Category Archives: People

Five new faces join The Point. 1888’s expanding commercial, retail, product, and finance teams

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The momentum continues to gather apace at the brand extension agency, The Point. 1888 as a swathe of new starters sees the company expand across its commercial, retail, product development, and finance departments this month.

The latest line-up of new faces to join the team follows the company’s latest sweep of appointments that saw it bolster its marketing division for Story.1888 only this month. In its latest recruitment drive, The Point. 1888 has brought in five new faces in order to support its increasing client base and product development programme.

Rosanna Cousins, who has several years’ of retail buyer experience at John Lewis and Harrods, has joined as The Point.1888’s newest retail manager. She will report to head of retail and sport, Hannah Stevens, to support the division as it prepares for a busy year ahead.

Sophie Fennessy has joined the team as senior PD executive and will be working within the fast-paced product development division, putting to use her vast licensee experience gathered at previous employer Poetic Brands. Meanwhile, Naomi Serradimigni – previously of the ambassador marketing platform, Brandbassador –  has joined as The Point.1888’s new senior commercial executive with a focus on health and beauty categories.

Max Pilcher, the agency’s newest commercial executive, joins from ViacomCBS and will report into senior commercial manager of soft goods, Becky Langer, to support work across the portfolio and assisting with sub-agents in Italy and Iberia, while finally, Mia Wakeling, joins as finance assistant to work in the agency’s busy finance department.

Despite the pandemic’s best efforts, The Point.1888 has welcomed 11 new clients and this growth in the agency and its client book made the decision to recruit once more an easy one.

Bethan Garton, commercial director at The Point.1888, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for us as we expand the licensing arm of our agency, continuing the growth we have seen in recent years. Bringing Rosanna, Sophie, Naomi, Max and Mia to the commercial and brand teams at The Point.1888 allows us to continue the fantastic work we do with Moonbug, Rachel Ellen and all of our other brands, whilst still attracting new clients.”

Will Stewart, managing director of The Point.1888, added: “I am incredibly excited to welcome Rosanna, Sophie, Max, Mia and Naomi to Team.1888 family. Our amazing book of clients and our high profile within the industry mean we have no shortage of talent to choose from when new roles are created and I’m confident that we’ve picked the very best.

“Their energy and enthusiasm as well as the diverse experience they bring will undoubtedly give our team the support it needs to continue our growth.”

Peanuts Worldwide taps brand executive and licensing expert Tim Erickson as Executive Vice President of Brand

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Peanuts Worldwide has appointed the consumer products and brand executive, Tim Erickson as its Executive Vice President of Brand, Peanuts Worldwide, a role in which he will oversee the team managing the brand’s global licensing business.

Working alongside the family of Peanuts creator, Charles M. Schulz as well as WildBrain’s content and management teams and the brand’s co-owners, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), Erickson will help sustain a global licensing approach that remains true to the heritage of the Peanuts brand.

Within his remit, Erickson will over the opening of new licensing, partnership, and retail opportunities, as well as support brand marketing and leverage new content launches. The plan is to expand the global presence of the Peanuts brand as it approaches its 75th anniversary in 2025.

Based in New York, Erickson reports to Eric Ellenbogen, CEO of WildBrain, the majority owner of Peanuts.

Ellenbogen said: “I’m delighted that Tim has joined the team at this important moment for the Peanuts brand. The response to our original series The Snoopy Show and Snoopy in Space on Apple TV+ and to our ‘Take Care With Peanuts’ initiative has been nothing short of fantastic.

“With lots more new content rolling out worldwide in the coming years in partnership with Apple TV+, the Peanuts gang has never been more popular. Working in tandem with our Peanuts content team, Tim will bring a breadth of experience at the intersection of family entertainment and consumer products that makes him the ideal person to lead the evergreen Peanuts licensing business.”

