SMC Boosts Licensing Team

SMC Entertainment Group, owner of The Jungle Book, has expanded its licensing team with the appointment of two industry veterans. Kristen Zimmer has been named licensing director and Lisa Berlin Wright will focus on promotions and partnerships.

“Kristen and Lisa join SMC at a pivotal time for The Jungle Book, which has rapidly evolved into a robust brand following the debut of the 3D CGI animated series on Disney XD this past June,” says Sharon Leviton, senior vice president business development and marketing, SMC. “Their decades of experience with licensing and promotional partnerships enables SMC to quickly respond to the growing demand for the popular The Jungle Book brand.”

Zimmer joins SMC with more than 14 years of licensing, brand and product management experience in the entertainment, consumer packaged goods and fashion industries. Her background includes extensive work in retail and consumer packaged goods for Spin Master, MGA Entertainment, Viacom Consumer Products and PetSmart.

Wright is an authority in strategic licensing and promotional partnerships who headed worldwide licensed corporate promotional tie-ins for Universal Studios’ theatrical and television properties. Prior to her position with Universal, she was responsible for overseeing all promotional and merchandising activities for Spelling Entertainment on properties including “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Melrose Place.” Wright’s work also includes developing campaigns for brands such as Atari Games, Fox, IMG and Belinda Carlisle.