Tag Archives: lead

Warner Bros Consumer Products and Myprotein flex new collab with limited edition Superman collection

Posted on by

Warner Bros. is once again flexing its consumer products muscles, this time through a renewed partnership with the popular fitness brand, Myprotein, to launch a limited edition Superman protein range.

Launched this week, the new whey protein and accessories collection follows a successful pairing between the Warner Bros Consumer Products and My Protein that first landed in 2020 when the fitness brand introduced its Justice League Hero Protein.

Fuelled by a demand for DC Comics inspired workouts, the brand reconnected at the tail of last year to introduce its Warrior Protein, a limited edition run themed around the Wonder Woman film, WW84.

Now, the two are at it again, this time bringing out a solo collection for Warner Bros’ own Man of Steel, Superman. The collaboration features the Myprotein Superman Clear Whey Protein in Acerola Cherry, available in 10 and 20 serving tubs, as well as a limited edition bundle that includes a Superman t-shirt along with a 20-serving protein tub and shaker.

“Last year, Myprotein and Warner Bros Consumer Products launched their official licensing agreement with the introduction of a special Justice League Hero Protein, followed by a Wonder Woman 84 range. The Superman limited edition is the latest installment of three super hero lines for Myprotein,” read a statement from the firm.

The company is expecting the range to be ‘a blockbuster’ among fans and is urging consumers to get their orders in fast, signalling the Superman range to be the final launch in its Warner Bros. collaboration.

Mattel and Playmobil ready new ranges as Universal launches Spirit Untamed across EMEA

Posted on by

Universal Brand Development has launched a cross-category consumer products programme centered on the latest chapter in the DreamWorks Animation Spirit franchise, as the new animated feature film, Spirit Untamed rolls out across EMEA this summer.

Having premiered in Central London last weekend at an event attended by celebrities and their families, the film is swiftly moving through the EMEA region, with Russia, Italy and Spain already out of the stable gate, with Germany ready to welcome the film to screens from July 22nd, and France from July 28th.

“There’s something really special about the connection between girls and horses, and DreamWorks Animation’s Spirit Untamed taps into that emotional bond, bringing audiences along for the ride,” said Shannon Vacca, vice president, global franchise management, Universal Brand Development.

“We set out to create consumer products celebrating wholesome characters that empower girls around the world and reinforce Spirit Untamed as the ultimate story about what it means to be wild and free.”

Master toy partner, Mattel is expanding the Spirit adventure beyond the screen with its broad range of horses, character dolls, and play-sets, all featuring innovative details and storytelling accessories, as well as games. In addition, Playmobil is a returning franchise partner with new pay-sets supporting key moments from the film, alongside Just Play with basic plush.

Additionally, Outright Games, alongside Universal Games and Digital Platforms, is launching DreamWorks Spirit Lucky’s Big Adventure, a new video game set in the adventurous world of the award-winning Spirit franchise.

In the game – distributed by Bandai in EMEA – players can go on an adventure and explore the wonders and dangers of the frontier with Lucky and her wild mustang, Spirit. This original story celebrates themes of adventure, friendship and the special connection between a girl and her horse.

Lucky teams up with best friends Abigail and Pru to embark on a fun-filled quest for hidden treasure in Miradero. DreamWorks Spirit Lucky’s Big Adventure will release on Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC digital in summer 2021.

Interactive murder mystery brand Hunt A Killer signs global publishing deal with Scholastic

Posted on by

The interactive sci-fi, horror murder mystery entertainment company, Hunt A Killer has forged a new global partnership with Scholastic for launch of a series of novels, ebooks, and audio books, featuring all the characteristic clues of the Hunt A Killer games.

The first title to hit shelves through the global publishing deal will be Perfect Score, written by Angelica Monai, which will land in January 2022. The young adult novel promises to be a ‘mind-bending mystery’ featuring a cast of new characters and pages of intriguing clues.

Founded in 2016, Hunt A Killer began life as a single event that brought together elements from the escpae room, interactive theatre, and live entertainment sectors by engaging participants in a 200-acre living crime scene.

Since then, the entertainment brand has established itself as a premier murder mystery company known for its complex and unpredictable stories. Today, the company ships 150,000 episodic and complete mystery game boxes to its subscribers each month. It also sells purpose-built games through various retail channels.

