Tag Archives: Simon Philips

Simon Philips joins board of Falcon’s Beyond

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Simon Philips, one of the licensing industry’s most accomplished executives, has joined the board of Falcon’s Beyond Global.

He will use his unparalleled expertise will help drive the unique entertainment and consumer product synergies at the vertically-integrated experiential entertainment powerhouse – now deploying its 360° IP Expander model around the globe.

Philips has previously served as president of Marvel Entertainment International, where he was a member of the leadership team that helped build Marvel into a retail powerhouse and paved the way for its sale to Disney. He later became Executive Vice-President & General Manager, The Walt Disney Company, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, where his strategic approach to bringing to life iconic brands from across the Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel portfolio through licensing generated over $16 billion in annual sales.

Philips currently serves as Managing Director, Global Consumer Products, at Moonbug Entertainment, the company behind digital-first properties CoComelon and Blippi, and many others.

“Falcon’s Beyond is playing in an unlimited sandbox,” says Philips. “We have the IPs and we can create, distribute and optimise content across many platforms simultaneously. As we develop multiple touchpoints, we can rapidly grow a very successful consumer products programme. Then we have the unmatched opportunity to take all of that into immersive theme park spaces around the globe — at unprecedented speed.

“This transmedia superpower sets Falcon’s Beyond apart from its competition. No one else can do what Falcon’s Beyond can. It’s disruptive, it’s progressive. Falcon’s represents the future of engagement in IP.”

Cecil Magpuri, CEO of Falcon’s Beyond, says: “Having Simon Philips join the team is an undeniable testament to our vision. Falcon’s goes way back with Simon, starting with major Marvel projects in Korea and Dubai, and he understands that great storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. Simon brings over 30 years of incomparable experience and insight to the game. Again and again, he has proven his ability to see the future of global entertainment. Incredible things are on the horizon.”

Philips joins the board on the heels of Falcon’s most recent announcements of forthcoming projects in the entertainment and hospitality sectors. In September 2021, Falcon’s announced Curiosity Playground, a new experiential edutainment venue that will bring to life multiple iconic properties, such as Dinosaur Train, SuperWHY!, Odd Squad and Wild Kratts.

In December 2021, Falcon’s and global hotel company Meliá Hotels International announced plans to develop a world-class theme park and premier entertainment, dining, and retail destination in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Falcon’s Beyond Global brings its own proprietary and partner IPs to global markets through owned and operated theme parks, resorts, attractions, patented technologies, feature films, episodic series, consumer products, licensing, and beyond. The company has won numerous design awards and provided design services in 39 countries around the world.

www.falconsbeyondglobal.com

Sutikki welcomes Simon Philips to board and announces Hannah Mungo as CEO

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Sutikki, the children’s entertainment company and production team behind the popular UK show, Moon & Me, has officially announced the appointment of Hannah Mungo as its CEO and Simon Philips as its newest board member.

Both specialists in the licensing and children’s entertainment industries, the pair join Sutikki with a combined vision to build engaging global brands based on powerful stories, and drive the business’ commercial success through the production of new content and consumer products.

“I’m delighted to take the lead at Sutikki and drive the company forward for what is set to be a very bright future,” said Mungo. “Our vision is to create amazing content, maximise exposure of that content across the globe, and engage consumers with a 360-approach.

“Moon & Me is a great example of the quality, internationally scalable content created at Sutikki and I’m excited for the future opportunities that come with our existing and new IP.”

Mungo steps into the top executive role at Sutikki, a role previously held by Scott Greenberg, bringing with her vast experience across the brand licensing and kids’ entertainment space. The former head of UK licensing at Entertainment One was a key member of the team that built Peppa Pig into a globally recognised brand.

Most recently, Mungo served as the Country Director, UK and Ireland for NBCUniversal’s Brand Development division where she led a team across consumer products, marketing, retail and product development that leveraged entertainment brands like Minions, Trolls, and Jurassic World.

Meanwhile, Philips joins Sutikki’s robust board of directors to provide guidance on the company’s vision and the execution of its global brands. He brings a wealth of experience from his history as EMEA Executive Vice-President & General Manager at Disney, President of Marvel Entertainment International, and Managing Director at 4Kids Entertainment International. His creativity and leadership have resulted in billions of dollars in revenue and unparalleled global brand recognition.

“Building creative ideas into cultural touch points has been my lifelong passion and I see the opportunity to continue this legacy with Sutikki and its team,” said Philips. “I’m thrilled to be joining Frank Patterson, Brett Coker, Jim Garrett and Scott Greenberg on the board. Together, we couldn’t think of a better qualified person to step into Scott’s shoes and lead Sutikki into the future than Hannah.”

Trilith Studios, where films like Avengers: Endgame and Sony’s Passengers were produced, recently made a significant investment in Sutikki as part of its expansion plans into content. Other investors include JSB Toons.