Laura Abril is Head of ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) EMEA & Asia and Senior Vice President All Brands for ViacomCBS Networks for all markets across South Europe and Middle East. In her role as Head of VIS EMEA & Asia, Laura Abril is responsible for content development, production and content sales across Southern, Western, Northern, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia, which includes securing partnerships with key media stakeholders in the industry, including talent, production companies, broadcasters, streamers and more. As SVP Brands for South Europe and Middle East, she leads the editorial teams across these markets, overseeing the full editorial strategy, including Marketing, Production and Programming.
Laura Abril joined Viacom International Media Networks in 2009, as VP of Editorial for MTV Spain; in 2014 she was promoted to VP Youth & Music Brands for South Europe, Middle East and Africa and after that she took the responsibility of Kids and Family too being promoted as SVP. She was later promoted as SVP Multi-brand for Iberia and Head of ViacomCBS International Studios Southern and Western Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Amitrani is an Italian Canadian author publishing independently in Italian and English since 2013. He provides through his platform (Credi Nella Tua Storia) tips and best practices for writers who want to self-publish their books and promote them effectively. He has been a speaker at events about writing, self-publishing, and book marketing in North America and Italy.
Rossella Arena is an author and journalist in the fields of licensing and branding, kids entertainment, spirituality, personal growth and ecology. She has a Master degree in Ancient Literature and attended the advanced children’s writing course at Bottega Finzioni. For Licensing Magazine, a leading b2b publication distributed all over the world, she writes about novelties and trends in the international industry, in particular for the animation and children's literature sectors.
Gabriela Arenas serves as Vice President of Licensing, North America, for Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street. Arenas oversees the strategic development, direction, and implementation of the consumer products licensing and venue merchandise activities across all major categories of goods including toys, apparel, home furnishings, stationery and gifts, as well as content driven licensing categories such as publishing, music, apps, home entertainment and podcasts.
Arenas continues to expand and diversify the organization’s consumer products’ offering so that fans across generations have new ways to enjoy Sesame Street, and create unique opportunities for them to contribute to the causes they care about. Under her leadership, Sesame Workshop’s consumer products support and amplify the organization’s philanthropic efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Workshop launched the Caring For Each Other, an initiative to help children and families cope, Arenas’s team developed Heroes Wear Masks — a picture book to support kids through an unusual back-to-school season. Special books, customizable apparel, and plush featuring Julia, the first Sesame Street Muppet with autism, have been delighting families and highlighting the Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative since 2017. Most recently, Arenas oversaw Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary collaborations with strategic partners such as TOMS, Bombas, Out of Print, and DIFF Eyewear, who, like Sesame Workshop, also believe in giving back to families in need. Other key partners that Arenas manages include Google, Amazon, Champion, Hasbro and P&G.
Prior to joining Sesame Workshop, Arenas served as Group Director of Licensing, North America and Latin America, for HIT Entertainment/Mattel, where she successfully launched an extensive Thomas the Tank Engine consumer products program across Latin America—significantly increasing the revenue and driving sell-through in key categories of business. While at HIT, she also held the role of Vice President, Licensing, Latin America, where she managed consumer product sales, marketing and retail operations, and Brand Director, where she led brand direction and content strategies for key entertainment properties. In addition, Arenas has worked at Mattel, Inc. Fisher-Price in the capacity of Marketing Director and Senior International Marketing Manager.
Arenas earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Science, and an Executive Post Graduate certificate in Marketing from Universidad Anahuac in Mexico. She attended New York University for Global Marketing and e-Commerce Business Management. She resides in New York City with her family.
Delphine Badreddine is an expert of cultural and educational products. First, she has been working as an editor for a French publishing group, Bayard, in charge on non-fiction books. Also, she created several collections of children books for many French publishers (Nathan, Gallimard, La Martinière…).
In 2006, she founded Poppik with Françoise Baglin. Poppik is an editor of educational posters, illustrated by artists from all over the world. This unique concept of poster is halfway between books, toys and room decoration. Poppik products are sold in more than 20 countries.
Tiziana Barbuto has a strong marketing background, with over 20 years’ experience in Licensing, Toys and Promotion. Following experience at Oregon Scientific and Giochi Preziosi, she was in charge of the soft line business for Mattel characters, then Head of Licensing at Discovery Italy, leading the whole cross target brand portfolio. She continues to manage the kids’ properties broadcasted on K2 and Frisbee.
