New role for Joann Acevedo at ViacomCBS Consumer Products

Joann Acevedo has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Softlines Licensing, North America, ViacomCBS Consumer Products.

In this role, Acevedo will lead strategy and growth across multiple categories of business including apparel, accessories and home furnishings, reaching fans of all ages through the Company’s portfolio of franchises including PAW Patrol, Blue’s Clues & You!, SpongeBob SquarePants, MTV and Star Trek.

Joann will also partner with the Toronto-based ViacomCBS Consumer Products team to expand the softlines business throughout Canada. Joann is based in New York and will continue to report to Jose Castro, Senior Vice President, Softlines, Fashion & Lifestyle Licensing and Global Collaborations.

“Joann skillfully navigates softlines licensing across the beloved ViacomCBS brands and characters while working with a complex and diverse licensee matrix,” says Castro. “She continues to inspire our partners and drive excitement for our biggest priority initiatives, securing some of the largest ViacomCBS licensing deals to date.”

Joann is charged with managing existing partnerships and developing new business opportunities for ViacomCBS’ properties across all softlines categories. She also focuses on speciality and department store retail accounts, executing exclusive campaigns that broaden the in-store footprint of ViacomCBS’ franchises.

A 19-year Viacom veteran, Acevedo most recently served as Vice President, Softlines Licensing. In that role, she secured revenue-building partnerships for some of ViacomCBS’ biggest franchises including PAW PatrolSpongeBob SquarePants, JoJo Siwa and Yellowstone.

Acevedo has generated record growth for the Softlines division, and has also secured larger strategic partnerships that exponentially extend the reach of ViacomCBS’ properties beyond the screen, developing programs like JoJo’s Closet Apparel Collection at Target.

Joann has also doubled the ViacomCBS Consumer Products presence on e-commerce platforms and launched the first-ever subscription box service for ViacomCBS properties. Acevedo has also played an integral role in a myriad of socially conscious consumer products campaigns, including a reusable face mask programme in partnership with Save the Children, which featured Nickelodeon characters on face coverings which resulted in approximately 4 million dollars being donated to the non-profit’s COVID-19 domestic and global response initiative.

Acevedo has also been passionate about spearheading diversity and inclusion efforts for the ViacomCBS Consumer Products organisation to better reflect the brand’s diverse audience. She continues to advocate for new opportunities and partnerships in this critically important space.

Acevedo began her career as an Apparel Coordinator with the Nickelodeon Consumer Products team in 2003.

 

Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products partner with Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels

Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products have announced a consumer products partnership with music icon Darryl McDaniels, also known as acclaimed producer and musical artist DMC, and one of the founding members of the groundbreaking hip hop group Run-DMC.

Under the agreement, McDaniels will partner with Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products for a cross-category consumer products programme that includes apparel, a publishing deal with Random House Children’s Books, and a collaboration with Noggin, Nickelodeon’s interactive learning service for preschoolers.

The collaboration between Noggin and McDaniels features the music icon lending his voice to episodes of Noggin’s brand-new original series What’s the Word? (15 episodes). Each short-form animated music video features a new word – such as cooperate, opposite and persevere ­– for kids, while utilising songs and fan-favourite characters from hit series, including Blue’s Clues & You! and PAW Patrol, to help illustrate and teach the meaning of the word.

Additionally, consumer product plans are underway for a selection of apparel and accessories inspired by McDaniel’s childhood that will be available exclusively on the Nickelodeon brand store of Amazon, along with a future collaboration with The Felix Organization, a nonprofit organisation and longstanding partner of ViacomCBS that was founded by McDaniels and EMMY Award-winning casting director Sheila Jaffe, which aims to help enrich the lives of children in foster care.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been very fortunate to have a diverse group of fans, including kids,” says McDaniels. “Working with Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products and having the opportunity to help make a positive impact on their lives and develop their self-esteem is so special to me.”

Pam Kaufman, President, Global Consumer Products, ViacomCBS, says: “Darryl McDaniels is a remarkable talent, with an equally inspiring background, who has positively impacted the lives of millions through his music and philanthropic work.  We are so excited to work with him and extend his platform to reach today’s generation of kids around the globe with his message of empowerment, encouraging all kids to chase their own dreams.”

 

 

Viacom18 Consumer Products launches exclusive range of Garfield merchandise in India

With 18 million social followers, global awareness of 92 per cent and licensed across 111 countries, Garfield – the lasagne-loving orange cat – is one of the best known entertainment icons in the world. In an endeavour to bolster Garfield’s fandom beyond television screens, Viacom18 Consumer Products is set to introduce an exclusive range of Garfield merchandise to bring young Indian fans and their families closer to their favourite character.

Over the past year, Viacom18 Consumer Products has appointed 10 new licensee brands across 10+ categories for apparel, accessories, eyewear, furnishings and more, aimed at both adults and kids.

