prior to FAO Schwarz, Niggli held buying positions at May Company corporate and Macy’s, where he completed the executive training program.
Chorion Expands Americas Team
Chorion has expanded its Americas team with the appointment of key executive talent. Bob Traub returns to Chorion as senior vice-president, licensing for the Americas; Joan Grasso is appointed vice-president, toys and games licensing; and Lindsay Martinez is vice-president brand management and marketing.
Traub is charged with building the Americas licensing program through developing retail-first strategies designed to deliver long-term growth across Chorion’s extensive portfolio of classic and TV brands. 
Prior to Chorion, Traub served in key sales and licensing positions at companies such as Nestlé, Marvel Entertainment, and BBC Worldwide.
Grasso is responsible for building Chorion’s toys and games business for the Americas and strategically managing partnerships with global master toy partners for Olivia, The World of Eric Carle, Noddy, and Mr. Men and Little Miss. Grasso has extensive toy experience having worked for toy and entertainment companies such as Mattel/Fisher-Price Friends, Nickelodeon, and American Greetings.
Martinez is responsible for the strategic development and execution of brand plans and spearheading brand marketing initiatives across consumer and trade for Chorion’s portfolio in the Americas. She joined Chorion from HIT Entertainment. Prior to HIT, Martinez worked at American Greetings Properties and United Media.
Little Airplane Names Tom Brown VP
Little Airplane Productions has named Tom Brown as its vice-president, production and operations. Brown has been head of production for Little Airplane since 2004. Since joining Little Airplane in 2002, he has overseen the development and production of The Wonder Pets! for Nick Jr., Oobi! for Noggin, and 3rd & Bird for Cbeebies.
In his new role, Brown will be working to build strategic partnerships for Little Airplane and the Little Light Foundation in the areas of sponsorships, publishing, licensing, games, international co-productions, and feature films.
JCPenney Announces Senior Management Promotions
JCPenney announced a series of senior leadership promotions in its finance, sourcing, and technology organizations. These promotions include the appointment of Michael Dastugue as executive vice-president and CFO; Ken Mangone as executive vice-president of product development, design, and sourcing; and Ed Robben as senior vice-president and chief information officer. Dastugue, Mangone and Robben are all members of JCPenney’s executive board.
Dastugue succeeds Robert Cavanaugh, who will be stepping down as CFO after 32 years with JCPenney. Cavanaugh will serve as an adviser to Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, the company’s chairman and CEO, providing counsel in support of JCPenney’s long-term financial objectives, until his expected retirement in January 2012. Mangone succeeds Peter McGrath, who retired December 31 after 37 years with JCPenney and who will continue to be a key contributor to JCPenney’s supplier council. Dastugue and Mangone report to Ullman, while Robben reports to Tom Nealon, group executive vice-president, who is responsible for jcp.com, IT, corporate strategy, and JCPenney’s digital ventures organization.