Erickson brings more than 20 years’ experience in consumer products and brand building to the role, having worked for global leaders in the space including Twentieth Century Fox, DreamWorks, Disney, and LEGO. He most recently held the position of Chief Operating Officer at the media company GoldieBlox, creating innovative STEM-focused brand experiences for girls through consumer products, retail and storytelling, as well as overseeing the company’s business development and operations.

Erickson said: “As a lifelong Peanuts fan, I’m elated to join Peanuts Worldwide. I’ve long admired Charles Schulz’s storytelling, both personally and professionally, so I look forward to engaging with the team and our partners to continue telling meaningful Peanuts stories through content, products and experiences that will engage fans for generations to come. I’m so excited about the opportunity to connect the Peanuts content pipeline with fan engagement around the world.”

Netflix hires EA veteran in its boldest play for the video gaming space to date

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In possibly its boldest play for the space to date, Netflix has tapped the games industry heavyweight and EA veteran, Mike Verdu as its vice president of game development.

Verdu has made the move to the streaming giant from Facebook where he held the role of VP of VR and AR content and a remit of bringing games to Oculus devices. Prior to this, he held various positions at EA, both in mobile and console gaming.

A veteran of the gaming industry, Verdu has also spent time at the mobile games specialist Zynga as chief creative officer.

The hiring of Verdu arrives amid a renewed and re-energerised suite of activity from Netflix in the video gaming space, who, according to a report from Bloomberg this week, could be delivering games as part of its streaming service ‘within the next year.’

Unnamed sources told Bloomberg that a games offering could be integrated as part of a Netflix streaming package, with no additional costs. The idea is that games will appear alongside current content as a new programming genre, similar to its documentaries of stand-up specials.

Gaming presents an additional avenue via which Netflix can continue to grow and follows recent developments such as a bolstered kids’ offering and its launch of an online shop to sell merchandise inspired by its original content. Netflix even managed to turn the head of Steven Spielberg recently in order to bring more prestigious films to its line-up.

In Verdu, the streaming giant will be able to tap into an experienced games pro who has worked on popular mobile games at Electronic Arts, including the Sims, Plants vs. Zombies, and Star Wars. 

An in-road to games development – of which, Netflix Originals can presumably be on the cards – will offer the platform yet another differentiator from its closest competitors on Disney’s Disney+ and HBO Max.

The Netflix insider has stated that the platform will be building out its gaming team in the coming months, adding that the company has yet to settle on a game development strategy. 

It’s thought that Netflix could start with just a few games on the roster and build its library from there. Netflix has previously licensed the rights to games based on its hit shows, including Stranger Things. The new move, however, will likely put Netflix fully in control of all gaming developments for its IP library.

Licensing International reveals its 2021 Rising Stars

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The six brand licensing professionals to receive the 2021 Rising Star Award from Licensing International this year have been named, marking the ninth annual celebration of the up and coming talent from across the global licensing community.

“We are thrilled to recognize these talented young professionals who will be the future leaders of our global brand licensing community,” said Maura Regan, president of Licensing International. “We would also like to thank the Rising Stars committee members, who have the difficult job in selecting among the best of the best.”

The 2021 Rising Stars Award recipients are:

JAMES CHOI – Senior Associate, Ellalan
Based in Hong Kong

James Choi actively advises on landmark, precedent-setting copyright licensing litigation in Hong Kong regarding recording and karaoke licensing issues as a senior associate with Ellalan since 2016. He holds law degrees from Kings College London and University of Hong Kong as well as a Master of Arts in Sociology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

According to a nominator, James’ “ability to handle and advise clients, as well as to lead and nurture juniors to assist him in his licensing matters have made huge positive impact to the firm’s recent growth and expansion.”

ADDIE DORSEY GOOSSENS – Licensing Manager EMEA, Ubisoft
Based in France

Addie Dorsey Goossens began her licensing career with ZAG Entertainment in Los Angeles before joining Ubisoft in June 2019 in Paris. Addie manages the licensing out strategy for all Ubisoft brands across Europe, Middle East, and Africa including Ubisoft’s expansion into esports licensing categories.