“At Viacom18 Consumer Products, we have endeavoured to constantly expand our reach and build a portfolio of iconic characters and become the one-stop destination across multiple touchpoints for the fans in India,” says Mahesh Shetty, Head of Network Sales, Viacom18. “Garfield is an iconic and relatable character in the animation ecosystem for both kids and adults. The character’s quirky and honest appeal is unlike any other. Starting from a comic strip, Garfield has grown to become a globally sensational character. With the addition of Garfield to our products portfolio, we aim to get one step closer in our endeavour to provide our viewers with an opportunity to connect with their most-loved characters beyond screens.”

Mark Kingston, Senior Vice President, International Licensing, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, says: “At ViacomCBS Consumer Products, we aim to provide vital support to our consumers who have been trying to navigate through the unprecedented situation of the pandemic. As families are adjusting to the new normal, our team has been at the forefront to translate ‘content watched to products purchased’. With the launch of Garfield merchandise in India, we aim to bring truly unique products to the market that fans will enjoy and appreciate.”

 

 

Fanattik nets SpongeBob SquarePants in first partnership with animated property

The pop culture specialist, Fanattik has signed a pan-European gift licensing partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products that will bring Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants into new home decor, barware, gifts and collectables.

The new collection of collectables and products will be available from September this year across gift and toy stores throughou Europe.

Fanattik managing director, Anthony Marks, said: “An internationally beloved and timeless brand, SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most watched programmes in the world with 100 million global viewers monthly and a feature film on the way in 2021. This was a brand the whole team wanted to have in the Fanattik portfolio.”

Fanattik has received multiple awards and enjoyed ‘phenomenal growth’ over the past three years with multiple pan-European licensing agreements now signed up to the portfolio. Its partnership with Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob marks the first time the company has partnered with an animated show.

“With half of all viewers being adults, we are going to make sure the products we create appeal to the original fans as well as new ones. Each item will have that Fanattik twist which makes our pieces stand out from anything else in the market,” said Melissa Tudor, head of product development.

Mark Kingston, senior vice president, international, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, added: “SpongeBob continues to permeate pop culture with boundless positivity and fun. We’re excited to expand this iconic franchise in the gift license space through a partnership with Fanattik, a company which shares many of the same fun brand tenants as our favourite absorbent sponge. True to SpongeBob form this product is sure to deliver happiness.”

Since its launch July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number one kids’ animated series on TV, while generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base.

SpongeBob SquarePants is the most widely distributed property in ViacomCBS Networks International history, seen in more than 170 countries and territories, translated in more than 30 languages, and averaging more than 100 million total viewers every month.

Meanwhile, Fanattik works with retailers and partners of all levels across Europe. Retailers not already working with the team can find out how to do so by contacting Luiz Ferreira, head of sales on luiz@fanattik.co.uk

ViacomCBS Consumer Products promotes key executives across its leadership team

ViacomCBS Consumer Products has promoted a swathe of key executives across its leadership team, a move that follows a period of success and growth in the consumer products division across franchises including SpongeBob SquarePants, Blue’s Clues & You, Star Trek, South Park, MTV, and more.

Lourdes Arocho has been promoted to senior vice president, Paramount Pictures Licensing, Global Games and Publishing for ViacomCBS Consumer Products, where she will lead the global strategies and partnerships for these businesses. Meanwhile, Chris Groll is promoted to senior vice president, consumer products design, ViacomCBS, a critical role in liaising with the creative community on brand extensions across all ViacomCBS franchises globally.

Elsewhere, Priya Mukhedkar takes on the role of senior vice president, packaged goods, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, overseeing CPG in the US and expanding her scope to include global promotions and all seasonal and celebrations businesses.

“I want to congratulate Lourdes, Chris, and Priya on their well-deserved promotions and the tremendous leadership that they have shown for their teams,” said Pam Kaufman, president, global consumer products, ViacomCBS. “As they step into their new positions, these roles serve as cornerstones that are crucial to delivering the most innovative global consumer products campaigns for our adored characters and iconic franchises.”

In her expanded role as SVP, Paramount Pictures Licensing, Global Games and Publishing, Arocho will bring her strong industry relationships, strategic growth plans, and proven global partnership management to VCP’s gaming, publishing, and Paramount licensing programs. She has previously launched numerous successful partnerships, retail programs and products driving significant growth for the company’s biggest franchises. Arocho is based in Los Angeles and reports to Pam Kaufman.

Groll has been promoted to senior vice president, consumer products design, ViacomCBS. In this new role, Groll will build on more than a decade of experience in consumer products design. Through his leadership, he has ensured that the consumer products organization is working with forward thinking, best in class designers that reflect current trends, while expanding perspectives on design at a global level.

