Elie Dekel, former Fox executive vice president of licensing and merchandising, has been appointed as managing director at Saban Capital Group.

Dekel will be responsible for expanding the company's licensing, merchandising and intellectual property initiatives in the U.S. and internationally. He will be based in Los Angeles, reporting to Adam Chesnoff, SCG president and chief operating officer. Prior to working at Fox, Dekel was president of Saban Consumer Products/Fox Family Worldwide, where he managed global marketing and branding efforts.

"I am thrilled that Elie has decided to re-join the Saban team," says Haim Saban, chairman and chief executive officer of SCG. "I worked with Elie for many years at Fox Kids and Fox Family and look forward to the knowledge and array of skills that he will bring to Saban Capital Group. His wealth of experience across numerous platforms will be a valuable asset as we explore new opportunities in the licensing, merchandising and intellectual property arenas."

"I am thrilled to be joining Saban Capital Group and look forward to again working side-by-side with Haim, Adam and the rest of the talented team as we continue to expand our focus in media, entertainment and communications," says Dekel.

Dekel joined Fox's licensing team in June 2005, replacing Peter Byrne. At Fox, Dekel helped extend properties such as The Simpsons, Family Guy and others across interactive gaming, themed entertainment, television promotions, publishing and consumer product categories. Dekel has previously worked at Creative Artists Agency.