The brand has, to date, sold some two million games.

Its new partnership with Scholastic – the global children’s publishing, education, and media company – will take the brand in novels, ebooks, and audio books on a global scale.

“We’re excited to partner with Scholastic and to see our brand represented on bookshelves across the nation,” said Hunt A Killer CEO and co-founder, Ryan Hogan. 

“Our mission as a company is to consistently raise the bar with engaging, interactive stories, and we want to continue to do that through new mediums. Working with Scholastic is a great opportunity to grow the audience for our brand of immersive, entertaining, and suspenseful storytelling.”

Following in the style of Hunt A Killer’s bestselling games, Perfect Score readers will be encouraged to use clues throughout the book – including notes, emails, news articles, school records, and more – to help aspiring P.I. Jolene Kelley find the culprit behind her guidance counselor’s death.

Debra Dorfman, vice president and publisher, global licensing, brands and media, at Scholastic, said: “Our team at Scholastic are big fans of the Hunt A Killer games, so we are thrilled to expand its impressive storytelling to a natural new format.

“The Hunt A Killer books are perfect for fans of the murder mystery games, as well as young adult readers who love a fast-paced whodunnit and innovative new ways to tell a story. We can’t wait for readers to get their hands on Perfect Score.”

Phat Kandi joins curated Japan-inspired line up as HMV marks 100 years with pop culture store launches

Posted on by

The British alternative fashion brand, Phat Kandi, has been selected as one of the chosen few independent labels to supply HMV as it marks its 100th year in retail with the launch of ten new pop culture stores across the UK.

The initiative will see HMV launch a raft of specially curated stores offering the latest in kawaii or Japanese pop culture inspired products, all of which will be supplied by independent and up and coming brands. Product collections will range from fashion and accessories to imported Japanese foods and more.

The running theme throughout the curated collection housed within these ten new locations will be the essence of pop culture today.

Established in 2019 by its creative director, Mel Williams, Phat Kandi has been developed a brand aimed at ‘bitter sweet misfits,’ an audience she describes as ‘the dreamers, the rule breakers, and the overlooked,’ as a place where they can ‘feel at home.’ With a love of  all things Japanese, and inspired by the fashion tribes of Harajuku, Mel created a brand combining her distinctive hand writing, illustrations and her fashion design experience.

“I’m super happy to be part of HMVs exciting new pop culture concept stores. We’re a perfect fit for their customers who want something alternative to the norm. Concept stores like this are well over due for the UK high street, consumers are screaming out for freshness, new offerings and up and coming brands which is what HMV are delivering,” said Mel.

“I’m looking forward to growing with the HMV tribe, as well as adding new categories to our fashion range.”

Phat Kandi have also landed two US stockists: Hot Topic, Dolls Kill, EMP ( Europe) as well as a licensee partnership across sportswear during what Williams has described as a “very exciting time for Phat Kandi.”

“Even through a pandemic we’ve managed to survive and grow, and we’re only just warming up. My vision for Phat Kandi is to become a global brand, the go to place for alternative products, then open our own concept stores in London, Japan and LA,” she continued. “I totally believe the vision will become a reality one day.”

The first HMV store under the new initiative is now open in Solihull offering Phat Kandi limited edition fashion pieces such as tees and bucket hats. Nine more concept stores will be opening across the UK each month from September.

Phat Kandi joins curated Japan-inspired line up as HMV marks 100 years with pop culture store launches

Posted on by

The British alternative fashion brand, Phat Kandi, has been selected as one of the chosen few independent labels to supply HMV as it marks its 100th year in retail with the launch of ten new pop culture stores across the UK.

The initiative will see HMV launch a raft of specially curated stores offering the latest in kawaii or Japanese pop culture inspired products, all of which will be supplied by independent and up and coming brands. Product collections will range from fashion and accessories to imported Japanese foods and more.

The running theme throughout the curated collection housed within these ten new locations will be the essence of pop culture today.

Established in 2019 by its creative director, Mel Williams, Phat Kandi has been developed a brand aimed at ‘bitter sweet misfits,’ an audience she describes as ‘the dreamers, the rule breakers, and the overlooked,’ as a place where they can ‘feel at home.’ With a love of  all things Japanese, and inspired by the fashion tribes of Harajuku, Mel created a brand combining her distinctive hand writing, illustrations and her fashion design experience.