Former BBC executive, Rachel Bardill, is an industry expert in children, teens, parents, and families. She has led on digital product, app development, games, brand strategy and digital commissioning for some of the biggest media brands. Much has evolved in the digital landscape in the last twenty years, and Rachel has led with a progressive mindset to remain ahead of the curve.
Jason Bartholomew is a co-founder and an Agent at The bks Agency. He is also the CEO of Midas.
Originally from America, Jason Bartholomew spent ten years working in New York publishing, primarily for Hachette Book Group USA. He moved to Hachette UK in 2008 where he was the Rights Director across Hodder & Stoughton, Headline Publishing Group, Quercus Books, and John Murray Press.
In addition to the Rights Director role, in 2015, Jason became the Publishing Director of Quercus US in New York. At Quercus US, Jason helped publish authors including Peter May, David Attenborough, Pierre LeMaitre, Timur Vermes, Damien Lewis, Louise O’Neill, and John Connolly.
He completed a Masters in Business Administration at Imperial College London in 2017.
Chanda is co-CEO at The Lumistella Company, overseeing the creative vision for the company's global portfolio of brands. Co-author of The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, Chanda has guided the company's evolution from a single consumer product to a story-first global intellectual property that tells the stories of Santa’s North Pole through products, brand experiences and engaging entertainment. The Lumistella Company's brands are distributed in 23 countries and 6 languages, with animated content available on Netflix in 75+ countries.
Nadine Billard is currently SVP of Content Acquisitions & Strategic Partnerships at Odilo, a leading Ed-Tech company with HQ in Madrid, Spain. Nadine is a publishing executive with 30+ years of experience in senior-level sales, marketing, licensing, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships roles for both start-ups and established firms such as PRH, HarperCollins, McGraw-Hill, Berlitz, and more. She brings deep knowledge of both Trade, Educational, and eCommerce channels in international and domestic markets.
Paul Black is the PR and Brand Director at Andersen Press, working on campaigns for Julian Clary’s The Bolds, Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers Luna Loves series, and also managing the brand of Elmer by David McKee. Paul has worked in children’s publishing for 15 years starting at Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books in UK and subsequently working in a number of roles at Walker Books, HarperCollins and Little Tiger Books.
Giovanni Bogani is film critic of "Quotidiano Nazionale" ("La Nazione", "Il resto del Carlino", "Il Giorno"). He has collaborated with numerous national and international magazines, from "Film Tv" to "Variety", with numerous newspapers and specialized websites, including mymovies.
Ancora un attimo, per favore, released on the platform www.ilmiolibro.it, is among the best-selling books, among the over forty thousand in the catalog of the platform.
With over 20 years industry experience, Susan has been a licensee, agent and licensor working with and for some of the biggest names in Character and Brand licensing. Susan began her licensing career at BBC Worldwide managing in-house pre-school brands as part of the Global Brand Development team before going on to Italian publishing house, DeAgostini where she co-ordinated global product roll-outs for brands such as STAR WARS and THE LORD OF THE RINGS franchises. Prior to joining Penguin Random House Susan spent almost 10 years at award winning global licensing agency, CPLG, as European Publishing Director representing some of Hollywood’s biggest studios including Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and DreamWorks Animation and blockbuster movie franchises such as DESPICABLE ME, SHREK and STAR TREK . Susan played a pivotal role in setting up Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK) the team she heads up in her current position as Licensing and Consumer Products Director. She has a remit to grow the children’s divisions’ wholly owned brands including PETER RABBIT and THE SNOWMAN, both in the UK and internationally across licensing and consumer products, and was most recently an executive producer on the Peter Rabbit Movie, which took over $350m at the global box office.
Jutta Breyer business graduate from the University of Passau (Germany) and Managing Director of License Factory GmbH since 2014, has more than 30 years of experience in the marketing and production of textiles, considering and analyzing global trade and culture-specific conditions.
As a person who is extremely devoted to nature and the earth, it quickly becomes clear to her that action must be taken in India if there is to be a future worth living for future generations, whether in Europe, India or elsewhere in the world. Together with a committed team of scientists and manufacturers, techniques to produce natural color dyes from barks, plants, minerals, etc. are then taken up and further developed.
