Jewel Branding & Licensing Announces New Hires

Jewel Branding & Licensing has announced three new hires to support its growth in art.  

Brian Kasman joins as a licensing manager, managing key accounts, sales and new business. Kasman was previously with Earthbound Brands and has a diverse licensing background working with clients such as Ford Motor Company, WW (formerly Weight Watchers), Michael Graves, USTA and the U.S. Open. His licensing experience has included work in apparel and accessories, gifts and novelties, food and beverage and housewares.  

Kendra Hull joins Jewel as licensing operations manager. She’ll work with account and finance teams managing key accounts and licensees. She brings 12 years’ licensing experience in consumer-packaged goods, having worked for Warren Industries (subsidiary of the former RoseArt Industries), Vtech Electronics N.A. and ACCO Brands. Hull has managed licensed products for brands such as Coca-Cola, Hello Kitty and Breast Cancer Research Foundation in addition to artists like Charles Wysocki, Jennifer Garant and Bev Doolittle. She has global channel experience in product categories including toy, game, electronic learning, school and home/office.  

Kristy Breen joins as associate creative director, bringing experience in creative and design having served a wide range of roles. Most recently Breen did freelance graphic design work and provided trend and design direction in the art licensing industry. Throughout her career, she has served in multiple capacities of creative services, including graphic design, public relations, marketing and account management.  

Breen will work with the creative director in the creative services division, providing manufacturers and retailers with a suite of services and assets to streamline design, development and go-to-market processes. As the new associate creative director, Breen will play an instrumental role in trend research and the creation of brand materials, style guides, product mock-ups and visual identity development.   

“We are so excited to welcome Brian, Kendra and Kristy to the Jewel team,” says Julie Newman, founder and chief executive officer, Jewel Branding & Licensing. “They each bring unique experience and skillsets to Jewel, setting us up for continued growth in all areas of our business.”