King Features Promotes Carla Silva

King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, has promoted Carla Silva to senior vice president, general manager, and head, global licensing. Silva, a seasoned veteran in the consumer products licensing industry and an expert in brand development, brings over two decades of experience and expertise into her expanded role.  

Silva’s journey in character licensing began in 1994 at United Media where she managed a network of international agents and hundreds of clients for brands such as Peanuts, Garfield, Miffy and Precious Moments. Her career trajectory continued as she secured opportunities within other entertainment giants, including American Greetings (Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake) and Iconix Brand Group, which eventually led to her placement as the head of King Features’ licensing program. Since joining King Features in 2016, Silva has demonstrated leadership, strategic insight and dedication, making significant contributions to the growth and success of the company’s licensing division. 

Throughout her tenure at King Features, Silva has played a pivotal role in spearheading the evolution of the licensing business, fostering the development of popular franchises, and cultivating a team of talented professionals dedicated to excellence. Under her guidance, the company has successfully navigated a strategic shift toward a diverse portfolio, encompassing King Features-owned brands, including Popeye, Olive Oyl, Flash Gordon, The Phantom and others and third-party representations such as Cuphead, Moomin, Rebel Girls and Crazy Frog, while also increasing profitability. Silva will continue to report to C.J. Kettler, president, King Features. 

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“King Features’ brand portfolio is full of evergreen icons that have limitless potential in consumer products around the globe,” says Silva. “I look forward to continuing to lead my amazing team in mining and diversifying those opportunities, particularly around new business development and the expansion of categories such as gaming, publishing, location-based entertainment and the metaverse, to accelerate earnings and deepen the engagement of our loyal fanbase. These elements all play critical roles in my long-term growth strategy for our multi-generational brands.” 

Demonstrating her commitment to helping women succeed in business, Silva serves as a HearstLab Scout, engaging with and supporting women-led startups, driving commercial deals and contributing to the growth and development of the industry. In addition, she is a certified Hearst Change Agent and volunteers her time as a mentor. She is also on the board of directors for the Licensing International Foundation and is a member of Women in Toys, where she was nominated for a Wonder Woman award in 2020. 

“We’re delighted to share the news of Carla Silva’s well-deserved promotion to senior vice president, general manager, head, global licensing,” says Kettler, president, King Features. “Her ability to reinvent classic brands and introduce them to new generations, coupled with her focus on improving profit margins and navigating industry changes, is truly commendable. With Carla at the helm, I have no doubt that King Features will continue to thrive, setting new standards of success in the licensing industry.”