Smiley Appoints New Brand Director

Heiss joins Smiley from Shine Group, where she was brand director for the "MasterChef" TV series. In her 20-year licensing career she has also spent time at Disney, Pokémon, HIT Entertainment and Chorion.

The appointment comes as Smiley begins production on a new TV series based on the Smiley brand, which will be developed in partnership with Ouido! Productions and PGS Entertainment and is schedule for release in 2016.

In her new role, Heiss will oversee integration of the animation project into the company's licensing portfolio as well as manage existing categories.