The NSPCC partners with Imagine8 for Pantosaurus and Buddy merchandise

Edutainment Licensing has announced that UK children’s charity the NSPCC has partnered with Imagine8 to create ranges of Pantosaurus and Buddy merchandise.

Based in Warrington, Imagine8 develops product ranges from concept to delivery for a one-stop-shop cross-category solution.

The ‘Back to School with Buddy’ range includes a selection of bags, water bottles and stationery featuring strong and bold graphics.

The NSPCCs Buddy is a bright green speech bubble mascot used to communicate the NSPCCs Speak Out. Stay Safe (SOSS) campaign, which has so far reached 90 per cent of primary schools nationwide.

The age-appropriate SOSS assemblies and workshops are delivered to children aged 5 to 11 across the UK and Channel Islands to encourage them to speak out if something is worrying them.

The ‘Pantosaurus Summer’ range of accessories is perfect for taking to the swimming pool as well as the beach.

Pantosaurus helps children learn about the PANTS rules, which aims to help keep them safe. From P through to S, each letter of PANTS provides a simple but valuable rule: that their private parts are private, their body belongs to them, and that they should tell an adult they trust if theyre worried or upset.

Since the launch of PANTS, 1.5 million parents have already had one of these conversations with their children and the NSPCC hopes this amazing range of products will help many more parents and carers talk PANTS with their little ones.

ZAG promotes Lisa K Foster to SVP, Licensing, North America

As award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG continues to build a robust consumer products programme for flagship brand Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, the company is elevating North American Licensing VP Lisa K Foster to the role of Senior Vice President, Licensing, to manage the company’s portfolio of brands under the ZAG Heroez label – an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties.

ZAG has also appointed former Disney Consumer Products and MGA Entertainment alum Monique Daggett as Licensing Manager, and Freddie Ordonez as Licensing Attorney. The announcements were made by Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Global Consumer Products.

“Lisa is passionate about the Miraculous brand and how fans of all ages want to engage with the stories and characters that we continue to create,” commented Julian. “She’s done a phenomenal job identifying and securing best-in-class partners in the US who will start rolling out products this fall and spring 2022. We’re delighted that Lisa will lead our US licensing and merchandising strategies for Miraculous and our newest series, Ghostforce, by working directly with the global team and me.”

Since joining the company in September 2020, Foster has contributed to over 60 new licensing partners for the North America market for Miraculous. In her elevated role, reporting directly to Julian Zag, Foster will continue to develop the licensing strategy for North America for the Miraculous brand, which includes the TV series currently spanning four seasons, with season five in production; the upcoming US$100M+ animated feature film and as yet unannounced spin-off series; and the company’s newest property to launch, Ghostforce, an original gender-neutral series for kids 6–10 years old that debuted on Disney XD on October 4. A toy line for Ghostforce is in the works from ZAG Lab and Playmates.

Retail expansion for Miraculous – lead by Sarah Boyer, Vice President of North America Retail­ – is underway across North America, with the toy line from ZAG Lab and Playmates hitting brick and mortar stores this autumn following the successful Spring 2021 rollout on e-commerce platforms including Walmart, Target and Kohls.

Other products hitting retail shelves in the US and Canada starting this year include books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; costumes and accessories from InSpirit Designs; oral care from Church & Dwight Co; bedding and bath from Jay Franco; underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing; swimwear, sportswear, tees and sleepwear from Bentex Apparel Group, Komar and BioWorld; novelty sunglasses from Sunstaches; confections from Galerie; fruit snacks from Ferrara, stationery from Inkology; beauty from Centric Beauty; craft & activity from Horizon, posters and stickers from Trends International; colour and activity from Bendon; and novelty toys from What Kids Want, Inc.

 

ZAG promotes Lisa K Foster to SVP, Licensing, North America

As award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG continues to build a robust consumer products programme for flagship brand Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, the company is elevating North American Licensing VP Lisa K Foster to the role of Senior Vice President, Licensing, to manage the company’s portfolio of brands under the ZAG Heroez label – an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties.

ZAG has also appointed former Disney Consumer Products and MGA Entertainment alum Monique Daggett as Licensing Manager, and Freddie Ordonez as Licensing Attorney. The announcements were made by Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Global Consumer Products.

