Jazwares appoints new commercial and licensing director amid continued ambitious plans for European growth

As part of the company’s ambitious and ongoing growth strategy for the European market, toy maker and licensing specialist, Jazwares, has appointed a new European Commercial Director and European Licensing Director.

After almost two decades at Argos and Sainsburys, most recently as the Buying Manager for Sports, Leisure, Outdoor Toys & Nursery, Matt Stent joins Jazwares as its new European Commercial Director, reporting into Jonny Taylor, SVP Europe. Stent will be responsible for growing Jazwares’ business in Europe both through its regional offices and third-party distributors.

Meanwhile, Sam Bourne, the former Head of Licensing and Brand at Rubie’s Masquerade, brings a wealth of experience within licensed consumer goods to her new role as European Licensing Director. Reporting into Global VP of Licensing, Sam Ferguson, her role will focus on ensuring Jazwares delivers commercial value and results to global licensing partners, as the business continues to grow.

In addition to both of these appointments, Jazwares has expanded its UK team with a further ten hires to fill newly created positions across licensing, sales, marketing, operations, and business intelligence.

“We are thrilled to be adding such strong talent to our team, to match our growth both in the UK and across Europe,”  said Jonny Taylor, SVP Europe. “Exciting times ahead.”

Silvergate Media appoints its first chief diversity officer in new commitment to ‘amplify diverse voices’

Silvergate Media has appointed its first chief diversity officer in the form of Shelli Rottman who takes on a new dual role with the firm as its EVP of Business and Legal Affairs.

In her position as both chief diversity officer and EVP of business and legal affairs, Rottman will oversee Silvergate’s growing diversity and inclusion programme currently guiding the company’s pledge to create a more equitable and welcoming working environment while, at the same time, amplifying fresh, diverse voices through mentorship and guidance.

Rottman joined Silvergate Media in 2011, and over the past decade has played a major part in heading up the company’s Business and Legal Affairs team, supporting global licensing, content distribution, business development, and production.

Prior to joining Silvergate Media, Rottman served as in-house counsel in the entertainment, fashion and publishing industries, including at Chorion, Liz Claiborne (now Kate Spade) and Condé Nast.

Silvergate recently made a commitment to magnify diverse voices throughout its creative slate with the investment in a new production ¡Vamos!, based upon the award-winning Spanish and English language work of Mexican-American author Raúl (González). Similar projects, with an emphasis on exploring different cultures and traditions, are also under consideration.

“I am thrilled to be able to make a meaningful impact in an area that is important to me,” said Rottman. “The overwhelming support for embracing new and emerging talent from different communities is clearly evident in the company’s philosophy and its substantial investment in new and exciting productions

“This is an amazing opportunity to help promote and guide the next generation of diverse storytellers and their work.”

Waheed Alli, chief executive at Silvergate Media, added: “With her unique outlook and industry expertise, Shelli is the perfect choice to lead our efforts in shaping a more diverse and inclusive company culture and to align those values with our overall business strategy.”