“I’m super happy to be part of HMVs exciting new pop culture concept stores. We’re a perfect fit for their customers who want something alternative to the norm. Concept stores like this are well over due for the UK high street, consumers are screaming out for freshness, new offerings and up and coming brands which is what HMV are delivering,” said Mel.

“I’m looking forward to growing with the HMV tribe, as well as adding new categories to our fashion range.”

Phat Kandi have also landed two US stockists: Hot Topic, Dolls Kill, EMP ( Europe) as well as a licensee partnership across sportswear during what Williams has described as a “very exciting time for Phat Kandi.”

“Even through a pandemic we’ve managed to survive and grow, and we’re only just warming up. My vision for Phat Kandi is to become a global brand, the go to place for alternative products, then open our own concept stores in London, Japan and LA,” she continued. “I totally believe the vision will become a reality one day.”

The first HMV store under the new initiative is now open in Solihull offering Phat Kandi limited edition fashion pieces such as tees and bucket hats. Nine more concept stores will be opening across the UK each month from September.

Immersive play | Fanattik on why creativity is running wild in video game licensing

Posted on by

It’s odd to think of the video game licensing sector as one that is still in its relative infancy. There’s a maturity to many of the partnerships that circle the market and its audiences that would suggest the experience and wisdom of one established decades ago, when Pong’s first pixels flickered to life and into the homes of 1970s America.

Perhaps it’s a manifestation of an industry’s self-assurance? The video games sector has the charisma of an entertainment sector that not only knows its worth, but enjoys the fact that you know it, too. And it’s one fuelled by a fandom so immersed in its narratives, that when it comes to licensing, the consumer products space is a playground in which it can have a lot of fun.

That’s precisely what Anthony Marks, managing director of the pop culture specialist, Fanattik is doing right now. Having a lot of fun. Because gone are the days when games publishers would lean into the ‘bare minimum assets and a logo’ kind licensing, and here to stay is an era in which licensing is being given the chance to explore a game’s terrain, reach into its DNA and pull from it elements that reverberate with fans around the world.

And if you’re not buying that, then there’s at least some cool collectables being made.

Here, Licensing.biz catches up with Fanattik’s Anthony Marks to talk about the health of the video game licensing sector, the creativity that surrounds it, and why he’ll be shipping the entire development team off to the states come next year…

Hello Anthony, and thanks for taking the time to talk video games with us this week. Fanattik’s video game IP portfolio is continuing to grow, with some exciting titles added recently in Sea of Thieves. What do you and the team make of the health of the video games licensing space today?

Video games are the healthiest part of the licensing world in my opinion. It’s no secret that when Covid hit, it super charged what was already a fast growing sector. This is a huge market which a lot of retailers haven’t picked up on yet and that is why there is still so much opportunity for growth in this sector.

How do you think video games licensing has changed in the last few years? What are consumers and fans demanding from the video games merchandise they buy today?

When we first started signing up video game properties, merchandise was the last thing on the brand owners’ mind and you were lucky to get just a handful of assets along with the logo. Now it’s a very different picture as it’s not just about generating income for the brands anymore. The merchandise is an extension of their marketing activities and a way to further increase brand loyalty.

What is it about the sector that excites Fanattik? What level of creativity with licensing does today’s fandom around video games lend you guys when it comes to developing concepts?

The possibilities feel endless with gaming, whether it’s an upcoming big budget game or an evergreen title, the developers create such an immense backstory to each title it really does give us the opportunity to dig deep and create some really interesting pieces.

The creators know every nook and cranny so we work hand in hand with the studios. Next year we are sending a team to the USA to sit with one studio and immerse themselves in just one particular title. Whilst it could have been done over video, I believe you need to commit 100 per cent to develop concepts the fandom will truly appreciate, so we need to be face to face with their creative team.

Looking at the Sea of Thieves collection – from Doubloons to limited edition art prints – it appears to draw directly from game play or intricate components from within the IP. Why does video game licensing lend itself better to this level of immersion than other entertainment medium?

