Category: You’re Hired

 Mattel, Inc has announced the promotion of Robbie Brenner to President of Mattel Films. She was previously Executive Producer of Mattel Films since 2018. Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel, said: “Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences. She has done exactly that and so much more, positioning Mattel Films as a key partner for innovative creators, world-class talent, award winning producers, and major studios.”

Moose Toys, a leading innovator in the toy industry, today announced industry veteran Jeff Hurst joins the company as senior vice president, North American sales. He will be based out of the company’s U.S. operation in El Segundo, Calif., beginning in October. In this leadership position, Hurst is responsible for defining, leading and driving the execution of the North American strategic sales plan and annual goals for emerging and established markets. “I found this opportunity with Moose irresistible. My team and I are not just selling toys, we are selling Moose innovation and that is what ultimately attracted me to the company and this role,” said Hurst. “With their wildly creative original brands and impressive licensing portfolio, the stage is set for Moose’s next level growth. I look forward to expanding Moose’s already world-class sales team and contributing to the company’s continued success.”

Moose Toys has announced that 20-year industry veteran, Ronnie Frankowski has been promoted to the role of Global President.  Frankowski will be responsible for leading the global senior leadership team to deliver on Moose’s rolling strategic plan, including meeting annual commercial and functional objectives, in-line with the business’ purpose and values. “Ronnie is a proven global leader who knows how to get results,” said Paul Solomon, CEO at Moose Toys. “We know that his exceptional leadership qualities, his unique ability to facilitate a leading culture and his extensive industry experience both at Moose and elsewhere, will enable us to take Moose to the next level!” 

Schleich, the German manufacturer of figurines and playsets, has just announced a new change to their executive team appointing Stefan De Loecker as the new CEO effective January 1, 2024. Before joining Schleich, Stefan De Loecker was CEO of Beiersdorf and previously President of its emerging markets and has had a broad and long-standing career in FMCG, namely with Nestlé. Dirk Engehausen, CEO of Schleich for more than eight years, left Schleich on 15 August 2023. After a transition period, he will join its Advisory Board.

Superights, international distribution division of Seperpod Group, ups Hugo Brochard to International Sales Manager and hires Élodie Friess as new sales coordinator. They will report to Nathalie Pinguet, Superights’ Deputy Managing Director Sales and Acquisitions. Based in Paris, Hugo will oversee sales in Eastern Europe territories, Spain, Portugal, Africa, Latin America and Inflight zones while Elodie will ensure sales coordination and administration. According to Pinguet, the appointments “support our objective of strengthening the team to manage a growing catalogue with many new series to come.

Academy Award-nominated French animation studio Xilam Animation has upped Safaa Benazzouz to the position of EVP Distribution, effective 1 September 2023. Previously Deputy EVP Distribution, Benazzouz will replace the company’s outgoing EVP Distribution, Morgann Favennec. In her new role, Benazzouz will lead the worldwide distribution strategies across Xilam’s new and forthcoming productions, including Karate Sheep, Oggy Oggy and Buddybot, and its existing catalogue, which includes Oggy and the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko, Where’s Chicky? and Athleticus. Additionally, she will be responsible for driving sales across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, South Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America; and managing the four teams within Xilam’s distribution department: international sales, digital, licensing and marketing. She will continue to be based in Xilam’s head office in Paris and will now report into the company’s Founder and CEO, Marc du Pontavice.

Playview Brands, a leading toy company with a growing portfolio of esteemed brands and licenses, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Domenic Bettini as its new Director of Business Development. With over 20 years of success in growing brand revenues and market share, Bettini will play a pivotal role in driving Playview Brands to new heights. Domenic Bettini’s new role complements Playview Brands’ increasing scope of fun with their NERF license renewal, new partnership with entertainment franchise Minecraft, upcoming My HeroMail, and jigsaw lines, including KI Puzzles. Bettini will spearhead Playview’s efforts to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities for their roster of renowned brands.

Falcon’s Beyond Global, LLC, a diversified global entertainment, consumer experience, and technology enterprise that accelerates intellectual property (IP) activations concurrently across physical and digital experiences, announced that it has named Toni Caracciolo as Executive Vice President of Marketing and Branding, reporting to company President Simon Philips. In this newly created position, Caracciolo will advance the strong momentum Falcon’s has established over the past year as the company launched multiple projects, initiatives, and experiences across its three core business units: Falcon’s Creative Group, Falcon’s Beyond Destinations and Falcons Beyond Brands. Her deep travel experience is particularly relevant to the planned future growth of Falcon’s Beyond Destinations. Through this division, earlier this year, Falcon’s opened both Falcon’s Resort by Meliá | All Suites Punta Cana and the adjacent Katmandu Park | Punta Cana, the first theme park of its kind in the Caribbean, together offering a unique “resortainment” hospitality experience. 

Toikido, the London-based entertainment company on the cutting edge of digital design and toys, has named the internet’s most followed magician, mega influencer Sean Sotaridona, aka “Sean Does Magic,“ global brand ambassador for its buzzed-about new in-house IP, Piñata Smashlings. Sean Does Magic’s animated character officially enters the Piñata Smashlings Roblox game today as its newest Smashlings character. Having first discovered his love for magic at the age of 6 by watching YouTube videos, Sean Does Magic has since become renowned for performing card tricks and other illusions, cultivating an online community of over 30 million followers, captivated by his kind, generous, and inspiring personality and unique storytelling capability.