Falcon’s Beyond, an integrated global entertainment development company specializing in IP creation and expansion, has named Simon Philips, an accomplished entertainment industry executive, as president, a newly created position for the company. Philips, whose approach to brand building has helped shape the strategic direction of some of the world’s most iconic franchises including Disney, Pixar, “Star Wars,” Marvel, “CoComelon,” “Pokémon,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Yu-Gi-Oh,” previously served as senior advisor to the Falcon’s Beyond board.

Most recently, Philips was managing director, global consumer products at Moonbug Entertainment, the company behind properties including “CoComelon,” “Blippi” and “Little Angel.” He brings experience that will help drive the entertainment and consumer product synergies at Falcon’s. Philips has relocated to Falcon’s headquarters in Orlando and reports to Cecil D. Magpuri, chief executive officer, Falcon’s Beyond. 

As president, Philips will oversee the future growth and expansion of entertainment-based business and development of the company’s IPs. This will include developing and implementing comprehensive corporate strategies for future growth across all commercial operations of the company and its owned subsidiaries. Leveraging his industry expertise and relationships, Philips will also focus on strategically building the infrastructure of new consumer products and entertainment content. 

Related:Katmandu Park | Punta Cana Announces Opening Date

“When I became senior advisor to the board last year, I commented that Falcon’s Beyond is playing in a vast sandbox,” says Philips. “Since last year, I have been so impressed with the company’s mark on the industry. This is a terrific time to join the team for what we expect to be explosive growth in the industry. I appreciate the opportunity to bring more than 30 years of experience and insight to Falcon’s and am thrilled about the abundant opportunities we will pursue together.” 

“Simon’s reputation and acclaim in entertainment has been truly inspirational for me and the greater Falcon’s team,” says Magpuri. “His visionary cross-channel approach to brand expansion will further strengthen our own IP Expander flywheel. We feel incredibly fortunate to have found someone of Simon’s caliber whose values are so perfectly aligned with Falcon’s culture.” 

Philips previously served as president of Marvel Entertainment International, where he was a member of the leadership team that helped build Marvel into an internationally renowned brand and pave the way for its sale to Disney. He later became executive vice president and general manager, The Walt Disney Company, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where his strategic approach to bringing to life iconic brands from across the Disney, Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel portfolio through licensing generated more than $16 billion in annual sales.