Category: You’re Hired

The Mighty Jaxx Group (‘Mighty Jaxx’, ‘the Group’), a global network of brands and companies that aims to bring tomorrow’s pop culture, content, and experiences right into your home and hands, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Buss as its General Manager (Americas) to drive its brand growth, licensing and retail business in the Americas. Based in Los Angeles, Matt is an accomplished business leader and innovator with a track record in brand development, product innovation, and strategic expansion, and has more than 15 years’ experience dealing with all major / mass global retailers.

Learning Resources, a trusted and family-owned manufacturer of educational toys, games, classroom products and pet enrichment toys, is proud to announce the appointment of Jon Horn as its new Vice President of Brand Management. In this role, Horn will contribute his strategic vision to develop impactful marketing campaigns and strengthen the company’s partnerships with retailers and distributors. With his wealth of expertise across mid to large-scale Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands, Horn is poised to propel the company’s brand visions forward, reinforcing their standing as pioneers in educational toys.

The Toy Association has announced the 2024 election of seven new members and two term renewals to its Board of Directors, including the election of Sharon Price John, president & CEO of Build-ABear Workshop, as chairperson. The announcement was made during The Toy Association’s Annual General Meeting, which was open to all toy industry stakeholders. The meeting included updates on the ways in which the organization is listening to, engaging with, and bringing together the industry; the Association’s fight against harmful legislation and other obstacles threatening the toy and play community’s ability to get toys effectively and safely into consumers’ hands; and details about the upcoming LA Fall Preview and Toy Fair 2025 events.

King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, has promoted Carla Silva to Senior Vice President, General Manager, and Head of Global Licensing. Silva, a seasoned veteran in the consumer products licensing industry and an expert in brand development, brings over two decades of invaluable experience and expertise into her expanded role.

Crazy Aaron’s, the mastermind company behind the iconic, U.S.-manufactured Thinking Putty, Land of Dough, and new Slime Charmers brands welcomes Cassie Slane Guglielmo as the Manager of Licensing and Content Development. Guglielmo has over ten years of experience in the toy industry. Most recently, she served as Vice President at Barry & Jason Games and Entertainment, overseeing licensing, business operations, and partnerships. Prior to this role, she launched the arts & crafts company Dreamland Fairy, which rapidly expanded into specialty markets, earning recognition as “Vendor of the Year” from Learning Express. This endeavor marked the onset of her career in the toy industry. Guglielmo also brings with her a robust background in television journalism, marketing and sales.

Wyncor, the newly established global toy company committed to creating innovative and imaginative toys aligned with its intellectual properties and premium brands, proudly announces the appointment of two distinguished sales executives to join the company’s sales team. Ami Dieckman, a former executive at Entertainment One and Just Play, has been named Vice President of Sales for EMEA and APAC; and Steve Markey, a seasoned professional most recently with Hog Wild Toys, will lead sales efforts across North America and LATAM as VP of Sales, Americas. Both executives will report directly to Wyncor’s Chief Operating Officer, Helena Perheentupa.

Mattel, Inc has promoted Krista Berger to Senior Vice President, Barbie and Head of Dolls. It was announced by Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer at Mattel, to whom Berger reports. “I am delighted to announce Krista Berger’s well-deserved promotion to Senior Vice President, Barbie and Head of Dolls,” said Lisa McKnight. “Krista’s stellar, 15-year journey with Mattel reflects her unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the company. I have had the privilege of working closely with Krista for years, and her promotion is a testament to her dedication, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership. I look forward to seeing Krista excel in her new role and continue to elevate our Dolls category to new heights.”

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) announced that WBD and industry veteran Philippe Roucoule has been named Senior Vice President of EMEA Consumer Products, effective immediately. Roucoule, who recently held the position of Vice President, Category and Retail Business Development for WBD, will report to Robert Oberschelp, Head of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of the Warner Bros. Discovery Revenue & Strategy division run by Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer, Bruce Campbell. Roucoule succeeds longtime European Consumer Products head, Julian Moon, who previously announced his upcoming retirement after 33 years with the company. Moon continues to oversee Consumer Products for the Asia Pacific region as he works with Oberschelp and WBD leadership on succession plans.

Right Angle Entertainment has announced veteran live entertainment industry executive Joe Ruffner has been promoted to executive director. His responsibilities will entail the oversight and management of Right Angle Entertainment’s touring productions, as well as adding his expertise to the rapid and strategic growth of the company. Right Angle Entertainment was founded in 2014 by Alison Spiriti and Justin Sudds and produces and/or manages the North American tours and experiences for Wheel of Fortune Live!, Hasbro’s Clue a Walking Mystery, The Price is Right Live!, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, The Simon & Garfunkel Story, The Psychology of Serial Killers, The Life and Music of George Michael, Ghosts: Do You Believe? and many more.