“Lisa is passionate about the Miraculous brand and how fans of all ages want to engage with the stories and characters that we continue to create,” commented Julian. “She’s done a phenomenal job identifying and securing best-in-class partners in the US who will start rolling out products this fall and spring 2022. We’re delighted that Lisa will lead our US licensing and merchandising strategies for Miraculous and our newest series, Ghostforce, by working directly with the global team and me.”

Since joining the company in September 2020, Foster has contributed to over 60 new licensing partners for the North America market for Miraculous. In her elevated role, reporting directly to Julian Zag, Foster will continue to develop the licensing strategy for North America for the Miraculous brand, which includes the TV series currently spanning four seasons, with season five in production; the upcoming US$100M+ animated feature film and as yet unannounced spin-off series; and the company’s newest property to launch, Ghostforce, an original gender-neutral series for kids 6–10 years old that debuted on Disney XD on October 4. A toy line for Ghostforce is in the works from ZAG Lab and Playmates.

Retail expansion for Miraculous – lead by Sarah Boyer, Vice President of North America Retail­ – is underway across North America, with the toy line from ZAG Lab and Playmates hitting brick and mortar stores this autumn following the successful Spring 2021 rollout on e-commerce platforms including Walmart, Target and Kohls.

Other products hitting retail shelves in the US and Canada starting this year include books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; costumes and accessories from InSpirit Designs; oral care from Church & Dwight Co; bedding and bath from Jay Franco; underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing; swimwear, sportswear, tees and sleepwear from Bentex Apparel Group, Komar and BioWorld; novelty sunglasses from Sunstaches; confections from Galerie; fruit snacks from Ferrara, stationery from Inkology; beauty from Centric Beauty; craft & activity from Horizon, posters and stickers from Trends International; colour and activity from Bendon; and novelty toys from What Kids Want, Inc.

 

Penguin Random House Children’s appoints David Sprei as Commercial Director for Penguin Ventures

David Sprei will be joining Penguin Random House Children’s as Commercial Director for Penguin Ventures on 18 October. He will report to Francesca Dow, MD for Penguin Random House Children’s.

In this newly created role David will lead the Penguin Ventures business to further growth, working in close partnership with Susan Bolsover, Global Licensing and Consumer Products Director, and the Penguin Ventures team. Susan Bolsover will report to David.

David joins from his previous role as Director International Business Development ViacomCBS Consumer Products, focusing on new innovative & non-traditional partnerships across the portfolio. Prior to this David has held commercial and partnership roles at Viacom Velocity (MTV Europe), Instrumental and TBWA Stream, London.

Penguin Ventures is a separate business within Penguin Random House Children’s, which manages and exploits a portfolio of literary brands and characters, most notably Peter Rabbit, The Snowman and Spot, focusing on licensing and consumer products, retail activations, theatrical, exhibitions and commercial partnership strategies. In the UK Penguin Ventures’ most recent successes include a multi-year partnership with Cadburys as well as a global collection with Cath Kidston, both for Classic Peter Rabbit. The team also created a fashion and digital collaboration with Barbour for The Snowman, expanding upon Raymond Briggs’ timeless story through an innovative ad campaign, and were responsible for the UK, Australian and Japanese licensing programme for global box office smash hit movies Peter Rabbit and Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway.

 

Asembl announces appointment of Wendy Garth as Brand & Licensing Director – Design

Australia’s leading design, lifestyle and FMCG licensed brand extension agency Asembl has today announced the appointment of Wendy Garth to the newly created position of Brand & Licensing Director – Design. Wendy will drive the development of the agency’s ‘Fashion and Design’ division, which launches with the global representation of Australian artist and whimsical creative collaborator Fleur Harris, and will bring with her over 20 years as a noteworthy leader in the creative, design, fashion, and licensing industries.

With a distinguished history of working for high profile clients and global brands with Warner Bros for 13 years, Wendy has extensive experience driving revenue and engagement across retail channels, digital platforms and consumer experiences.