Groll will continue to oversee his expanding team, and play a key role working with the ViacomCBS content teams to translate the company’s top IP into innovative VCP brand extensions. He is based in New York reporting to David Chustz, executive vice president, global creative group, ViacomCBS.

Finally, as SVP, packaged goods, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, Mukhedkar will continue to oversee all CPG businesses in the US and add global oversight of the promotions and seasonal business.

Since joining ViacomCBS in 2018, Mukhedkar has built strategic alliances with major consumer products brands and is the driving force behind some of our most iconic partnerships. She joined ViacomCBS from The Walt Disney Company where she was responsible for growing the Star Wars and Marvel consumer products business in several categories. She worked across Consumer Products Licensing, Disney Parks and Studios.

Dan Dee International grows classic character plush range with Peanuts and Garfield

Dan Dee International and its Animal Adventure subsidiary, leading names in plush, pet, baby, and home decor products, have enhanced their line-up of classic characters through partnerships with ViacomCBS and Peanuts Worldwide.

Under the new deals, Dan Dee has secured the North American license for an extensive range of plush, soft seating, and baby products based on the iconic Peanuts characters, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. In its deal with ViacomCBS, it has also secured the global plush license for the iconic Garfield IP.

 “We are thrilled to announce this agreement and join forces with Peanuts Worldwide,” said Peter Gainsley, president, Animal Adventure. “The team at Peanuts offers world-class creative and sales support to their licensing partners, and paired with the design capabilities at Animal Adventure, we are excited to bring a dynamic line of Peanuts products to market.” 

The Peanuts deal cements the existing long-standing licensing agreement held by Dan Dee for Peanuts seasonal product lines.

“Together, Dan Dee and Peanuts Worldwide have built hugely successful seasonal programs so we are delighted to offer a new line of everyday products to our customers under our Animal Adventure banner,” added Mark Matheny, head of licensing, Dan Dee.

“Dan Dee has been a great collaborator for our seasonal programs over the years,” said Lindsay Martinez, senior vice president, North American Licensing and Partnerships, Peanuts Worldwide. “Peanuts is excited to expand upon this relationship working with Animal Adventure to develop a unique, everyday range that fans of all ages will love.”

 Meanwhile, both Garfield and Odie will be moseying into the plush aisles of retailers across the globe as Dan Dee International introduces a range spanning everyday, seasonal, and animatronic plush through its partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products. 

“Garfield is a great fit with the broad capabilities and retailer relationships that Dan Dee has built over many years. We look forward to working closely with the world-class team at ViacomCBS to grow Garfield’s presence at retail in the coming years,” said Dan Dee’s Matheny.

Dion Vlachos, executive vice president, hardlines and retail, ViacomCBS, added: “Garfield is beloved by so many people around the world. Dan Dee’s dedication to quality and retail expertise is invaluable. They have tapped into the fans’ enthusiasm and created a new range of products that fans will love.”

Dan Dee’s Garfield products will be available from autumn 2021.

ViacomCBS lands global license deal with Benetton for Garfield sleepwear and accessories

ViacomCBS Consumer Products has landed all four paws on a global license agreement for the design, production, and distribution of the first Garfield collection for the Undercolors of Benetton brand.

The agreement includes the launch of the first collection of underwear and pyjamas for both children and adults developed by Benetton in a collection reflective of the firm’s multicoloured philosophy, while channeling the spirit of the incurably lazy, lasagna-loving Garfield.

The collection will be completed with a wide selection of Garfield accessories, including toiletry bags, socks, and slippers.

“We’re thrilled to launch this unique project and collaborate with such a global brand like the Benetton Group,” said Mark Kingston, senior vice president, International Licensing, ViacomCBS Consumer Products. “Garfield is true global icon with a strong transgenerational appeal and we’re confident that this quality collection will not disappoint Garfield fans and Benetton consumers.”

The Garfield collection is now available and will be distributed exclusively in the Benetton retail network, United & Undercolors, in all stores around the world.

Melissa & Doug will continue to evaluate licensing as ‘an area of growth for the firm’

The global toy maker, Melissa & Doug has expressed its plans to continue to evaluate licensing “as an area to grow its reach”, as it looks for the right platforms through which to reach more parents and children.

The traditional toy specialist hit a major milestone last month when it revealed the details of its ‘biggest push into the licensing space to date,’ through a partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to launch a range of PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You co-branded toys.

The move was billed by the toy maker as its latest steps towards international expansion, offering the firm a ‘larger platform to reach more parents and children’ with the messaging around the benefits of hands-on, open-ended play that has become somewhat synonymous with the Melissa & Doug portfolio.

Speaking with Licensing.biz, the firm has stated that licensing will be an area the company will continue to monitor and evaluate as an area of growth wherever its supports the core mission statement of Melissa & Doug to promote play.

“Right now, we’re focused on and excited about the roll our of the products with Nickelodeon in Fall 2021,” said Dave Henderson, chief commercial officer at Melissa & Doug.

