Cloudco Announces Promotions, Expands Retail Development Team

Cloudco Entertainment, the company behind Care Bears and Madballs, has announced the promotion of Charlotte Payne to vice president, international licensing, alongside the expansion of its retail development team in the U.S. and the U.K. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering the rapid growth and success of the company’s brands across key markets. 

Payne, previously director, international licensing, Cloudco, has driven significant improvements and growth in its international business. In her new role as vice president, Payne will continue to report to Robert Prinzo, head, global licensing, Cloudco. 

 “Charlotte has brought exceptional expertise and dynamic leadership to our international licensing team,” says Prinzo,Cloudco. “Her ability to navigate complex markets and drive results has been remarkable. We are excited to see her continue to excel in her new role and contribute to Cloudco’s global success.”  

Furthering strengthening the team, Farah Bass has been appointed as the new U.S. retail development manager. Reporting to Amy Sullivan, vice president, retail development, Bass brings a diverse and extensive background to Cloudco. She began her career as a merchant, holding key roles at Macy’s, DFS Galleria and nearly a decade at ROSS, before transitioning into sales and retail development. At Warner Bros. Discovery, she contributed to the retail development team and later moved to the brand side with Champion, further refining her strategic approach. Bass is excited to work on popular properties like Care Bears, a brand she admires for its ability to remain relevant in today’s market. With her expertise and passion for nostalgic brands, she looks forward to driving brand awareness and expanding the retail presence of Care Bears and Madballs in the U.S. market. 

Related:Live at Licensing Expo: A Conversation with Cloudco Entertainment

Bethan Garton joins Cloudco as senior retail development manager, U.K. and EMEA, reporting to Payne. Bringing over 20 years of industry experience, Garton most recently served as chief commercial officer, The Point. 1888, a retail-first agency, where she was pivotal in retail strategies and leading licensee initiatives across the U.K. Before that, she was the retail lead, Mattel, and head, licensing, Acamar, where she honed her expertise across all retail channels in the EMEA markets. Her extensive background will drive Cloudco’s retail accounts and support the growth and diversification of licensee product listings. Passionate about retail, Bethan is thrilled to start this new chapter, focusing on strategic brand expansions and dynamic retail activations. 

Related:Pleasing Unveils Disney ‘Fantasia’ Collection

“We are excited to welcome Farah to our team,” says Sullivan. “Her extensive experience and proven success in retail and licensing will play a key role in accelerating the growth of Care Bears and Madballs. Her expertise will help us leverage new opportunities and drive continued success in the U.S.” 

“Bethan’s impressive background in retail and licensing makes her a perfect fit for our U.K. and EMEA expansion,” says Payne. “Her leadership and passion will be essential as we continue to grow our brands and strengthen our presence at retail in these important regions. Bethan could not be joining Cloudco team at a better time for our European business.’’