Unlike a film, where a fan walks out of the cinema and a few days later possibly only remembers the ending or the big action scenes, with games the fan can be playing the same part of the game over and over again for days to get to that next stage. They have to pay attention to every aspect of each part of the game they are in to learn how to progress and that, for example, is why the in-game replica’s we create for video game properties are working so well for retailers.

What are Fanattik’s plans in the video game licensing space? How will you continue to innovate and push the boundaries when it comes to immersion and linking IP with the merchandising?

Now is a great time to ask that question, we are in the final stages of renewing and expanding our licenses with two of the world’s biggest video game studios. We will be further focusing on in-game replica’s, luckily where I am a fan of the retro titles we have a great team of designers who are all avid gamers and you need that when you are trying to create something special, video game fans will pick up straight away if you are trying to wing it.

What do you think the future holds for video game licensing? What is exciting you about the scene right now?

What has always excited us is that this is still a relatively young industry, one where the consumers are happy to pay for an item with a retailer and wait three to four months until they receive the product without batting an eyelid. It’s also an industry where the brand owners encourage you to be as quirky as possible and create products that will stand out which suits Fanattik.

What would you like to see the licensing industry do with video game IP? Where do you think video game licensing should be heading?

I think it’s already happening and that is the studios putting more resources into promoting their retro titles and not just the latest release.

So, what’s the next step for you guys? 

Export, export,and export. In all license negotiations now we are aiming for, if not a global license then, as much territory as possible. The team put so much effort into each and every product it makes sense to get that product to as wide a range of fans as possible. So in 2022 we will have a presence at Nuremberg Toy Fair, New York Toy Fair as well as the Las Vegas Licensing show.

Thank you Anthony. Before we let you go, is there anything you’d like to add?

Only that we know it can be tricky for gift retailers who are new to this sector. They have to work out which gaming property to support and don’t want to risk shelf space on the latest game release if it may not be as well received by the fans as they had hoped.

On the other hand I can imagine a buyer trying to explain to their senior team that they want to allocate shelf space to merchandise from a 20 year old game. We are on hand to sit with buyers, show them our case studies and help them select a range that is going to work for them, after all it’s in our interests for them to sell as many pieces as possible!

Netflix hires EA veteran in its boldest play for the video gaming space to date

Posted on by

In possibly its boldest play for the space to date, Netflix has tapped the games industry heavyweight and EA veteran, Mike Verdu as its vice president of game development.

Verdu has made the move to the streaming giant from Facebook where he held the role of VP of VR and AR content and a remit of bringing games to Oculus devices. Prior to this, he held various positions at EA, both in mobile and console gaming.

A veteran of the gaming industry, Verdu has also spent time at the mobile games specialist Zynga as chief creative officer.

The hiring of Verdu arrives amid a renewed and re-energerised suite of activity from Netflix in the video gaming space, who, according to a report from Bloomberg this week, could be delivering games as part of its streaming service ‘within the next year.’

Unnamed sources told Bloomberg that a games offering could be integrated as part of a Netflix streaming package, with no additional costs. The idea is that games will appear alongside current content as a new programming genre, similar to its documentaries of stand-up specials.

Gaming presents an additional avenue via which Netflix can continue to grow and follows recent developments such as a bolstered kids’ offering and its launch of an online shop to sell merchandise inspired by its original content. Netflix even managed to turn the head of Steven Spielberg recently in order to bring more prestigious films to its line-up.

In Verdu, the streaming giant will be able to tap into an experienced games pro who has worked on popular mobile games at Electronic Arts, including the Sims, Plants vs. Zombies, and Star Wars. 

An in-road to games development – of which, Netflix Originals can presumably be on the cards – will offer the platform yet another differentiator from its closest competitors on Disney’s Disney+ and HBO Max.

The Netflix insider has stated that the platform will be building out its gaming team in the coming months, adding that the company has yet to settle on a game development strategy. 

It’s thought that Netflix could start with just a few games on the roster and build its library from there. Netflix has previously licensed the rights to games based on its hit shows, including Stranger Things. The new move, however, will likely put Netflix fully in control of all gaming developments for its IP library.

