Disney Names New Leadership
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) announced new leadership for Disney Publishing Worldwide and its retail arm Disney Store. DCP has appointed Andrew Sugerman as executive vice-president of Disney Publishing, Molly Adams as executive vice-president of global product development for Disney Store, and Paul Gainer as executive vice-president of global for Disney Store. Adams and Gainer will replace Disney Store president Jim Fielding, who recently stepped down.
Sugerman will oversee all of Disney Publishing’s businesses, including its core global book and magazine publishing business as well as its growing digital and learning initiatives. Sugerman will continue to oversee all global English language-learning efforts for Disney Publishing.
In her new role, Adams will continue to drive the quality, creativity, and performance of the product assortment. She will also lead a cross-regional initiative to determine the most effective structure for global product development. Adams previously served as senior vice-president of Disney Store retail locations in North America.
Gainer will lead the North America business for Disney Store, including e-commerce and the 210 retail locations in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. He will also have global influence on a broader retail strategy by collaborating across the regions to drive brand execution and financial performance. Previously, Gainer served as senior vice-president of Disney Store North America.
Spirit Halloween Adds Licensing Division, Hires Morse
Spirit Halloween, a division of Spencer Gifts, announced the creation of a new licensing department. Licensing veteran Eric Morse will head up the new division. Morse will lead the licensing initiatives through a strategy of partnering with premier vendors and licensors as well as developing new in-store marketing programs. Prior to joining Spirit Halloween, he served as head of marketing for Dylan’s Candy Bar. He also served as director of licensing, global toys at Sesame Workshop and held various positions at Hasbro Entertainment and Licensing.