One executive said: “She is a very strategic business executive who understands that licensing is a marketing tool to support the core businesses. She has always impressed me with her business savvy and licensing knowledge.”

Dorsey holds a Master’s in Strategy & Management in International Business from ESSEC Business School along with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences from UC Irvine.

RACHEL HAK – Category Manager, Apparel/Accessories/Health & Beauty, Crayola
Based in U.S.

Rachel Hak began her licensing career at Freeze with stops at The Walt Disney Company and Centric Brands before arriving at Crayola as a category manager for outbound licensing in 2019. She launched Crayola’s first-ever children’s apparel program with Haddad Brands at the Macy’s inaugural STORY event and elevated the Crayola brand through collaborations with Adidas, LeSportsac, Shinola, and Isaac Mizrahi.

According to one licensing executive, Hak “believes in the power of brand licensing and is always ideating new ways to partner with prospective companies. Her natural curiosity and creative and positive energy make her a great representative for our company and the industry overall.” She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

KEVIN RAMSEY – Founder and CEO, Warren James
Based in U.S.

Kevin Ramsey founded Warren James two years ago, following stints at Jazwares and Roblox, to develop custom merchandise, apparel, and e-commerce solutions for some of the largest content creators on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok including Aphmau, ItsFunneh, and Annoying Orange. Since its launch, the company has grown to 44 people with offices in Los Angeles, Guangzhou, and Manilla while helping to define standard DTC and DTR deals for content creators.

A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Ramsey’s “entire career has been focused on leveraging gaming and content creator’s online audiences to drive engagement and product purchases in both retail stores and online. The passion and work Ramsey has put into the creator economy have increased the exposure and opportunities for this genre of content within the licensing industry,” according to one licensing executive.

JYOTI SARDANA – Manager of Licensing Strategy and Operations, OneTeam Partners
Based in U.S.

 Jyoti Sardana began her licensing career with the NFL Players Association before moving to OneTeam Partners as employee number four in 2020. She has developed the licensing program for Women’s National Basketball Players Association, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Players Association, and Major League Soccer Players Association as well as the NFL Players Association and Major League Baseball Players Association.

“Jyoti’s efforts have had an outsized influence in establishing a market for officially licensed products for professional women’s athletes. The momentum for these licensed products is now apparent and Jyoti’s work in this regard has been influential,” according to a nominator. Sardana holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland.

CAROLINA VERDUGO – Director of Brand Management, Beanstalk
Based in U.S.

Carolina Verdugo joined Beanstalk in 2018 following stops at Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. She leads the agency’s efforts in Mexico and Latin America for Diageo and expanded the Bailey’s food licensing program into LATAM markets with industry leaders in key categories. One of Verdugo’s nominators said, “Carolina’s excellent work on prospecting and client service played an integral part in Beanstalk expanding the Diageo business in Latin America. A major strength of Verdugo’s is her ability to see the bigger picture, think strategically, and take initiative.”

Verdugo holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business/Trade/Commerce from San Diego State University.

The 2021 Rising Stars will be recognized during the 2021 Licensing International Excellence Awards on Tuesday, August 24 at 12:00pm EDT at Licensing Expo Virtual.

ARTiSTORY appoints Liz Bowers as head of business development for the UK

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ARTiSTORY has appointed a new head of business development for the UK in the shape of Liz Bowers, the former head of publishing and brand licensing for Imperial War Museums and senior commercial manager at Royal Museums Greenwhich.

With a wealth of experience in building commercial growth for the cultural heritage sector, Bowers has also supported brand extension as a licensing consultant for the Ashmolean Museum and the V&A.

She joins a growing team of licensing experts at ARTiSTORT and will focus on securing licensing partners across a range of categories for the group’s growing client list, which includes some of the world’s most prestigious museums and cultural institutions.

ARTiSTORY brings art and cultural IP licensing to the retailers and consumer brands around the world. The team creates original illustrations and assets, all inspired by art and culture for use on product and packaging, as well as  developing unique shopping experiences with storytelling at its core.