BBC Studios and Immediate Media to launch Bluey Magazine this summer

Posted on by

The multi-award winning preschool series, Bluey has landed a new children’s magazine deal thanks to a partnership between BBC Studios and the popular kids’ publishers, Immediate Media Co.

Bluey Magazine will feature new ways for children to explore the world of Bluey, with open-ended play activities and opportunities for young readers to engage their imagination, whether its exploring the Bluey family home, or making their own Daddy Robot, tidying the playroom, or making their own Bingo toast.

Each issue of the new magazine will come with a sticker sheet, while the first issue will include a collectable ‘paint your own figurines’ play-set enabling fans to create their own Bluey and Bingo.

Produced by Ludo Studio and jointly commissioned by BBC Studios and ABC Children’s, the hit preschool series follows Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog, who turns everyday family life into a series of adventures that unfold in unpredictable ways.

Bluey has gained vast audiences worldwide, winning an International Emmy Kids Award in the prestigious Preschool Category in 2020 and becoming Australia’s most popular children’s television show as well as the number one show for preschoolers in its UK time slot on CBeebies.

Fiona Campbell, Immediate youth and children’s publisher, said: “Bluey has been a roaring broadcast success across the globe, and we’re thrilled to be creating content for fans to enjoy, here in the UK. It’s great to finally give ‘little squirts’ (and let’s be honest, their parents too!) what they’ve been waiting for.

“We have an exciting line up of issues and gifts, featuring themes from family to food along with Bluey classics such as Daddy Robot, Magic Asparagus and the Grannies with plenty of games, makes, puzzles and giggles along the way.”

Mandy Thwaites, director, magazines and consumer products, BBC Studios, said: “We’re delighted to work with Immediate to bring the new Bluey Magazine to shelves and can’t wait for you to see it. It’s packed full of exciting activities to keep your children entertained while learning, having fun and sharing their love for Bluey and her family.”

The first issue of Bluey Magazine is on sale from August 4th 2021. Bluey toys were released earlier this month and are now available at retail.

Licensing International reveals its 2021 Rising Stars

Posted on by

The six brand licensing professionals to receive the 2021 Rising Star Award from Licensing International this year have been named, marking the ninth annual celebration of the up and coming talent from across the global licensing community.

“We are thrilled to recognize these talented young professionals who will be the future leaders of our global brand licensing community,” said Maura Regan, president of Licensing International. “We would also like to thank the Rising Stars committee members, who have the difficult job in selecting among the best of the best.”

The 2021 Rising Stars Award recipients are:

JAMES CHOI – Senior Associate, Ellalan
Based in Hong Kong

James Choi actively advises on landmark, precedent-setting copyright licensing litigation in Hong Kong regarding recording and karaoke licensing issues as a senior associate with Ellalan since 2016. He holds law degrees from Kings College London and University of Hong Kong as well as a Master of Arts in Sociology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

According to a nominator, James’ “ability to handle and advise clients, as well as to lead and nurture juniors to assist him in his licensing matters have made huge positive impact to the firm’s recent growth and expansion.”

ADDIE DORSEY GOOSSENS – Licensing Manager EMEA, Ubisoft
Based in France

Addie Dorsey Goossens began her licensing career with ZAG Entertainment in Los Angeles before joining Ubisoft in June 2019 in Paris. Addie manages the licensing out strategy for all Ubisoft brands across Europe, Middle East, and Africa including Ubisoft’s expansion into esports licensing categories.

One executive said: “She is a very strategic business executive who understands that licensing is a marketing tool to support the core businesses. She has always impressed me with her business savvy and licensing knowledge.”

Dorsey holds a Master’s in Strategy & Management in International Business from ESSEC Business School along with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences from UC Irvine.

RACHEL HAK – Category Manager, Apparel/Accessories/Health & Beauty, Crayola
Based in U.S.

Rachel Hak began her licensing career at Freeze with stops at The Walt Disney Company and Centric Brands before arriving at Crayola as a category manager for outbound licensing in 2019. She launched Crayola’s first-ever children’s apparel program with Haddad Brands at the Macy’s inaugural STORY event and elevated the Crayola brand through collaborations with Adidas, LeSportsac, Shinola, and Isaac Mizrahi.