The own brand "LIQUID" is founded, which focuses exclusively on the production and development of naturally dyed textiles / clothing made of conventional or organic cotton in India.
Moris F. Calasso is an experienced senior licensing professional with many years of experience across the licensing industry from Toys to Entertainment, from Lifestyle to Sport.
Working in various pivotal roles as licensor, agent, licensee and consultant, Moris brings his multifaceted and transversal vision to drive the passion for the Games, promoting the Italian spirit and excellence to expand the licensing opportunities for the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games of Milano Cortina 2026.
With more than 10 years’ experience in building and managing the licensing business, Antonella Ceraso has a strong background in Brand Strategy and Marketing.
As Director of Consumer Products at Planeta Junior, Antonella is responsible for the business development and licensing strategy of Planeta Junior in Europe, US and LATAM. Able to develop key strategic relationships with customers, dealers and distributors by leveraging existing relationships as well as building new ones to increase profitability, she is successful in the design of long-term strategies to maximize sales and profitability.
Ivan Colecchia is SVP Global Development at Kidz Global, a quantitative market research and consulting firm specializing in children, teens and family-friendly consumer markets, covering 44 countries in all continents. Specializing in the broad child-orientated consumer market, the company’s focus includes, but is not limited to, licensing, toys & games, video-games, entertainment, digital devices, advertising, FMCG and education.
After 20 years’ experience in a broad range of market research - kids, FMCG, sports, beauty, and restaurants - Ivan joined Kidzglobal in 2011. A much-appreciated expert in the licensing and kids business worldwide, he is frequently asked to speak at kids content licensing conferences.
Jennifer Coleman is a 20+ year marketing and licensing industry veteran. She has worked for and consulted across a wide array of sectors within the industry; from luxury to Broadway to children’s entertainment with top international brands such as Chanel, Thomas & Friends™ and WICKED.
In her current role as Vice President, Licensing & Marketing at Konami Cross Media NY, she leads the team responsible for the iconic Anime brand, Yu-Gi-Oh! as well as the legacy gaming titles: Contra, Bomberman and Frogger. She and her team create the strategies and products that continue to engage audiences, new and old alike. Her previous role at LIMA had her at the forefront of the licensing industry’s issues and challenges addressing the changing retail landscape and global marketplace. As the Head of Marketing for North America at The Britt Allcroft Company/Gullane Entertainment, she was part of the team responsible for the reinvigoration of the pre-school brand, Thomas & Friends™ – now owned by Mattel.
Ms. Coleman is a graduate of Lake Forest College and holds an MBA in Marketing from Rutgers University. She resides in Maplewood, New Jersey with her husband and three children.
Michael Connolly is the Founder of Retail Monster LLC, which has just celebrated its 5th anniversary. Retail Monster is a brand extension and licensing company with offices/personnel in Orlando, Bentonville, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, NY, and London, England. With top-yier clients like Vlad & Niki, Electronic Arts, Gearbox/2K, Bravado, Hasbro, and Crayola, Retail Monster has quickly established themselves as the disruptive agency with top tier relationships at retail.
Michael Connolly most recently served as head of Global Consumer Products for DreamWorks Animation. In this capacity, Connolly drove the company's worldwide consumer products business, overseeing a portfolio containing many of the world's most beloved entertainment franchises including Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar.
Prior to joining DreamWorks Animation, Connolly served as Senior Vice President for Consumer Products at Viacom International Media Networks. In this role, Connolly headed up business and legal affairs, finance, category development, marketing, creative brand management, recreation, live events and retail sales.
Prior to Viacom, Connolly worked for the Walt Disney Company for seven years, most recently in the position of Vice President of Marketing and Seasonal Merchandise for North America.
Nicoletta Costa is the number one children's author and illustrator in Italy, an absolute best seller in Italian bookshops, loved by children, mothers and teachers, an unchallenged model of the 'children's planet'. Nicoletta Costa has been described as one of the greatest interpreters of the 'children's planet' worldwide because she has been able to preserve childhood within herself and see the world through a child's eyes. Since 1980, she has been telling that world in words and images in countless stories: more than 500 books, most of which have been translated worldwide.
His is Giulio Coniglio, the protagonist of the TV series of the same name distributed worldwide by B&R 360 co-produced by RAI. A new TV series is currently being broadcast for Rai Ragazzi - Rai YoYo -, produced by Enanimation, which brought another of her cult characters, La Nuvola Olga, to the small screen in 2021. Nicoletta Costa has received numerous awards and her books are published by many foreign publishers. She collaborates with various companies in the creation of toys, children's clothing, children's rooms and stationery. She has worked with Unicef to illustrate Christmas cards and was the designer of several Benetton baby clothing lines.
Morena D'Incoronato has a degree in Political Science and from the very beginning has oriented her professional experience to research in the media sector; she began her career in the publishing market, later joined the MTV Italia Digital Marketing department and then grew up in the Marketing and Research department becoming Head of the Research & Insight department. Today she leads all the consumer insight, scenario studies, audience performance and portfolio strategy activities of ViacomCBS for the South Hub countries. She is the promoter of ViacomCBS Lab, a laboratory of knowledge and discovery on new trends and an open space for sharing the insights with commercial partners and institutional stakeholders. In Italy, she is also in charge of the MTV Youth and Future Observatory.
Silvia D'Archivio, Licensing Brand Manager at Mondo TV Group. With almost 10 years of experience in the licensing industry, Silvia is a marketing professional specialising in digital strategy and brand management. She holds the position of Licensing Brand Manager at Mondo TV, where she is responsible for the development of franchises related to the animated series produced by the group.
Federica De Federicis is in charge of Product Development and Licensing at Ludattica, a publishing house specialising in the creation of high-quality game-books and educational games made in Italy.
As head of the game-book area, she is in charge of product conception and design, taking care of every stage of development: from the creation of the editorial project to the definition of the illustrative style, to the choice of materials and technical solutions.
Federica comes from an art-historical background and has decades of experience in the world of children.
Maurizio Distefano è fondatore e Presidente dell’agenzia di Licensing e Management Consulting che prende il suo nome, è un professionista accreditato a livello internazionale con più di 30 anni di esperienza nel settore. Laureato giovanissimo in materie economiche, ottima conoscenza di quattro lingue, ha subito iniziato la sua carriera manageriale in aziende multinazionali FMCG di primaria importanza nei reparti marketing e commerciali come Nestlè, Kellogg’s, Group Bolton Manitoba, Sutter Group. Ha lavorato sia in Italia che all’estero in aziende leader nel campo del Licensing come Warner Bros. Consumer Products e RAINBOW. Inoltre, ha frequentato con successo un master per accreditarsi come business coach.
Grazie alla sua considerevole esperienza e le conoscenze che ha appreso durante gli anni di lavoro nel Licensing, è riuscito a realizzare per le aziende italiane ed estere, un’opportunità di business e progetti ad hoc utilizzando il Licensing come strategia di marketing per creare valore.
With over 30 years’ experience, founder and president of his own licensing and management consulting agency, Maurizio Distefano has acquired international standing in the business. Fluent in four languages, he started his management career as a very young Economics graduate in the marketing and commercial departments of leading multinational FMCG companies like Nestlè, Kellogg’s, Group Bolton Manitoba, and the Sutter Group. He gained further experience working both in Italy and abroad in major licensing companies like Warner Bros. Consumer Products, and RAINBOW. Maurizio also completed a Business Coach Master’s degree. His broad experience and knowledge of the licensing sector has allowed him to provide Italian and non-Italian companies with a range of business opportunities through ad hoc value-creating licensing marketing strategies.
The agency Maurizio Distefano the Evolution of Licensing is uniquely equipped to offer across-the-board programs fully in tune with the specific business development requirements of each licensee. Maurizio selects animated series, movies, creators and brands to ensure successful licensing projects. The Agency owes its success largely to his unique body of experience in the entertainment, commercial and international business world, together with a deep understanding of how the retailing and distribution world works.
Gabriele Dolzadelli debuted in 2014 self-publishing the first volume of the saga Jolly Roger: La terra di nessuno, which will be followed by Le chiavi dello scrigno, I fratelli della costa, La torre del ribelle e Il piano di Archer. In 2019, also self-published, he published Backup, a science fiction novel. With L'uomo senza epilogo (2020, Augh! Edizioni) he arrives in the final at the International Prize City of Como. In 2021, with Morellini Editore, he published Chi nasce a San Giuda.
He also founded the Facebook group Self Publishing Italia, landmark of italian self-publishing, and the Valtellina festival Libri in Valle.
He is currently the author and co-host of the homonymous radio column on Radio TSN.
Maria Doolan serves as ZAG’s VP, TV Content, reporting to ZAG Founder and CEO, Jeremy Zag, and Julian Jacob Zag, EVP, global operations, ZAG & Head of ZAG PLAY - (ZAG’s Consumer products division).
Doolan is responsible for ZAG's global strategy of content distribution across all platforms including television, home entertainment, and digital media, for select properties in the ZAG Heroez portfolio—an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties.
Doolan has an extensive brand management background, spearheading efforts across program distribution and consumer products and is an expert at driving strategy, building brands, and adding value. She works closely with the company’s consumer products executives to craft strategies for TV placement with best-in-class partners around the globe to build strong platforms from to launch new TV shows under the ZAG Heroez universe.
Doolan brings 20+ years' experience managing, marketing, and selling TV and retail products and properties, having spent 17 years with Zinkia Entertainment. There she served in several roles, her latest as global head of international TV distribution & co-productions.
Jiella is the Chief Revenue Officer of Amuse Animation tasked with 360 growth of the company. Her career began at several Hollywood Majors, including responsibility for distribution of the Nickelodeon and DreamWorks Animation new release slate and catalogue at Paramount Pictures. She was one half of the founding duo of Paramount Digital Entertainment EMEA, followed by a Digital & Innovation stint at Sony Pictures International, New Media sales at NBCU, and most recently leading distribution & originals at Moonbug Entertainment across EMEA.
With more than fifteen years experience in the event and licensing industry, Isabelle Favre has got a background seasoned with day-to-day operations and supervision of various marketing, design and event organizations with a full understanding of brand content and international business relations with cultural diversity.
She started her carreer in the sport industry at Adidas, then at France Televisions developping event, communication & retail within the Licensing department and then developed Kazachok USA. Committed to delivering effective and valuable achievement, she joined Toei Animation Europe as Marketing senior manager in 2009.
As Global Content & Marketing Director at Toei Animation Europe, Isabelle manages marketing activities that ensure IPs presence through retail and event actions and boost brand recognition and leverage products sell-out targeting young adults, teens & children's. Relaying on strategic relationships with internal & external resources and suppliers in respect with Brand DNA.
Silvia Figini is COO of Sanrio GmbH (EMEA, Oceania and India) and Mister Men Limited (Worldwide). She joined the company in December 2019, bringing her consolidated experience working on both the licensor and licensee side.With a strong financial-consultant background and 20 years’ experience at Disney and Egmont Publishing, Silvia manages an international team and is a key strategic guide for the business development of Sanrio’s iconic characters.
Silvia Figini, is COO of Sanrio GmbH (EMEA, Oceania and India) and Mister Men Limited (Worldwide).
She joined the company in December 2019 bringing her great experience of working within the industry from both licensor and licensee side.
With a strong financial consultant background, 20 years at Disney and Egmont Publishing, she manages an international team and is a key strategic guide for the business development of Sanrio’s iconic characters.
Morghan Fortier is the co-founder and CEO of Skyship Entertainment. She’s overseen the expansion of Skyship’s core brand, Super Simple Songs, from an audience of 2M YouTube subscribers in 2015 to over 50M subscribers today. With a renewed focus on music distribution, publishing and in-classroom education, Morghan is looking forward to bringing the Super Simple Songs brand to even more people around the world.
With over twenty year’s experience in the international distribution and coproduction business, and a previous life as a Froebel teacher, Julie created award winning indie distributor awol animation in 2004, counting over 170 international buyers from traditional/new media/publishing/licensing & merchandising biz as clients.
Now heading up Gaumont Animation’s France & European Development out of Paris, Julie’s remit focuses on developing animated series based on book IPS and is thrilling return for her first love of children’s literature.
Literary Agent / Publishing Consultant with over 20 years’ experience in International Rights and Licensing sales of children and adult publications. During this time, Cristina has gained in-depth knowledge of the publishing industry working closely with authors, editorial, marketing and sales teams. In her career, she has applied her extensive experience to manage projects and organise world-wide co-editions of ambitious novelty projects with licenses like Disney and Warner Bros as well as specialist publishers like London Stereo Company, whose Queen in 3D was written by Brian May. She also represents authors of YA and Middle Grade. Fluent in five European languages and based in the UK where she lives with her family, Cristina is a passionate reader and enjoys working with other book lovers. She is also a long term member of the Motovun Group of International Publishers.
Siobhan Galvin is Commercial Director at Story House Egmont UK, one of the UK’s leading children’s magazine publishers. With 25 years’ experience in children’s publishing, she’s passionate about the positive role magazines play in children’s lives – the unique package of print activities, stories and play have a valuable role in improving literacy and child development. She’s also Story House Egmont’s sustainability champion and working to deliver sustainable transformation across the Kids’ Business whilst continuing to create magazines that are loved by children and valued by parents.
After graduating from France’s Sciences Po University with Political Science and International Relations degrees, Eric initially worked for multi-national corporations such as the Carat/Aegis Group and Havas.
He then moved to the TV business and accrued his expertise in the production and commercialisation of animated programming, covering the fields of development, financing, production, international co-productions, sales and rights management.
In 2004, Eric set up GO-N Productions with Anne de Galard with the aim to develop and produce French and European animation for the international market out of their own studio facility in the center of Paris.
Today GO-N Productions is recognised worldwide as one of the leading independents with a great track record and great reputation for creative and quality programmes amongst producers and broadcasters alike. Recent productions include “ZIP ZIP” (104 x 11’, comedy cartoon) for France TV, SuperRTL, Disney Channels WW, … and the international preschool hit “SIMON” (156 x 5’, preschool) for France TV, Cartoonito (Italy), Clan RTVE (Spain), Tiny Pop (UK), Netflix ww, NHK (Japan),… which is becoming an iconic property loved by children and their parents.
As a respected member of the French and International Animation communities Eric is a member of the SPFA, French Animation Producers Syndicate.
After starting her career at Lagardère Active, Céline becomes part of the TF1 Licences Team in 2005 as Product Manager in charge of operational Marketing and Communication. Then, as Marketing and Youth Development Manager, she handles youth brands acquisition, diversification strategies and activates partnerships on major brands of the Entertainment portfolio (Miraculous, Barbapapa, Ushuaïa, Koh-Lanta, Smurfs, etc.). After that she becomes Marketing Manager and develops the Trade and Sales activation business with retailers and pilots the international development of the brand Barbapapa.
Diverse background and 20 years Disney veteran, Francesca Romana Gianesin is currently the Head of Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia New Zealand and Asia Pacific, at Moonbug Entertainment, UK.
Gianesin is a seasoned executive used to lead global Companies and top global Brands, with a vast international experience and a tracking record of achievements across several industries. Francesca's approach to business always starts with the consumer, with innovation at its heart, leading to business transformation.
Born in a small coastal town in Liguria, Italy, to a Filipina mother and Swiss father, Philip Giordano is a tireless globetrotter, who now lives and works in Tokyo.
Exploring different techniques, from digital collage to painting on wood, his work has been selected and featured in American Illustration Annual, Communication Arts Illustration Annual, 3x3 illustration Annual, and the "Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Awards".
His illustrations have received international recognition and awards including the Silver Medal by the Society of Illustrators; the White Raven Award; the International Illustration Prize Bologna - SM Foundation; and many others.
Passionate about marketing and communication for over 30 years.
Smurfologist at heart, the Smurf is the ideal character to convey messages of joy and pleasure across the blue planet.
Fan of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), I have made it my way of life and the Smurf is also its universal ambassador.
Delighted to share the pleasure of living, we only live once!
Marc Goodchild is Head of Digital Content Strategy & Product, Kids, EMEA, WarnerMedia and has been with the company since January 2017. In this role, he is responsible for the overall content strategy and digital content vision for EMEA, working in close collaboration with all regional content and digital teams. He also leads the EMEA Digital Product group for the Kids division and provides support and editorial guidance to the local heads of digital, alongside the central research, commercial, advertising sales, marketing, PR and franchise management teams. Goodchild is an award-winning television producer and digital executive with a 20-year track record in broadcast, production and the start-up community His career includes a mix of senior director, producer and executive roles in TV and Digital at Disney and the BBC, and on commissions for Discovery and Channel 4.