In her role for Asembl, Wendy will steer the development of Fleur Harris’ intricate and magical designs into new product categories while also strategically extending and catapulting Fleur’s footprint around the world. Wendy will continue to build upon Fleur’s growing fan base internationally and as Asembl continues to grow and expand its fashion and design space, she will manage upcoming client licensing initiatives locally and globally.

Fleur Harris is fast earning a global reputation with her collaboration with luxury Australian childrenswear label Tutu Du Monde, launching this month in international retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales. The Fleur Harris brand is enjoying great home-grown success in Australia with highly successful collaborations with homewares retailer Adairs and Jimmy Cricket wallpapers.

“I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Wendy Garth to Brand & Licensing Director – Design,” says Asembl Managing Director, Justin Watson. “Wendy boasts enviable experience across design, creative and licensing which makes her an extremely valuable addition to our Asembl team.  As we enter our sixth year specialising in fashion, lifestyle and FMCG licensed brand extensions, I am excited to be adding Fleur Harris to our client portfolio.  As a much-loved artist and creator of wonder and whimsy, Fleur Harris as a brand lends itself to incredible local and international licensing opportunities and we very much look forward to seeing Fleur’s work across new product categories and building her licensed opportunities across the world.”

 

Spread Group gains Sven Burscher as Head of Licensing

Spread Group has appointed Sven Burscher as its new Head of Licensing, in a move that highlights the expansion of its licensing business. Burscher will be responsible for Spread Group’s entire licensing portfolio, with a special focus on international marketing strategies. He moves from a longtime partner of Spread Group, the WildBrain CPLG agency.

As Brand & Retail Director, Sven Burscher most recently led the development of WildBrain CPLG’s e-commerce business. He played a key role in the licensing agency being named “Agency of the Year” at the International Licensing Awards in 2020. After earning his degree in business administration, he made his start in the licensing industry in 2014 and quickly rose to become the main contact for major rights holders, such as Peanuts, Universal, Hello Kitty and Sesame Workshop.

Over the past four years at WildBrain CPLG, he has overseen the expansion of the agency’s licensing portfolio both in bricks-and-mortar retail, with clients such as Lidl and Puma, and in e-commerce with Spread Group. Effective immediately, he is now responsible for the company’s current roster of approximately 190 licensing properties worldwide, including Warner Bros. Entertainment, Zag, Sesame Workshop, Kiddinx and Sony Music.

“My goal is to further strengthen Licensing as a strategic business area and to form new collaborations with international best-in-class partners,” says Sven. “Furthermore, I would like to increase the visibility of the range of our licensing topics and exchange ideas directly with our licensors. This includes, for example, increased representation at the top licensing trade shows. I’m very excited about these new challenges at Spread Group.”

JAKKS Pacific brings on board former Disney executive Lori MacPherson

JAKKS Pacific, the designer, manufacturer and marketer of toys and consumer goods whose popular brands include Creepy Crawlers, Eyeclops, Fly Wheel and Kitten Catfe, has appointed Lori MacPherson to its Board of Directors.

MacPherson served as Executive Vice President, Global Product Management for The Walt Disney Studios from 2010-2014, following her positions as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the global Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment division, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment North America, and a variety of senior Marketing and Product Management positions with The Walt Disney Company since 1991.

“I am thrilled that Lori MacPherson has joined our board of directors”, says Stephen Berman, CEO of JAKKS Pacific. “[She] brings to us over two decades of experience in entertainment and consumer products, which dovetails perfectly with our hands-on, customer-focused company. We expect to benefit from her insights into broad segments of the customer base for our wide array of products.”

Lori MacPherson commented, “I am very excited to join the Board of JAKKS Pacific, and look forward to working with my other board members and management in continuing to spearhead JAKKS’ growth by reaching out to all segments of the consumer market for JAKKS toys and games.”

With an HQ in Santa Monica, California, JAKKS Pacific’s products are sold throughout the world, and include Perfectly Cute, ReDo Skateboard Co, WeeeDo, Xtreme Power, Disguise, Maui, Moose Mountain, Kids Only!, a wide range of entertainment-inspired products featuring premier licensed properties, and C’est Moi, a New Generation of Clean Beauty. The company also has a philanthropic division, JAKKS Cares, which has so far donated more than $50 million in toys, school supplies and financial endowments to millions of underprivileged children around the world.

