Hape, a leader in designing and manufacturing high quality baby and children’s wooden toys made from sustainable materials, has launched a new division and separate company called Uniche Collective: Unique + Niche = Uniche. Uniche will be headed by long-time Hape veteran, Cassidy Smith, the former vice president of sales and marketing for Hape International Inc.
Following Genius Brands’ acquisitions of Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, Inc. (WOW!) and Ameba TV, and major investment in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment (YFE) to build a global footprint, as well as the worldwide rollout of Kartoon Channel!/Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse, Genius Brands International, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNUS), announces the promotion of Kerry Phelan to the newly created position of Chief Brand Officer.
Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) has announced a multi-year global licensing agreement for the Disney Princess and Frozen franchises. Mattel will have the global licensing rights to develop lines of toys for Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, including fashion dolls, small dolls, and figures. The collection is expected to launch at retailers around the globe at the beginning of 2023.
Joovy introduces the RooLoop, a clinically endorsed product for expectant and new parents to promote skin-to-skin contact with newborns. This patented design, used in hospitals, NICU, and operating rooms worldwide, is now available to pregnant and postpartum parents for a supportive and natural way to secure a newborn baby while enjoying the benefits of skin-to-skin contact.
Loss of control is how the RooLoop came to be after Hayley Mullins dropped her two-week-old infant while practicing skin-to-skin contact. She took her hands away for only two seconds, but the baby fell to the floor. The shock and devastation motivated this new mom to find a solution that would give parents the confidence to practice skin-to-skin safely. Mullins, Ashley Wade, and Sarah Cox make up the founding team that brought Joeyband (formerly Sleepbelt) to market, quickly receiving support from La Leche League International and becoming a staple product in leading hospitals and clinics worldwide.
Goliath, one of the few remaining, family owned global toy and game companies, announced today that David Norman, President of Goliath North America, retires in March after serving the organization for over a decade. Peter Boutros has stepped in to succeed David Norman as the new President of Goliath, North America.
WarnerMedia announced today that industry veteran Nitin Chawla has been named Head of Finance, Strategy, Planning and Global Operations for WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences. Chawla, who started January 18, reports to Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences, and Jessica Holscott, Head of Finance for WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group. Chawla joins as long time Warner Bros. executive and current Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations for WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences, Nairi Gardiner, is retiring after a successful 30-year career at the Studio.
Sweethearts, the much beloved candy brand that has become synonymous with Valentine’s Day, has announced a new, robust licensing program to roll out during 2022. The licensing program is managed by Lisa Marks Associates (LMA), the long-term Licensing Agency for Spangler Candy Brands, owner of the Sweethearts brand.
NPD’s #1 Fashion Doll of 2021 and two-time Toy Association Doll of the Year nominee, Rainbow High, has introduced its first-ever Chinese New Year Collector doll, Lily Cheng, in celebration of the Lunar New Year 2022, Year of the Tiger. Lily Cheng honors the beauty and traditions of Lunar New Year, celebrated on February 2nd.
The massive surge in recreational boating activity is expected to continue and with it the increasing demand for berthing space. With more traffic coming in and out, marinas are struggling to keep up with the growing number of boats. At the heart of this problem is the lack of connectivity and outdated ways by which boaters communicate with marinas. Popeye Sail Club, powered by Pick a Pier, leverages a robust network of marinas and cutting-edge technology to unlock a more convenient and sustainable boating experience. Pick a Pier is a leader in berthing reservations, making it as simple and convenient as booking a hotel or buying a plane ticket — and with Popeye’s help, the experience is getting even better.