Guru Studio Promotes Abraham, Hires Caplan
Guru Studio promoted Jonathan Abraham to vice-president of sales and business development and hired Corey Caplanas director of international sales.
NPD Group Names New Head of Europe Toys
The NPD Group named François Klipfel as president of the company’s Europe Toys business. Klipfel started his career in sales at Procter & Gamble before he moved to the point-of-sale business within GfK France in 1993. Over the past 25 years, he had different roles in the commercial team of GfK, including deputy managing director and member of the management board of the South West Europe region. In his…
MGAE Hires Ratna Kirpal as VP, Global Licensing
MGA Entertainment taps former Disney executive Ratna Kirpal to lead global licensing for its top-performing brands such as L.O.L. Surprise! and Little Tikes
Jamie Cygielman Named SVP, GM of American Girl
Mattel appoints Jamie Cygielman, veteran marketing executive and former CMO of Iconix Brand Group, as senior vice-president and general manager of American Girl.
Schleich Bolsters U.S. Executive Team
Schleich promoted David Albert to COO and appointed Annie Laurie Zomermaand as CCO. Both executives are also managing directors of Schleich USA.
Epic Story Media Expands Executive Team with eOne, Nickelodeon Vets
Epic Story Media (ESM) expands its senior team with two new hires. Former eOne Acquisitions Vice-President Jessica Labi joins as head of distribution and brand strategy alongside former Nickelodeon Vice-President of Toys David Sztoser as head of licensing and merchandise.
James Ohlen to Helm Wizards of the Coast’s New Austin Studio
Wizards of the Coast announced James Ohlen will run a new Austin-based studio, focused on creating original IP outside of Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.
ChizComm, Beacon Media Hire Kathleen Campisano, Dean Shoukas
ChizComm and Beacon Media Group named Kathleen Campisano to global chief marketing officer of ChizComm and general manager of Beacon Media Group, along with Dean Shoukas as vice-president of digital marketing.
Moose Toys Hires James Knight as GM, Design
Moose Toys announced the appointment of James Knight to the role of general manager, design (boys, youth electronics, licensed and preschool). A 20-year toy veteran, Knight has held senior positions throughout the toy industry, including LEGO, Spin Master, Mattel, and Hasbro. His development experience extends to top brands including Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Tech Deck, and Bakugan. Most recently, he led development at Hasbro on DreamWorks Trolls 2 product, in addition…