Asgard Media appoints Robyn Cowling as its Head of Strategic Partnerships

Asgard Media, the licensing consultancy business launched by Kelvyn Gardner, has tapped Robyn Cowling has its new head of strategic partnerships as the company looks towards ‘a bright future’, following Kelvyn’s passing earlier this year.

Formerly the licensing director at Underground Toys (acquired by Funko), Cowling brings with her over ten years of experience in the licensing space, as well as a wealth of knowledge in the pop culture and trends space. With a proven track record, she is a popular member of the licensing industry who is passionate about products.

Cowling was selected for the role at Asgard Media for the ‘values she embodies’ as well as her commitment to growing the business in collaboration with clients and licensors in a ‘profitable and sustainable way’ by encouraging them to connect, build and nurture relationships.

“In particular, I’m looking forward to combining my commercial knowledge and product development expertise to deliver new, exciting licensed ranges and products to the FMCG and gift sectors,” said Cowling. “Asgard represents clients in a broad range of sectors including craft gin and cakes – what’s not to love?!

“I’m keen to prove worthy of the support which Kelvyn’s family have shown me by guiding our existing clients into exploring different genres and adding to our strong portfolio with new strategic partners.”

Kelvyn Gardner created Asgard Media as a new consultancy business in 1998 after his success with Merlin Publishing, which was founded by Kelvyn and three colleagues in 1989. During the ’90s, Merlin Publishing became the fastest-growing private company in the United Kingdom, winning the coveted Price Waterhouse Top 100 in 1995. Merlin’s growth was rooted in Kelvyn’s work getting the essential licenses that brought that success. For the next 20 years, Kelvyn marketed hundreds of licensed products worldwide.

Over that time, Kelvyn also filled the role of managing director of Licensing International UK, helping the industry for more than ten years ending in 2020.

Michelle Gardner, director at Asgard Media, said: “Kelvyn’s sudden passing on the 26th of January this year hit us hard. Of course this meant a decision as to whether we continued in licensing. However a desire to look after our lovely clients led us to carry on, although without Kelvyn at the helm this was a daunting prospect.

“Advice from good friends within the industry led us to David Berry of Interim Licensing Management. David has done a fantastic job guiding us through the licensing maze, getting Asgard Media back on track at what has been a challenging time. We could not have asked for a better helping hand in the interim whilst we looked to engage someone permanently. Now seven months on, we are happy to announce Robyn Cowling’s appointment as Head of Strategic Partnerships for Asgard Media.”

Kelvyn’s children, Eliot and Regan, added: “Our dad created Asgard Media especially to provide a range of independent consultancy services and strategic advice to the licensing business sector. We grew up around licensing, and knowing that Asgard will continue to be a part of the vibrant industry he loved so much means the world to us. Having Robyn on board really makes us ready for an electric future.”

Alongside this exciting appointment, as part of their growth strategy, Asgard will be expanding its portfolio. You can now ‘summon the power of Asgard’ by contacting Robyn at:

Robyn Cowling: 07958 029 326

rc@asgardmedia.com

Fanattik names Get-Well Gamers its charity partner for 2022

The pop culture specialist, Fanattik, has named the gaming charity, Get-Well Gamers as its charity partner until the end of 2022. The partnership has been struck up as the firm’s means of ‘giving back to the community that has supported it since launch.’

Established in 2007, Fanattik has been developing film and gaming collectables for the geek culture market for the past 14 years. Its partnership with Get-Well Gamers not only reflects its appreciation for audience that has helped its success, but the role gaming plays with mental health improvement.

“Every member of staff at Fanattik HQ is a gamer, and we’re a multi-generational team, with some of us growing up with Atari’s and Amiga’s, and some growing up with PlayStations and Xboxes. We all recognise the importance of the problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and mental health improvement that comes with gaming, so supporting a gaming charity like Get-Well Gamers, was a no-brainer,” said Fanttik’s MD, Anthony Marks.

Get-Well Gamers was founded in 2016 and provides recycled consoles and games to hospitals, hospices and other healthcare settings, where children may have long hospital stays, or are in circumstances in which recreational activities can be beneficial. They are currently linked up with almost 200 hospitals and organisations across the UK.

