DreamWorks Animation has named retail veteran Paul Kurzawa to the newly created position of head of retail development and entertainment, in part of its ongoing strategy to leverage its brands worldwide.

Kurzawa previously served as chief operating officer for Caruso Affiliated, where he oversaw all aspects of the company's diverse portfolio of assets, including The Grove in Los Angeles, Calif., which is one of the highest performing shopping centers in the world.

"As soon as we made the decision to expand our brand into the retail space, there was no doubt in my mind that we needed Paul Kurzawa," says Jeffrey Katzenberg, chief executive officer, DWA. "Caruso Affiliated has successfully redefined the shopping experience in the United States and Paul, the protégé of its founder Rick Caruso, will now lead our efforts to take the powerful DreamWorks brand and do the same thing for families across the world.  We could not be happier to have him on our team leading the charge for this new initiative."

In his new role at DreamWorks, Kurzawa will be responsible for the company's worldwide retail brand development and integration initiatives. Kurzawa and his team will explore integration opportunities for the company's growing family entertainment portfolio with top retail destinations and developments throughout the world. 

"I am thrilled to lead the team who will draw upon the rich brand equity of DreamWorks Animation to create the most distinctive shopping destinations in the world," says Kurzawa. "When you create unique shopping experiences, people develop an emotional attachment that keeps them coming back with their friends and loved ones. For years, shopping center owners and developers have struggled with how to differentiate their properties and keep them relevant, and I have no doubt that DreamWorks Animation's incredible portfolio will bring that magic to these unique shopping destinations."