Neal Gordon has been appointed senior vice president, international licensing. Reporting directly to Doug Stern, president and CEO of United Media, Gordon will oversee the company’s international efforts for its portfolio of brands. Rita Rubin, who has served in this position for over 13 years and recently announced her retirement, will remain at United Media through the remainder of the year as Gordon transitions into his new role.

DIC Entertainment appointed Kirk Bloomgarden executive vice president of global sales, effective Jan. 1, 2008.

Granada Ventures has appointed two people to its licensing team. Mel Beer, previously UK licensing director at Jetix Consumer Products, joins as head of licensing while Julie Quirke is joining as licensing and brand manager, responsible for preschool brand Pocoyo. Both will report to licensing director Katie Foster.

Michael Rinzler has joined JAKKS Pacific as vice president of marketing, and will lead the girls and stationery divisions while Stuart Cohen was named director, international sales.

Ragdoll named Kristin Bufka director, event marketing and merchandising, and Matt Schweitzer has been upped to senior manager, media and merchandising.  
Sarah Finn has joined American Greetings Properties as vice president, production, while Rachel Halperin has joined as manager, domestic licensing.