Lionsgate Hires Phelan
Lionsgate named Kerry Phelan to the newly created position of executive vice-president of global franchise management and strategic partnerships. She will report to Lionsgate CMO, Tim Palen.
Phelan has played an integral role in growing brands and franchises such as Star Wars, Shrek, and LEGO, and she most recently ran consumer products and licensing for DreamWorks Animation. She also expanded DreamWorks’ location-based entertainment operations with branded attractions in Singapore, Brazil, Australia, and other international markets.
Prior to joining DreamWorks in 2007, Phelan set up Pixar’s first global licensing and consumer products division and, in concert with Disney Consumer Products, she oversaw the launch of the original Pixar Cars consumer products program.
Alex Brands Expands Team
Alex Brands has appointed two seasoned consumer products executives to help continue advancing its growth in the U.S. and internationally. Justin Wraight has been named president of Alex Brands Europe and Darren Silverman has been named executive vice-president of sales.
Based in the UK, Wraight has more than 20 years of consumer products and senior level leadership experience, as well as a background in product development, brand management, and international sales and distribution. He previously served as COO of ColArt International Holdings, an international manufacturer and marketer of artists and children’s art supplies. As a seasoned executive, he has a long track record of driving sales growth and effectively managing international business units in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Based in Fairfield, NJ, Silverman brings more than 20 years of sales experience in consumer packaged goods. Prior to joining Alex Brands, he most recently served as general manager of U.S. sales at Crayola. Significant sales achievements and numerous customer recognition awards mark his 10-year career at Crayola.
Toy industry veteran Neil Friedman has also joined the Alex Brands board of directors as an advisor to senior leadership on new ventures and growth opportunities. Friedman most recently served as president of the U.S. division at Toys “R” Us. His previous posts include president at Mattel Brands, Fisher-Price Brands, Tyco Preschool, and MCA/Universal Merchandising. He is a member of the Toy Industry Hall of Fame and the Licensing Industry Merchandiser’s Association’s Hall of Fame.