Saban Brands is expanding its operations into Europe with the appointment of Gustavo Antonioni as managing director of consumer products Europe and the opening of a new London office, marking the first international office for the Los Angeles-based company. 

The London office will serve as Saban Brands’ primary location to support the growth of their U.K. and European business for core brands including Power Rangers and Paul Frank, as well as newer brands, Julius Jr. and Digimon Fusion. Antonioni and the future team will also focus on new business opportunities throughout Europe.

As managing director of consumer products Europe, Antonioni will be adding additional staff to support the company’s brand activities across the region.

“We are thrilled to have our new London office open to support our ongoing efforts of global expansion,” says Kirk Bloomgarden, senior vice president, global consumer products, Saban, to whom Antonioni will report. “Gustavo brings proven experience and results in executing brand extensions and high visibility marketing-led promotions for both theatrical and television-based properties. His expertise is a perfect fit to Saban Brands’ omnichannel approach to brand-building, and we’re pleased to have him on board.”

Antonioni joins Saban Brands with more than 18 years’ experience in the film studio business, having held senior positions at companies including ITV, Warner Bros., Sony and Marvel. His career began at Disney Consumer Products.

“I am excited to bring my strong creative vision to Saban Brands to further grow the company’s global portfolio,” says Antonioni. “The direction of Saban Brands’ properties has been especially impressive in the past few years, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s expansion into new territories and platforms.”