“I’m thrilled to have joined ARTiSTORY at such an exciting time,” said Bowers, head of business development. “I was immediately excited by ARTiSTORY’s business model which is a game-changer for the cultural sector. Our global museums have such a wealth of assets and ARTiSTORY will help to bring these incredible collections and stories to life for new audiences.”

Natasha Dyson, co-founder and licensing director, added: “I’m very happy to welcome Liz to the team. From the outset I was very impressed with Liz’s experience in the museum sector and the results she’s achieved. Not only does Liz have a commercial background but she also brings a wealth of knowledge on how heritage organisations operate, which will benefit the business in many ways.”

Asmodee Entertainment builds out European licensing team with new appointment

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Asmodee Entertainment is building on its licensing success of 2020 with the appointment of Etienne Bonnin as the firm’s new senior manager, media development and licensing.

Based in Paris, Bonnin will report into Darren Kyman, SVP, business development for Asmodee Entertainment, a unit of the board game giant dedicated to building out wider franchises from the Asmodee IP, led by managing director, Andy Jones.

Bonnin has spent 15 years at Glénat Editions SA, the largest independent book publisher in France. In his role as Rights and Licensing Director at Glénat, Bonnin has been running the licensing department and negotiated all rights formats (translations, Film/TV, podcast, merchandising, partworks) globally for all of the Glénat group’s catalogues: comics & graphic novels, children’s books and illustrated books.

Asmodee Entertainment’s SVP of business development, Kyman, said: “Given our well-established global presence and diverse catalogue of leading IPs, it was important for us to have a dedicated media development and licensing manager based right in the centre of Paris.

“With his years of experience in both media development and IP licensing at Glénat, we are delighted to welcome Etienne aboard.”

Genius Brands appoints Kerry Phelan to role of EVP and GM of global franchise management

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Genius Brand International has appointed the 30 year consumer branding executive, Kerry Phelan to the newly created role of executive vice president and general manager of global franchise management.

In her new role, the former DreamWorks and Pixar executive will report to both Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO, and Harold Chizick, president of global content sales, marketing, and consumer products.

Phelan boasts an illustrious career in the entertainment space. After she successfully launched the Star Wars brand at LEGO Systems Inc, Phelan was recruited directly to Lucasfilm Ltd where she led the global consumer products and promotional licensing business for the multi-billion dollar Star Wars franchise in over 60 countries worldwide.

From there, she joined Pixar Animation Studios, reporting to Steve Jobs where she launched, in concert with Disney Consumer Products, the original Cars consumer products programme. Following Pixar, Phelan spent seven years at DreamWorks Animation as head of consumer products and licensing, driving the development of franchise management plans for the studio’s film and television properties, including Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and more.

At DreamWorks, she managed the retail consumer products business and doubled the consumer products revenue in just three years. Most recently, she served as President of Global Franchise Management at Lionsgate Entertainment, where under her leadership, the studio created brand extensions spanning location-based and live entertainment venues, consumer products, licensed merchandise, brand partnerships and an array of promotional ventures for such blockbuster franchises as The Hunger Games and Twilight.

In her new role at Genius Brands, Phelan will be responsible for global management of the Company’s existing IP across licensing, merchandising, retail and promotions, including Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, Shaq’s Garage, Stan Lee Universe, and Rainbow Rangers, as well as properties currently in development.

“Kerry’s pedigree and reputation in entertainment branding is unparalleled as she has driven the global revenue streams of some of the most lucrative franchises in history,” said Chizick.

“In the coming year, we have multiple properties launching into the global retail marketplace, including Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, which just premiered on Kartoon Channel!, as well as Shaq’s Garage and Stan Lee Universe plus more categories coming to market around Rainbow Rangers.

“Kerry’s leadership and strategic guidance will be instrumental in driving the growth of our brands around the world.  She is a dream executive to have on board to help us achieve our long-term goals.”

Phelan said: “The majority of my career has been spent building properties into global franchises, specifically in the children’s space. Having had a peek at the coming pipeline, I am excited about the future at Genius Brands and the opportunity to build bigger brand ecosystems around their properties.”