According to one licensing executive, Hak “believes in the power of brand licensing and is always ideating new ways to partner with prospective companies. Her natural curiosity and creative and positive energy make her a great representative for our company and the industry overall.” She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

KEVIN RAMSEY – Founder and CEO, Warren James
Based in U.S.

Kevin Ramsey founded Warren James two years ago, following stints at Jazwares and Roblox, to develop custom merchandise, apparel, and e-commerce solutions for some of the largest content creators on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok including Aphmau, ItsFunneh, and Annoying Orange. Since its launch, the company has grown to 44 people with offices in Los Angeles, Guangzhou, and Manilla while helping to define standard DTC and DTR deals for content creators.

A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Ramsey’s “entire career has been focused on leveraging gaming and content creator’s online audiences to drive engagement and product purchases in both retail stores and online. The passion and work Ramsey has put into the creator economy have increased the exposure and opportunities for this genre of content within the licensing industry,” according to one licensing executive.

JYOTI SARDANA – Manager of Licensing Strategy and Operations, OneTeam Partners
Based in U.S.

 Jyoti Sardana began her licensing career with the NFL Players Association before moving to OneTeam Partners as employee number four in 2020. She has developed the licensing program for Women’s National Basketball Players Association, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Players Association, and Major League Soccer Players Association as well as the NFL Players Association and Major League Baseball Players Association.

“Jyoti’s efforts have had an outsized influence in establishing a market for officially licensed products for professional women’s athletes. The momentum for these licensed products is now apparent and Jyoti’s work in this regard has been influential,” according to a nominator. Sardana holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland.

CAROLINA VERDUGO – Director of Brand Management, Beanstalk
Based in U.S.

Carolina Verdugo joined Beanstalk in 2018 following stops at Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. She leads the agency’s efforts in Mexico and Latin America for Diageo and expanded the Bailey’s food licensing program into LATAM markets with industry leaders in key categories. One of Verdugo’s nominators said, “Carolina’s excellent work on prospecting and client service played an integral part in Beanstalk expanding the Diageo business in Latin America. A major strength of Verdugo’s is her ability to see the bigger picture, think strategically, and take initiative.”

Verdugo holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business/Trade/Commerce from San Diego State University.

The 2021 Rising Stars will be recognized during the 2021 Licensing International Excellence Awards on Tuesday, August 24 at 12:00pm EDT at Licensing Expo Virtual.

Rolling Stone to launch dedicated UK magazine in licensing deal with Stream Publishing

Posted on by

The iconic music magazine, Rolling Stone is to launch a dedicated UK edition thanks to an exclusive licensing agreement between its owners Penske Media Corporation and Stream Publishing, home of the LGBTQ magazine, Attitude.

The UK edition will launch across print and online and will emerge some 50 years after the first attempt to launch a local titles – which was sponsored by the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger – dissolved within its first few months.

The launches will go live this autumn but the frequency of the UK print title is still to be confirmed. Its New York flagship magazine is a monthly print publication. Stream, a content creation and live events agency will begin to launch live events under the Rolling Stones brand in spring 2022.

Darren Styles OBE, managing director of Stream, said: “The arrival of Rolling Stone in the UK is not only a hugely exciting development for our brilliant team, but also fantastic news for the UK music and entertainment industries which deserve the showcase and platform that this iconic brand will deliver.

“A Rolling Stone cover is the picture worth 10,000 words and UK artists will now have opportunities of their own to achieve just that, as well as access to the RS network that stretches well beyond its native USA to Australia, CHina, and more than a dozen other countries.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to search out UK talent to commentate on one of the most fascinating political ages this country has seen and have the opportunity to bring to light the kind of long-reads and investigative work made famous by the like of Hunter S Thompson, P J O’Rourke and Tom Wolfe

“Rolling Stone UK, here as there, will share the stories that need to be told, shine light into dark corners and yet celebrate too, that which entertains us. There is no title better suited to these times.”

Rolling Stone president and chief operating officer, Gus Wenner, said he “couldn’t be more thrilled about the launch.

“The opportunity to bring our content to a country we have a longstanding history with and admiration for feels right. The UK is the birthplace of some of the most iconic musicians, many of whom have played a significant role in shaping our legacy.

“Today is the beginning of another exciting chapter in our evolution.”