Search Results for: hasbro

Ultra Pro Welcomes Tabletop Games Industry Veteran Richard Dracass as New Director of Entertainment

Ultra PRO International LLC (“Ultra PRO”), a leading designer and manufacturer of top-quality products since 1952, is proud to welcome gaming industry veteran Richard Dracass to the team as its new Director of Entertainment. With over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry spanning all levels of the supply chain, Dracass brings a wealth of expertise in brand leadership, innovative marketing strategies and community engagement. In his new role, Dracass will drive business development and growth strategies for Ultra PRO’s entertainment division.

Peppa Pig Joins the World of Podcasting Exclusively With Audible

Audible, a leading provider of spoken word entertainment, has announced Peppa Pig’s Play-A-Long Podcast, the first release as part of a podcasting deal with leading toy and game company, Hasbro. Building on the cherished legacy of Peppa Pig, this podcast invites listeners into Peppa’s world with six episodes, each spanning 15 minutes. Voiced by Amelie Bea Smith as Peppa Pig, the podcast features Peppa and her pals in a mix of fun interactive games, outdoor adventures, and even catchy sing-alongs with her sensational new band, The Piggy-Wigs. Whether it’s a companion during car rides or a calming wind-down before bedtime, Peppa Pig’s Play-A-Long Podcast guarantees an immersive experience for the whole family.

Nex Expands Leadership Team and Advisory Board to Focus on Retail Growth and Brand Partnerships

Nex, the motion technology company behind the award-winning active play system, Nex Playground, announced the growth of its leadership team and advisory board, appointing Tom Kang as President and Stephen Saiz as Vice President of Publishing. Tom joins Nex after leading Immersive Commerce at Walmart as Vice President, General Manager and Officer. Prior to that, Tom held senior leadership positions at Amazon Games, Amazon Web Services and Disney Interactive, as well as multiple startups as CEO. At Nex, Tom will oversee strategy, finance, corporate and business development, and international expansion. As the former Head of Publishing at Walmart and the Head of Growth and Partnerships at Amazon Games, Stephen will oversee all of Nex’s publishing and go-to-market (GTM) efforts.

Sony Returns to Licensing Expo 2024 to Celebrate Time-Honored and Trending Properties

Sony Pictures Consumer Products exhibited its diverse portfolio of properties at this year’s Licensing Expo, which combined timeless classics and evergreen releases with new and modern content. Amongst the expansive collection of Sony IPs at Licensing Expo 2024 are the enduring Ghostbusters and Karate Kid properties, both set to celebrate 40-year anniversaries in 2024, as well as contemporary standouts including The Boys, Cobra Kai, Gen V, The Last of Us, Goosebumps, Twisted Metal, and many more.

Industry Vets Form New Company, Kidazzle, and are Named Master Toy Licensee for ‘Iyanu’

Kidazzle, a new toy company founded by industry veterans Steve Rosenthal, Don Robbins, and Jeff Jones, proudly launches with the acquisition as master toy licensee for Iyanu, Lion Forge Entertainment’s highly anticipated superhero animated series set to premiere on Cartoon Network and Max. Iyanu is an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios’ popular graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe and is steeped in Nigerian culture and mythology.

Beyblade Spins into Licensing Expo 2024

ADK Emotions NY Inc and T-Licensing Inc is showcasing the highly-anticipated new Beyblade X series at Licensing Expo 2024. After a successful premiere in Asian territories in 2023, Beyblade X will launch globally this year, featuring new animation and a new line of toys for Beyblade fans to enjoy during the brand’s 25th Anniversary. Potential licensees are invited to visit the Beyblade Booth at Licensing Expo, Booth #U245, to discover the world of Beyblade, preview the newest Beyblade X toys from Hasbro and watch sneak peeks of the new animated series.

The Toy Association Names Industry Veteran Greg Ahearn as New President & CEO

The Toy Association Inc, the business trade association representing a wide array of manufacturers, retailers, licensors, and others involved in the youth entertainment industry, announced that Greg Ahearn will join as President & CEO on June 1. Ahearn will be responsible for leading the next chapter of the Association as it continues to evolve and best serve its close to 900 members, as well as the needs of the entire industry. He will have oversight of the key objectives, which include industry trade shows and events, regulatory affairs and representation, toy safety and ethics initiatives, member education, as well as consumer outreach to champion the importance of play. The role also extends to partnership with The Toy Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the organization.