Monday, June 17, 2013

Saban Brands Launches Global Consumer Products Division

Saban Brands has announced today (Monday 17th June 2013) in the following press release, from PRNewswire, the news that Saban Brands has launched a new Global Consumer Products division, merging its domestic and international licensing and merchandising teams into a cohesive unit. The department is led by Kirk Bloomgarden, who serves as Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products. The new division focuses on the global expansion of licensing programs for all Saban Brands properties, including Nickelodeon's "Power Rangers", Nick Jr. USA and Nick Jr. Australia and New Zealand's "Julius Jr.", and Nicktoons USA's Digimon Fusion, and for driving the strategic consumer product plans with licensees, retailers, broadcasters and agencies worldwide:
Saban Brands Launches Global Consumer Products Division

Bloomgarden leads new division; Leong, Rafferty and Wilson take on new global roles; Maeda joins team as Vice President of Licensing

LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Saban Brands has launched a new Global Consumer Products division, merging its domestic and international licensing and merchandising teams into a cohesive unit. The department is led by Kirk Bloomgarden, who serves as Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products. The new division focuses on the global expansion of licensing programs for all Saban Brands properties and for driving the strategic consumer product plans with licensees, retailers, broadcasters and agencies worldwide.

(Download Image - Saban Brands logo. (PRNewsFoto/Saban Brands): http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130617/CL32849LOGO)
"This reorganization is a very exciting venture for us and will help continue the growth of our various global brands including Power Rangers and Paul Frank as well as the upcoming Julius Jr. and Digimon Fusion properties," said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. "We've assembled a world-class team, and this new division allows these uniquely talented professionals to apply their expertise to our brands on a global scale while also maximizing efficiency."

In his new role, Bloomgarden focuses on growing Saban Brands' licensing and merchandising business globally across the company's portfolio of brands. Nina Leong moves into a new role as Senior Vice President, Strategic Business Development for Saban Brands, and will spearhead efforts to expand and broaden the Saban Brands portfolio, as well as strategically grow current properties. Leong focuses on searching for new brands, particularly in the lifestyle and fashion space. Mary Rafferty and Dan Wilson also have taken on new, global roles – their titles are Vice President of Global Consumer Products and Vice President of Global Retail, respectively.

In addition, Brian Maeda has joined the team as Vice President of Licensing, and will focus on helping to grow Saban Brands' business in Asia, with a focus on toys and video games. Maeda brings 20 years of experience in collaborating with Asian companies and working across publishing, film/TV acquisition, online content distribution, licensing and merchandising, third-party promotions and video games. He most recently was a Third-Party Account Manager at Xbox and also built the licensing and merchandising program for the Halo videogame franchise.

"Saban Brands is only three years old, and we've seen expanded growth and continued momentum in that short period of time. We have hundreds of licensees globally and our retail sales have increased exponentially year to year," said Bloomgarden. "The new Global Consumer Products division will help to streamline the process between licensees, retailers and all business partners globally. Our strategy for our brands has always been to 'think globally, act locally,' which will only be enhanced under this new structure."

In addition to the global team based in the United States, Saban Brands plans to open new offices in London, England and Shanghai, China later this year.

About Saban Brands

Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) was established to acquire and develop a world-class portfolio of properties and capitalize on the company's experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing consumer brands through content, media and marketing. SB applies a global omni-channel management approach to enhancing and extending its brands in markets worldwide and to consumers of all ages. The company provides full-service management, marketing, promotion and strategic business development for its intellectual properties including comprehensive strategies unique to each brand, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, creative design, retail development, direct-to-consumer initiatives and specialized property extensions. SB is led by a superior management team with decades of experience in media, content creation, branding, licensing, marketing and finance. SB's portfolio of properties currently includes Power Rangers, Paul Frank, Vortexx, Zui.com, The Playforge, Julius Jr., Digimon Fusion and Popples. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.

Saban Brands Contact:

Kelsey Lynch
310-203-5875
klynch@sabanbrands.com

SOURCE Saban Brands

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http://www.sabanbrands.com.