Southard Communications, a New York-based communications and public relations agency, celebrates its 30th anniversary, commemorating a legacy of impactful storytelling and media relations. Founded in 1994 by visionary Bill Southard, the company has been instrumental in shaping the narratives of businesses ranging from burgeoning startups to industry stalwarts.
Mattel, Inc (NASDAQ: MAT) announced three key appointments to Mattel Television Studios’ executive team. Sidney Clifton has been named Head of Creative, Animation, Cory Bennett Lewis has been named Head of Production, and Amy Suh has been named Head of Creative, Live Action – Scripted & Unscripted. All three will report directly to Michelle Mendelovitz, Global Head of Mattel Television Studios.
IMC Toys is seeking a VP of Sales to join their team and help grow their presence in the US. IMC Toys US is a subsidiary of IMC Toys Spain. See below for details:
The team is small and dynamic, made of self-starters that truly enjoy the start-up nature of the company. Each day is something new as the foundation is built in the US market, setting the company up for future growth. Under the direction of the Chief Commercial Officer (Spain-based), the VP of Sales builds and executes the growth strategy for all US and Canada accounts. The role is home-based with a requirement of regular travel to accounts with occasional travel to the global headquarters in Barcelona. This is a great opportunity to join the IMC Team in an exciting and dynamic role while we continue our growth in the US Market!
Dallas Market Center has announced two promotions within its Apparel Leasing team. Jill Cunningham has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Apparel Leasing; and Bailey Watson has been promoted to Vice President of Apparel Leasing. Eva Walsh will continue to handle New Business Development as she spends more time with her family. These position changes will be effective May 1.
Mattel, Inc announced today that Brian Fitzharris has been appointed as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Fisher-Price, effective April 22, 2024. Fitzharris will lead the Fisher-Price Infant and Toddler Core brands and serve as leader of the company’s East Aurora, NY campus. Fitzharris will report to Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer at Mattel.
Academy Award-nominated French animation studio Xilam Animation has promoted Chloé Menier to the newly created position of Brand Manager, effective immediately. Menier is based in Xilam’s Paris headquarters and reports into Safaa Benazzouz, EVP Distribution at Xilam Animation. Menier will now handle brand development across Xilam’s catalogue of brands – including Oggy Oggy, Zig & Sharko, Lupin’s Tales, Oggy & the Cockroaches – on a 360-degree scale. As part of her role, she will collaborate closely with the company’s sales, marketing and digital teams. She will also continue to work with Xilam’s licensees on the artwork and product approvals, to ensure awareness and consistency across the company’s brands.
TCG Toys has announced the appointment of Lindsay Karbum, as Vice President Global Sales joining the Toronto-based company as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. In her role, Karbum is charged with driving and growing TCG’s key product categories, including SURE-LOX puzzles, Imaginmats play mats and FleXfigs collectible figures, as well as other key brands, with an omni-channel strategy, and focus on providing accounts with newness and unique positioning.
Katie Huber joins Fred Rogers Productions as Senior Director of Licensing, positioning the iconic children’s media organization for further growth ahead. Huber brings deep market knowledge that will provide additional capacity for new opportunities across the company’s portfolio. In her role, Huber is charged with developing and executing comprehensive brand licensing strategies. She will work alongside Matt Shiels, vice president of business and legal affairs, and Micah Southwood, director of product development.
Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street, named Dannette (Danni) Hill to the newly created role of Chief People Officer overseeing Human Resources functions. Hill will be responsible for leading a division that supports innovative best practices and organizational excellence for Sesame Workshop. Hill will report to President and Interim CEO Sherrie Westin. “Through her extensive leadership roles and accomplishments across a variety of organizations, Danni has demonstrated an expertise in optimizing the employee experience, recruiting top talent, and building an exceptional Human Resources team,” said Westin. “We’re excited to have her guide the strategy and operations of the organization’s HR department, to help us deliver on the Workshop’s mission of helping all children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”