New WiT Leadership AnnouncedNew WiT Leadership Announced
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment announces new leadership and board members to drive change.
December 12, 2023
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has announced the appointment of a new chairwoman and the addition of four leaders to its board of directors. These changes mark a milestone as WiT continues its mission to empower, advance and advocate for women in the toy, consumer products, licensing and entertainment industries.
Starting Jan. 1, Ehi Oviasu-Kahn will assume the role of chairwoman of the board, succeeding Janice Ross, whose term as president concludes Dec. 31. As an attorney, artist and founder of Little Art, Ehi has a track record of building coalitions with policy leaders, stakeholders and nonprofit organizations, bringing a wealth of experience and unique perspective to the position, and is poised to lead WiT into its next chapter of growth and impact.
“It has been a profound honor to serve as WiT president over the past four years,” says Janice Ross. “I’m proud of the remarkable progress we’ve achieved together, and excited for the continued impact of this incredible organization under Ehi’s dynamic leadership. The incoming board, along with the reelected members, brings a wealth of talent and diversity that will undoubtedly propel the organization to unprecedented heights.”
Joining Ehi in steering WiT’s trajectory are four newly appointed board members, each serving a three-year term beginning Jan. 1. With their leadership, wealth of experience and commitment to WiT’s vision and values, they are poised to play a pivotal role in further shaping the strategic direction and driving the mission of the organization.
The new board members are:
Aneisha Vieira, global brand director, ZURU
DeeDee Wright-Ward, founder, chief executive officer, Purpose Toys
Gena Lavallee, vice president, sales and marketing, Make It Real
Julien Sharp, general manager, U.S., Asmodee
In addition, WiT has announced the reelection of four current board members to serve a second term:
Amy Thompson, executive vice president, chief people officer, Mattel
Kristi Wasmer, senior sales executive
Michelle Weber, executive vice president, Toy’n Around
Shawn Smith, founder, Shawn Smith Communications
WiT’s board of directors collectively plays a crucial role in guiding the organization’s strategic direction and actively shaping programs to empower women in the industry. This strengthened leadership team positions WiT to make an even greater transformative impact, solidifying its position as a catalyst and change agent for women working in, or seeking to work in the toy, consumer products, licensing and entertainment industries.
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