Big Promotions at WWE
WWE announced changes positioning itself for growth, including the renegotiation of its four largest television rights agreements, the potential launch of a WWE Network, expansion in key international markets, distribution of content on emerging platforms, and new strategic partnerships. Michelle D. Wilson, George Barrios, and Stephanie McMahon have been promoted to lead WWE in the execution of these strategic growth initiatives.
Michelle D. Wilson, formerly CMO, has been promoted to chief revenue and marketing officer and will now oversee all of the company’s revenue lines and assume responsibility for WWE’s $900 million retail consumer products business. Wilson retains her current revenue-generating responsibilities for sponsorship sales, Pay-Per-View, and new business development and will continue to oversee all WWE marketing and corporate communications. Wilson is also spearheading the company’s efforts to launch a WWE Network and will continue to report directly to WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Casey Collins, executive vice-president, consumer products will report to Wilson.
George Barrios, formerly CFO, has been promoted to chief strategy and financial officer and will now oversee all of the company’s strategic planning processes and take over management of WWE’s day-to-day television operations. He will retain his management of financial planning and investor relations. With Wilson, Barrios is co-leading WWE’s television rights negotiations and will continue to report directly to WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Will Staeger, executive vice-president, television production will report to Barrios.
Stephanie McMahon, formerly executive vice-president, creative, has been promoted to chief brand officer and will lead WWE’s efforts to further enhance its brand reputation among key constituencies including advertisers, media, business partners, and investors. McMahon will also lead WWE’s targeted youth and moms marketing programs and will continue to report directly to WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.
Kevin Dunn will serve as executive producer of all WWE programming, including Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, WWE Main Event, and Total Divas and will continue to report to Vince McMahon.
New Hirings at Moose Toys
Moose Toys announced the hiring of two new employees to its U.S. division. Larry Falcon is Moose’s new U.S. head of sales, while Darren Gaffney will focus on the company’s Walmart account as national account manager.
Falcon’s proven track record and extensive background in sales administration, merchandising, forecasting, and supply chain management will help him in leading the U.S. sales team at Moose Toys. Most recently, Falcon served as senior vice-president of sales and marketing at Bandai. He has previously held similar roles at MGA Entertainment, Hasbro, and Parker Bros.
Gaffney will manage Walmart, one of the company’s largest retail accounts. Gaffney has a strong background in sales with more than 18 years of experience in managing national accounts. Previous posts include Vtech, where he managed their Walmart account (both physical and online stores) as well as Sam’s Club, Atkins Nutritionals, Georgia Pacific, and Treat Entertainment.