The Point. 1888 doubles marketing division headcount with latest suite of new hires

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The Point. 1888 has doubled the headcount of its marketing division with the appointment of three new team members who join the firm as it strives to reach its ambitious goals for growth throughout the year.

The news comes just months after the agency announced the creation of a director of marketing role at The Point.1888, held by Sarah Crimes.  Joining The Point.1888 are Chris Brinkworth, Andrea Inglis, and Sophie Loader. They will all join Sarah Crimes, Martin McLaughlin, head of partnerships, and Ellen Fazakerley, marketing executive.

Brinkworth joins the team as marketing manager, who, already well versed in the licensing industry, joins from Global Licensing Group where he was responsible for implementing year-round marketing campaigns for products as well as product development and media partnerships.

In his new role with The Point. 1888 will be helping Crimes develop the business goals and providing client support.

Andrea Inglis, The Point.1888’s new account manager, has worked with a wealth of big brands including Hilton Hotels, Ford and the Wildlife Trust. Skilled in delivering fully integrated marketing campaigns and social strategy, she will be putting that experience to great use in her new role.

Finally, Sophie Loader joins the team as junior marketing executive and will be supporting the them in all aspects of marketing, ensuring the development of the agency’s current clients as well as The Point.1888’s own channels.

The Point.1888’s marketing division was formed in Spring 2019 and has established itself as vital for many of The Point.1888’s clients. Shortly afterwards, Crimes and McLaughlin spearheaded the creation of the agency’s second business, its very own creative agency – Story.1888 – designed to provide retail-led, consumer-inspired branding, creative and marketing support from a wide team of experts.

Since then, The Point.1888 has welcomed 11 new clients. This growth in the agency and its client book was the driving force behind the marketing team’s expansion.

Will Stewart, managing director of The Point.1888, said: “Over the last few years, we’ve shown the industry that we’re an agency to watch thanks to our attitude and retail-led approach. Our growth has been phenomenal but we recognise that to continue on that trajectory, meet our targets and give our clients the best possible support, Sarah and Martin need the support of a team of talented individuals and with Chris, Andrea, Ellen and Sophie, they’ve got just that.

“This is such an exciting time for the marketing division and for our company as a whole and we’re ready to get people talking once again.”

Fashion brands Uniqlo and Skechers face investigation over claims of forced labour in China

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Uniqlo and Skechers are among a group of fashion brands being investigated by French prosecutors over accusations that they have ignored China’s alleged abuse of Uighur muslims in the Xinjiang region.

It was confirmed on Friday that the investigation concerned Uniqlo France – owned by Fast Retailing – Inditex, which owns Zara and Bershka, SMCP, the owner of the French fashion labels Sandrop and Maje, and the footwear company Skechers.

The investigation is looking into accusations that the four brands had been concealing and profiting from crimes against humanity in China’s Xingjiang region by sourcing goods produced using the forced labour of Uighur muslims.

According to the investigative website, Mediapart, the investigation follows a complaint filed in early April by campaigners including the anti-corruption group Sherpa, the Uighur Institute of Europe, and a Uighur who was interned in Xinjiang.

Inditex has issued a statement rejecting the claims of the legal complaint and said it would cooperate fully with the investigation. 

“At Inditex, we have zero tolerance for all forms of forced labour and have established policies and procedures to ensure this practice does not take place in our supply chain,” it said.

SMCP also said it would cooperate with French authorities, but would prove the allegations to be false, stating that it “works with suppliers located all over the world and… does not have direct suppliers in the region mentioned in the press.”

Charged Retail writes that major fashion labels like Nike, H&M, and Burberry have been subjected to boycotts in China after denouncing the use of cotton from the controversial region of Xinjiang which makes up around 80 per cent of the country’s cotton output.

The issue of China’s treatment of Xinjiang’s mainly Muslim, Turkic-speaking minority, making up just under half of the western region’s 25 million inhabitants, has become a major source of diplomatic conflric between Beijing and the west, writes The Guardian.

