WildBrain, a global kids and family content and brands company, has appointed Steve Manners to drive a new business development initiative designed to maximize opportunities for brand licensors and content creators to reach consumer audiences through YouTube.

In the newly created role, Manners will work with clients to build brand management programs that leverage the blended expertise of WildBrain’s established consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, and its leading digital network and studio, WildBrain Spark.

“We have been working closely with our colleagues at WildBrain Spark as the licensing industry becomes increasingly attuned of the potential of YouTube and other digital platforms for launching, supporting or reinvigorating IP,” says Maarten Weck, external vice president and managing director, WildBrain CPLG. “Steve is the ideal person to spearhead business initiatives that help inform and support our clients as they look to navigate the digital landscape, and his new role will help maximize the synergies across our businesses.”

Manners, who has nearly 30 years’ experience in consumer product, will report to MaSteve Manners has nearly 30 years’ experience in Consumer Products. Since 2010, he has been a member of WildBrain’s management team. Manners has played an integral role at the agency in overseeing the successful programs of key licensors and also securing new representation. Prior to CPLG, he held senior positions at 20^th Century Fox, Universal and Beanstalk.

“There is a huge opportunity for IP owners in harnessing the expertise, tools and reach of both WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark – it’s a very exciting time to be at the forefront of this bold new world,” says Manners. “We are uniquely positioned to offer combined expertise and services that benefit those coming from the AVOD-first space to consumer products, as well as those licensors looking to leverage YouTube as a tool.”