Fanattik is the licensee for many gaming franchises including Resident Evil, Sea of Thieves, Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Banjo-Kazooie, Doom, Cuphead, and more. The team’s ranges of gaming gifts from 24k gold plated collectibles to limited edition pin badges can be found on sale at all levels of the European gift trade from HMV to Hamleys.

Fanattik is also an award-winning gift company, being crowned the North West Business of the Year awarded by the Federation of Small Business in 2020, their SpongeBob SquarePants bottle opener has been nominated for Gift Of the Year by the British Gift Association for 2021.

Get-Well Gamers were recently the subject of a BBC short film about the important work that they do, which you can watch here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p072wh7k.

Roy Lowe & Sons celebrates 25 years in the socks business

It was a mark of jubilation for the members and extended members of the Lowe family, who spent the past weekend celebrating a full quarter of a century in the socks business and the milestone 25th anniversary of Roy Lowe & Sons.

Founded in 1996 by brothers Tim and Martin Lowe, and named in tribute to their late father whose own sock career spanned more than 50 years, culminating with his appointment as managing director at Samuel Eden, Roy Lowe & Sons has become a go-to name in socks circles, supplying some of the biggest names in retail today.

For the past 25 years, the business has been providing licensed character and non-licensed socks to bare feet across the UK, working with high street retailers, grocers, independents, online retailers, and in recent years, directly to the consumer.

“When I left school in 1981, my old man said to me: ‘No-one else will employ you so come to the factory on Monday!’. That was the start of my affinity with socks. Because of this, I have been given the honour of never having a job interview during my working career,” said Roy Lowe.

“I have learnt a lot over the years, but I think my main lesson to pass on would have to be that the best business has always been done over a drink or five – I think Ben and Hannah are trying to emulate this!” 

Combining Tim’s technical expertise, with Martin’s in-depth knowledge of customer markets and the licensing industry has seen the company grow its reputation to be the UK leaders in licensed character socks.

“The new management structure is well covered with Steven, our Finance Director, and Phil, our Technical Director, who have been with us since the formation of the company. Then we have Ben, Kelly and Hannah who are stepping up to drive the business forward. We are very thrilled to take a back seat and watch the business grow,” said Tim.

Recounting his own time within both the licensing industry and the family business, Martin Lowe has paid tribute to the industry that ‘made socks fun’ over the years.

“I am proud to say that I have made friends for life; David and Nigel from Aykroyds and Tim at TDP to name but a few…” he said. “And of course, the sock monkeys who I have worked with over the years – thank you for your valuable time. It is great looking back at what we have achieved.

“When we started licensing at Eden’s we were in the top three in the Disney royalty stream. At Lowe’s we have worked on so many different deals, signing Harry Potter, currently coming up to a 20 year partnership with Peppa and Nickelodeon, and of course the numerous agencies all with their own unique selling points.

“Fundraising for The Light Fund was always a pleasure, Deannie Doo, Radda and myself started with the ‘tri-sockle’ biking from Mansfield to the licensing awards in London. As most blokes who become MAMIL’s (Middle Aged Men in Lycra), know that lycra tends to flatten certain bits out. We decided over a boozy lunch to enhance said certain parts by using large carrots as props. Needless to say, we were getting a few gasps of appreciation from the front tables! 

“Can I say it’s been an absolute pleasure, and if you haven’t argued or fallen out with me at some point, you weren’t doing your job correctly.”

Ben Lowe, now part of the third generation of Lowes to succeed in the socks business, said: “We Lowe children were told repeatedly since we were young that we were not to go into socks; clearly Kelly, Hannah and I failed to listen!

“From my first week at work in Las Vegas, where I received a warning on my first day for being late… it has certainly been a learning curve on socks, licensing and drinking. I think I speak on behalf of the whole company (past and present employees) when I say how proud we are of what Tim and Martin have achieved over their careers, and over the last 25 years with Roy Lowe & Sons.

“What an incredible tribute to Grandpa, and one that lives testament to his name and reputation. Here’s to the next 25 years of Roy Lowe & Sons!”