While China denies all allegations of abuse in the region, UN experts and rights groups estimate that over a million people, mainly Uighurs and other Muslim minorities, have been detained in recent years in a system of camps in Xinjiang.

China has stated that these camps are ‘vocational training centres’ aimed at combating extremism, while rights groups say they have been used as a source of low-paid forced labour.

The Tokyo-based Fst Retailing has said it had not yet been contacted by French authorities but would cooperate fully to “reaffirm there is no forced labour in our supply chains,” while Skechers told Reuters it did not comment on pending litigation.

Uniqlo has not yet released a statement regarding the impending investigation.

Black Lives Matter Licensing movement expands team as “industry is ready to take action”

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The Black Lives Matter Licensing movement has welcomed two new members to the team amid a period of rapid growth reflective, the group has suggested, of an industry ‘determined to implement meaningful change’.

Kim Saxelby (pictured right), senior design manager, Universal Brand Development Group, has joined the movement to help build a strong framework for the group’s licensing programme as it continues to gather pace, while Shontae Savage (pictured left), founder of the consulting company Savvy Synergies LLC will lead the group’s licensing initiative in the United States.

The addition of the two industry executives not only bolsters an expanding team but brings the Black Lives Matter Licensing movement into the US market for the first time.

Savage boasts around 20 years’ experience in the brand licensing industry, representing global sports and entertainment brands such as NFL, CBS, CBS Films, Showtime, and DC Comics. Her company, Savvy Synergies LLC focuses on filling the void for licensed products for African American IP, leveraging her expertise in the industry to help Black IP expand into new product categories and markets.

“Being an African American, I am personally aware of the unmet needs of the African-American consumer and fanbase of Black IP,” said Savage. “I have focused my efforts to create cultural-focused licensing programs around Black IP and fulfilling the pinned-up consumer demands of historically over-looked Black IP and its fan base in licensing.

“This Movement is something I am passionate about and it is the experience I have lived with. I am keen to help this real cause for change I hope to lend my real life experience and my extensive experience in Licensing to represent this niche market from a culture-centric approach.”

Saxelby, added: “I am excited and honoured to be joining such a talented and passionate team. I can’t wait to get started and can hopefully bring my experience to make positive change not only to our industry but to this social injustice issue which is very important to me.”

Both Saxelby and Savage now join a team that earlier this year welcomed Simta Sawhney, category director at ViacomCBS Consumer Products UK, Hannah Miles, managing director of Fashion UK, and Ravina Mehta, graphic designer at BB Designs.

Black Lives Matter UK’s Christina Jordean has been “thrilled” by the level of support the movement has been shown by the licensing industry to date.

“We are very happy that Kim and Shontae have joined us,” she said. “We have been candid that we need to work with our allies. Kim is passionate about making the change, Black Lives Matter is something that is very important to her. Shontae is a key member of the team for us, she is a great addition who understands black culture from an African American perspective.

“With Shontae leading us from New York, we can now take this much needed support of this global movement in the heart of the African American communities and help tackle social injustices for African American communities.”

Meanwhile, the Black Lives Matter Licensing movement’s Saphia Maxamed believes it is clear ‘that the industry is ready to take action.’

“I have to say, I have been amazed throughout this journey,” she said. “To me, change has already happened and it is up to us on what we do moving forward. What is clear, is that the industry is ready to take action.

“We have been working solidly on a framework for the licensing programme for a year and having key talents from major licensors at the forefront of the work we are doing is a testament to what we as an industry can do together when the subject matter touches all of us.

“If you really think about it, this is industry is uniquely positioned to send the message in every household on a global scale though consumer products. That puts us in a place of responsibility and the industry understands that. This is why this key
addition to the team, and the work we are doing, is significant.

I am pleased that together we can build and really work with black communities on initiatives that would make changes in people’s lives. Both Kim and Shontae brings a wealth of licensing experience and personal passion for making positive change.”