Spin Master has announced that longtime Hollywood consumer products executive Heather Oster has been appointed vice president, global franchise development.  

An experienced executive with in-depth knowledge in global film, TV and related vertical and licensed businesses, Oster will be responsible for initiating Spin Master's franchise strategy, including brand development, stewardship, IP evaluation and portfolio leadership for its global brands and all upcoming entertainment franchise initiatives, including the launch of the upcoming “Mighty Express” franchise, this fall on Netflix. The new executive will be based in Spin Master’s Los Angeles office and  report to Jennifer Dodge, executive vice president, Spin Master Entertainment. 

“Heather is an experienced and forward-thinking franchise and brand executive with a talent for bringing brands to life through deep audience engagement, compelling storytelling and insightful business analysis,” says Dodge. “Heather will be instrumental in shaping Spin Master's long-term entertainment franchise strategy as she identifies and shapes brands to build audiences, gain share of heart and extend revenue opportunities across the company.” 

Oster brings more than 15 years’ experience in the entertainment industry to Spin Master. They have led major animated and live action franchises from Disney, Universal, Pixar and DreamWorks. At each company, she has partnered with production, storytellers and business teams to grow consumer brands such as “Disney Princess,” “Cars,” “Toy Story,” “Jurassic World,” and “Trolls.”  

Most recently, Oster spent more than five years as vice president, franchise management and consumer insights at Universal Pictures where she led enterprise-wide global brand strategy and marketing, while directly overseeing DreamWorks animation portfolio across film and television. While at Universal, she drove growth and development of key franchises by creating and managing innovative plans for long term success, increased revenue and greater brand value.  

Oster received her MBA, Marketing and Entertainment from the University of Southern California and her Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles.