People around the industry
Staff -- Kids Today, 3/1/2006
Schneider named VP of sales at Russ Berrie
Oakland, N.J — Plush and gift manufacturer Russ Berrie has appointed Keith Schneider executive vice president of sales for the company's U.S. specialty gift business.
Schneider, who began his career at Russ in 1985, is returning to North America after leading the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Russ Australia PTY Limited, as vice president of international sales and marketing. In that position, he was also responsible for globalizing product assortments and increasing business with key international distributors.
Schneider rose through Russ' domestic sales organization, first as a sales executive and then moving to regional sales management positions in the eastern and western United States. In 1999, he was picked by company founder Russ Berrie to head the new Australian subsidiary as managing director.
While Schneider's new role will focus on Russ' specialty gift channels and the continued development of the U.S. domestic sales force, he will also continue to oversee operations of the Australian subsidiary.
Zocalo adds Chua, Neal to marketing staff
San Francisco — Furniture manufacturer Zocalo has added two marketing managers to its team. The company has hired Michael Chua as its new marketing manager, and former account coordinator Amy Neal was promoted to the newly created public relations and marketing manager position.
Chua joins Zocalo with seven years experience in various marketing and sales roles. He will be responsible for Zocalo's market research, direct mail campaigns and Web site maintenance. Neal will focus on increasing the company's visibility in the industry, shelter and trade publications, and in local community events.
"There's an immediate need to further define our management structure as our company continues to grow," said Danny Olivas, who will manage both Chua and Neal as director of marketing. "By adding these highly focused roles, we're able to offer our customers a greater level of service through our various communication efforts."
Fowler to oversee licensing at Nelvana
Toronto — Industry veteran Nancy Fowler has joined Nelvana as senior vice president of worldwide licensing.
In her new role, Fowler will oversee Nelvana's licensing, marketing and creative services teams. She reports to Doug Murphy, executive vice president of business development.
Fowler brings more than 16 years of consumer products experience to Nelvana. She most recently served as president of Worldwide Consumer Products for Burbank-based DIC Entertainment, where she oversaw the development of licensing programs for brands including Madeline, Trollz/The Original Trolls and the relaunch of American0Greetings' Strawberry Shortcake franchise. Fowler has also held upper-level positions at Viacom Consumer Products, Alliance Atlantis and SEGA of Canada.
In other transitions at Nelvana, Mark Northwood, formerly vice president of licensing for North America, has been named vice president of licensing for the Americas as his job expands to include Latin American. Lily Yan, previously manager of international Licensing has been promoted to senior manager, and former licensing coordinator Lisa Green has been promoted to account executive, licensing.
