Key Executives Leave Marvel
There are big changes over at Marvel as Tim Rothwell, president of worldwide
consumer products, and Bruno Maglione, president of Marvel International, have
left the company, according to a filing with the SEC. While the dust settles,
Paul Gitter and Matt Finick will be the acting managers of the global licensing
division with the following senior management providing support and taking on
additional responsibilities: Gitter will assume all responsibilities for
domestic consumer products licensing; Mark Rhodes will report to Gitter on
retail channel growth strategy; Finick will assume all responsibilities for
UK/Japan operations and finance; Shailesh Patel will report to Finick and
manage the day-to-day operations of the UK and Japan offices; Josh Silverman
will assume responsibilities for all international agents' licensing and report
to Finick; and Daniela Tose will report to Silverman and manage the day-to-day
international agent business. Adam Wolff will support the global licensing
group with deal analytics and intelligence, while Kevin Feige will assume
creative oversight/direction for the animation and interactive segments, with
Chris Fondacaro developing the theatrical consumer products style guides. Ames
Kirshen will report to Feige on interactive creative matters; David Maisel will
assume responsibilities for the business aspects of wireless, animation, and
interactive matters, with Seth Lehman consulting on the interactive and
wireless business and legal issues and Dan Buckley working with Gitter and
Finick for all global license publishing initiatives. Marvel could not be
reached for comment.
USCPG Licensing Goes to Home Division
Changes also are going on over at Universal Studios Consumer Products Group as
the company's licensing arm will be folded into the home entertainment group in
January 2007 to take advantage of synergies in retail distribution. Further,
its wireless and interactive groups will be aligned with the business and
digital initiatives of Universal Pictures.
Cartoon Network Unveils Massive Online Strategy
Cartoon Network is partnering with Grigon Entertainment on the network's first
massively multiplayer online game. The deal marks the first-ever partnership
between a U.S. entertainment company and a Korean developer to create an MMOG
for the global marketplace. The game, due in 2008, will be free to download
with subscription, and micro-transactions will be available to players to
enhance the gaming experience.
Mattel Brands Taps New Master Apparel Licensee
Mattel Brands Consumer Products signed Children's Apparel Network as master
licensee for Barbie apparel in the U.S. The first collection (suggested
retails, $10 to $60) will launch in all channels in spring 2007 and will offer
sportswear, activewear, outerwear, and swimwear in girls' sizes 2 through 16.
Toys "R" Us Kicks Off Toys for Tots Program
Toys "R" Us, Inc., will partner with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation on a
nationwide campaign to boost toy and monetary donations during the 2006 holiday
season. Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us stores across the country will serve as
the "Giving Headquarters" from October through December by collecting both cash
and toys. Online shoppers also will be able to make a cash donation via
www.Toysrus.com/ToysforTots. The company made a $1 million toy donation to Toys
for Tots and a $100,000 cash donation to kick off the program.
Collective International takes on Sims Snowboards
Collective International, LLC, secured the exclusive worldwide rights to Sims
Snowboards from Tom and Hilary Sims. The agreement names Collective the
exclusive licensing agent through 2026 and also provides Collective the option
to purchase the trademarks in the near future. Included in the agreement are
trademarks World Snowboarding Championships, Sugarboards, and Carve.
Deal Is Music to Pok
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