Cepia Toys Announces Leslie Peck as New Head of Sales for North America

Cepia Toys, a renowned leader in the toy industry, is excited to welcome Leslie Peck as the new Head of Sales for North America. Peck, with her extensive 15-year background in both retail and manufacturing sectors, is set to bring a wealth of experience and insights to the St. Louis-based company. Starting her career in toy merchandising at Walmart, Leslie Peck has risen through the ranks, holding senior sales positions at Hasbro Toys before her recent tenure in a significant sales leadership role at Moose Toys. Now based in Bentonville, Arkansas, Peck’s role as a mother to three daughters uniquely positions her to understand the evolving consumer trends and preferences in the toy market.

Licensing International Announces 2023 Excellence Awards Finalists

Licensing International is proud to announce the full list of finalists for the prestigious 2023 Excellence Awards, dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements and innovation in the global brand licensing industry. The 2023 Excellence Awards feature 201 finalists in 30 categories. More than 850 submissions were reviewed by a panel that includes 200 judges from 20 countries. Several new categories were introduced this year, including the award for Most Impactful Service Provider, which honors companies that help the industry run more effectively, including accounting and law firms, brand protection and approval software companies, and design agencies. And the Best Sustainability Initiative award recognizes a licensed product or product range that is making measurable improvements in sustainability.

WildBrain CPLG Adds Italy and India to Their Remit and Renews Overall Hasbro and eOne Representation

WildBrain CPLG, one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agencies, is consolidating its representation of Hasbro and eOne properties with the addition of Italy (Hasbro and eOne) and India (Hasbro only) to its remit. Additionally, WildBrain CPLG’s existing representation deal has been renewed, under which the agency handles Hasbro/eOne’s portfolio of brands in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Benelux, the Nordics and Turkey.

ZAG Launches Inaugural ‘Miraculous’ Toys at Spielwarenmesse-Nuremberg Toy Fair 2023

Award-winning global animation studio ZAG announces the launch of its first toy line from the new ZAG Play Toy division that will be unveiled at the Spielwarenmesse-Nuremberg Toy Fair. The first toys, across ten categories, all feature the company’s flagship brand, Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, to be followed with products for the fun-filled action-adventure series Ghostforce, and the animated feature Melody, starring singer, songwriter, and actress Katy Perry. The announcement was made by Jeremy ZAG, Founder and CEO, ZAG.

Classic Clue Board Game by Hasbro Reimagined in Thrilling New Experience

Who killed Boddy Black? Solve the mystery in a suspenseful and newly reimagined Clue board game early next year! Hasbro, Inc (NASDAQ: HAS), a global branded entertainment leader, announced that the iconic mystery-solving board game Clue received a refresh that combines classic Clue gameplay with rich new takes on the original murder mystery storyline, an intriguing diverse cast, highly-stylized game pieces, and the glamorous Tudor Mansion. The next chapter of Clue is now available at most major retailers for fans.

Bratz Celebrates Its 21st Birthday with a Cult Gaia Collab, New Products, Star-Studded Party and More

MGA Entertainment (MGA), one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing privately held toy and entertainment companies, celebrates the 21st birthday of the worldwide phenomenon Bratz with new product launches and partnerships across categories this October. Since its debut in 2001, Bratz has taken the global toy and fashion industries by storm with their unyielding commitment to inclusivity, self-expression, and, of course, a passion for fashion. Today, the brand is as popular as ever, maintaining cultural relevance and celebrating their community of fans who grew up loving the inclusive dolls and who have found inspiration in their beloved “it” girl attitudes over the decades.

All in the Family: The Zawitz Family

Our feature story highlighting the Zawitz family came to fruition in an unusual way. I had met Nick and knew a bit about the Tangle story of course, but it was Isabelle Hodges, their new team member who also consults on our POP website, who suggested we feature the Zawitz family. Richard shared his thoughts on Tangle’s life-affirming three generation story, and I know you will enjoy reading them as much as I did.

Spotlight Licensing and Rocket Licensing welcome ‘All Creatures Great and Small’

Rocket Licensing and Spotlight Licensing are set to build a global consumer products program for critically acclaimed fan-favorite television drama, All Creatures Great and Small with Rocket leading in all markets outside North America and Spotlight focused on North America. The series, based on best-selling stories written by Alf Wight under the pen name James Herriot, follows the heart warming and humorous adventures of a young vet from Glasgow working in the stunningly beautiful Yorkshire dales.