People in Licensing

Staff -- Kids Today, 1/1/2005 12:00:00 AM

Leon

Bonney new director of Fox marketing group

Los Angeles — Veteran marketing executive Tamilyn Bonney has been named director of retail marketing at 20th Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising.

Bonney, who has a background in major retail sales and marketing, will be responsible for the management and development of all retail strategies and programs across Fox's television and film libraries. She will also be the primary contact with retailers for Consumer Products and will oversee and execute all elements of retail promotions.

"Tamilyn has established a proven track record in the retail marketing industry, and we are certain that she will be a major asset to Fox as we continue to grow," said Jennifer Robinson, vice president of licensing and merchandising. "Her passion, outstanding relationships at retail, and experience are exactly what Fox needs to further establish strategic retail marketing objectives."

Before joining 20th Century Fox, Bonney served as manager of retail marketing for Sony Pictures Entertainment, where she created and managed national thematic campaigns for retailers such as including Wal-Mart, Amazon.com, Costco, and Hollywood Entertainment.

Sesame Workshop promotes two, hires one

New York — Sesame Workshop has named Risa Nelson assistant vice president of international licensing and Sharon Stulberg assistant vice president of corporate marketing. Michele Schuessler has also joined the company as marketing manager of global consumer products.

Nelson previously served as director of international licensing for Europe and was responsible for the development of new business initiatives and the launch of new Sesame Workshop properties, including Dragon Tales and Tiny Planets, in the European markets. Nelson also managed the licensing business for Asia Pacific.

In her new role, Nelson will continue to oversee the licensing business in Europe. She will also assist Maura Regan, vice president of international licensing, with furthering the company's business goals.

Nelson joined Sesame Workshop in 1990 in the international licensing department.

Stulberg will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing programs that promote Sesame Workshop's mission and the Sesame Street brand to increase sales and strengthen fund raising. She most recently served as licensing director in global consumer products, where she managed domestic accounts for both health and beauty care products and family entertainment. Stulberg worked to leverage relationships with domestic licensees through promotions, events, and co-branding opportunities.

Before joining Sesame Workshop, Stulberg worked for ClubMom, Inc., the Coca-Cola Co., and Price Waterhouse.

Schuessler will be responsible for developing marketing strategies and executing plans to grow the Sesame Street brand in the United States. Her duties also include reinforcing the brand's educational equity and assisting licensees with programs that drive sales.

Schuessler most recently was associate marketing manager for Scholastic, where she created and implemented marketing strategies for major licensing partners.

Perlmutter named CEO of Marvel Enterprises

New York — Isaac Perlmutter has been named CEO of Marvel Enterprises, an entertainment licensing company. Perlmutter, the company's vice chairman of the board of directors and largest shareholder, assumed his new duties Jan. 1. He is replacing the retiring Allen S. Lipson.

Perlmutter has been involved with Marvel since its predecessor was acquired in 1990. He has served as a director since 1993. He was chairman of the board from 1993 to1995 and was named vice chairman in 2001.

"Isaac Perlmutter's appointment as CEO is an acknowledgement of his drive, talent and contributions, which have enabled Marvel to emerge as a powerful global competitor with an unparalleled library of intellectual property and creative talent and an unique and highly profitable business model," said Morton E. Handel, current chairman of the board.

Mitchell appointed VP at 4Kids Productions

New York — 4Kids Entertainment has appointed Robert Mitchell vice president, marketing and promotions, for the company's subsidiary, 4Kids Productions.

Mitchell's duties include creating initiatives to enhance the brand recognition for Fox Box, 4Kids Entertainment's four-hour block of children's programming that airs Saturday mornings on the Fox network. Mitchell will work with various departments at the company to drive television viewership and build more value for the Fox Box brand on behalf of licensing and promotional partners, advertisers, station affiliates, retailers and other core constituents.

Mitchell most recently served as director of custom publishing and promotions for Warner Bros.' DC Comics, where he developed branded entertainment strategies for leading comic book properties including Superman, Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes.

Leon receives promotion at Columbia Tristar

Culver City, Calif. — George Leon has been promoted to executive vice president of worldwide consumer marketing at Columbia Tristar Motion Picture Group. The move comes as the company has decided to consolidate several areas within one division.

Leon most recently was an executive vice president of worldwide promotions and product placement for Sony Pictures Entertainment. Leon's new duties include overseeing licensing, merchandising and consumer products. He will continue to head worldwide promotions.

Leon will report to Geoffrey Ammer, president of worldwide marketing for Columbia Tristar.