WildBrain CPLG is strengthening its global footprint with the launch of a dedicated office in India, led by WildBrain CPLG’s Neesha Krishna who has been promoted to managing director, MENA and South Asia.  

Previously commercial director for MENA, Krishna will be responsible for growing business across the larger territory. Based in Dubai, Krishna reports to WildBrain CPLG’s Pau Pascual, who also takes on an expanded role of vice president, Southern Europe, MENA and South Asia and managing director for Iberia (previously vice president, Southern Europe and managing director, Iberia and MENA). 

Licensing and retail executive Mangesh Hande has been appointed to the new role of commercial director, India. Reporting to Krishna and based in Mumbai, Hande will be responsible for building WildBrain CPLG’s team and driving new business in the market. Hande joins WildBrain CPLG this month from Viacom 18 Media where he served as director of consumer products for Kids Cluster. Hande has also held positions at Benetton and Spykar.  

WildBrain CPLG India is currently representing entertainment, lifestyle and sporting properties from the agency’s portfolio, including Yale and Harvard universities, “Tetris,” Archie Comics, emoji – The Iconic Brand, Juventus Football Club, OSPREY LONDON and Authentic Brands Group’s celebrity brands Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali, fashion brands Aéropostale and Nine West and sports brand Prince Tennis.  

The team has signed its first wave of deals in the Indian market, including Trucarekidz for a Yale University apparel line; Reliance for an Archie Comics apparel, back to school and stationery line; Clovia.com and Myntra as fashion partners for emoji; Alpha Digital Corp for Aeropostale accessories and Suditi for a Juventus Football club apparel range.  

WildBrain CPLG India will also focus on broadening licensing activity for Strawberry Shortcake and the ongoing expansion of the Teletubbies licensing program into the adult market targeting Gen Z and their kids.  

“An integral part of our strategy is ensuring we’re equipped to think globally and act locally for our partners by fully embedding ourselves in local markets around the world,” says Maarten Weck, executive vice president and managing director, WildBrain CPLG. “To this end, we’ve been accelerating on-the-ground capabilities this year, first with our North American expansion and now with the launch of dedicated Indian operations. With the highly experienced Neesha at the helm of our Indian efforts, supported by Mangesh who brings an impressive track record in consumer products, we’re ready to harness the vast potential the Indian market offers and deliver growth for both new and existing partners.”  

“The licensing and consumer products industries are rapidly accelerating in India, as both local and international IP owners increasingly tune in to the significant growth and revenue potential this burgeoning market presents,” says Krishna. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Mangesh to bring WildBrain CPLG’s long-standing expertise to the market and to give Indian consumers the opportunity to enjoy merchandise from their favorite brands.”