“As a company, we seek opportunities with brands that align with our core values, and like Melissa & Doug, PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You! are grounded in fostering imaginative play, problem solving, and creative thinking.

“The partnership affords us a larger platform to reach more parents and children with our message about the benefits of hands-on, open-ended play. If a child’s love for Marshall or Blue is what introduces them to our brand and the joys of imaginative, tangible, unstructured play, I will consider that a win.”

With licensing representative of around 44 per cent of the global toy category’s revenue, and ViacomCBS – Nickelodeon’s parent company – itself, a top ten toy licensing company, the partnership is certainly more than a little appetising.

The toys designed under the partnership – for both PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You – will be developed to educate and empower pre-schoolers through active engagement, with a focus on problem solving and creative thinking.

Henderson, said: “Both toy lines will showcase the same exceptional quality, attention to detail, and unexpected twists on classic play patterns that have made our brand a favorite of parents and children alike for more than 30 years.

“By partnering with these established properties, we are able to reach 350MM families worldwide, connecting with new audiences and introducing them to the Melissa & Doug brand.

“We will continue to evaluate licensing as an area to grow our reach where it makes sense and only if it supports our message about the benefits of hands-on, open-ended play,” he added.

Keep an eye out for the full interview feature with Melissa & Doug’s Dave Henderson in ToyNews soon.

Toy maker Melissa & Doug lands ‘biggest licensing deal ever’ with PAW Patrol and Blues Clues & You

The global toy brand Melissa and Doug, has signed an exclusive licensing partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to develop and launch a range of PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You co-branded toys for autumn next year.

The toys will be designed to educate and empower pre-schoolers through active engagement, with a focus on problem solving and creative thinking.

The global partnership with ViacomCBS marks a major milestone for Melissa & Doug as it is the largest licensing agreement the toy maker has ever signed. Through the partnership, Melissa & Doug will bring innovative and imaginative toys to retail that will span multiple categories focused on learning and education.

“Melissa & Doug has been at the forefront of children’s toys for over 30 years. We are thrilled to collaborate with them to create products based on the beloved PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You! IP that continue to inspire imagination and hugely impact children’s growth and learning,” said Dion Vlachos, executive vice president, licensing and retail, ViacomCBS.

Melissa & Doug is a purpose-driven company committed to providing a launch pad to ignite imagination and a sense of wonder in all children so they can discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose. Recently, Melissa & Doug announced their alliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics to champion the health benefits of open-ended play and provide tools and resources for parents to make it an essential part of children’s everyday lives.

“We’re excited to work with a company as iconic as Nickelodeon, one that shares in our mission to make the world a more playful place through thoughtfully researched and designed products and content,” said David Henderson, chief commercial officer of Melissa & Doug. “The characters of PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You! will help us introduce our hands-on, skill-building toys to an even greater number of children.”

ViacomCBS Consumer Products brings yoga and an MTV workout to Festival of Licensing’s Community & Wellbeing programme

If you thought that the all-virtual nature of this year’s Festival of Licensing meant simply sitting in front of a computer screen, you’d better think again, because ViacomCBS  – sponsors of the event’s Community and Wellbeing programme – is challenging you to don the yoga pants, dig-out the neon headbands, and take a break from the serious stuff with its most iconic brands.

This October will see ViacomCBS Consumer Products swap the usual networking session for a perhaps more cathartic programme of three complementary sessions when Festival of Licensing kicks off its four-week run, delivering a Family Friendly Dance and Yoga session that will draw from its library of Nick Jr. exercise videos, encouraging festival goers to take a break from business and have fun and exercise with the kids.

If you’re in need of something a little more high-energy however, the firm is also hosting a Retro Workout Class, featuring iconic MTV products in a workout class complete with an MTV soundtrack taken straight from the ’80s and ’90s. ViacomCBS will round it all off with a special self care session directly from the ViacomCBS Wellness studio itself.

On top of all of this, the programme will also feature Business mentoring and advice clinics in which festival goers can take advantage of the advice clinics offering legal, financial, and career advice, as well as speed networking sessions for those looking for new job opportunities.

The programme will be concluded with the Global charity fundraiser in support of The Light Fund, Magic Wheelchair, and Licensing International Small Business Global Grants Fund.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside ViacomCBS to bring valuable – and much needed – community and wellbeing content to Festival of Licensing attendees from all the over the world,” said Anna Knight, VP Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets. 

“Surviving through Covid has been incredibly challenging for many – whether financially, physically or emotionally – and it’s important that Festival both acknowledges this and provides meaningful support where we can.”

Festival of Licensing runs online from 6-29 October 2020. Brands who are interested in exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities should visit www.festivaloflicensing.com. Free visitor registration is also open at www.festivaloflicensing.com.