Cinzia has a degree in art history from the University of Bolgna and a specialisation in cultural heritage legislation from the Catholic University of Milan. For over twenty years, she has worked in the Library of the same university as a cataloguer, initially in bibliography and then in special collections.
A long-time fan of children's illustration, in 2019 she founded Illustrabimbi, with the conviction that drawings can also be worn. In the beginning, it was just a hobby. Gradually, it turns into a small company, which, since 2022, after participating at Pitti Bimbo, is continuously growing, thanks to the interest of important customers, both Italian and foreign.
Philippe Guinaudeau founded The BrandTrends Group, unique, multi-country provider of marketing research, focusing on brand, lifestyle, consumer behavioral and attitudinal trends, with a particular focus on children, youth, and families. With offices in Dubai, Guinaudeau has a unique global analytical perspective.
Guinaudeau has more than 31 years of marketing and analytics experience, and offers expert insight into understanding the durable goods markets worldwide, analyzing the retail landscape, understanding competition, consumer behavior and the brand line architecture, and strategy planning to help clients achieve the best results.
Prior to founding The BrandTrends Group (previously Kidz Global), Philippe was a Director of The NPD Group Inc, the leading global provider of consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. He started as a Durable Goods Consultant at AC Nielsen prior to joining NPD.
He has lived on three continents and travels the world extensively, living and breathing the international marketplace.
Guinaudeau also has extensive experience in the toys and games, licensing and entertainment industries, with a particular emphasis in the North American, European, Australian, Latin American and Asian markets.
Widely regarded as a leading authority in his field, Guinaudeau is regularly asked to speak at industry events.
Philippe Guinaudeau is the founder of The BrandTrends Group, a global full-service marketing research company with a focus on brand, lifestyle, and attitudinal trends. The company monitors up to 53 markets and has offices in Dubai.
With 31 years of marketing and analysis experience, Philippe offers expert insight into the durable goods markets worldwide, analyzing consumer behavior, brand line architecture, retail landscape, and competition to help clients develop successful strategies.
A seasoned traveler and international market expert, Philippe has lived and worked on three continents and has extensive experience in the toys and games, licensing, and entertainment industries in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America, and Asia.
Jakob Max Hamann is sustainability manager at the LEGO Group with a background in sustainable product development and environmental engineering. Being part of the strategic sustainability development of the LEGO Licensing Sustainability transformation, Jakob is leading the partner sustainability governance and joint direction for the LEGO Licensing partner business across consumer product, brand and publishing partnerships.
Ruth Henriquez, Head of Consumer Products for the Mattel EMEA region, is a veteran of the company. In her current role, Ruth oversees the entire consumer products portfolio across all Mattel IP brands, as well as further integration of the CP division into franchise marketing and live events.
Ruth has enjoyed a successful decade at Mattel EMEA and possesses expert knowledge of its products, having worked on every brand in the Mattel portfolio both at local and regional level. She joined the Mattel finance department in 2011 before moving into marketing and heading up marketing teams in both Italy and the Iberia region where she successfully accelerated the business in both her appointments. Prior to her most recent role, she was marketing director for EMEA Infant and Pre-School brands where she turned around the business after decline.
Neal Hoskins runs WingedChariot, an events and publications consultancy that focuses on digital publishing projects. Alongside his work with the Bologna Children’s book fair digital strategy he works for Tomi Ungerer online and on special app and web publishing projects across the globe.
Neal Hoskins is a publishing consultant who works on new and creative ways to make and market children’s content. He has been involved in many digital projects with BCBF over the last 10 years. He runsWingedChariot, a company that focuses on innovation and brand expansion in publishing. He has an MA in Creative Writing and published his first picture book with Thames and Hudson this year.
Lisa Hryniewicz is a UK-based Media Consultant with over 25 years of experience in strategic marketing and developing kids IP's across all platforms through various companies she has created and co-founded. At her PR company Koko Media, Lisa has managed publicity for high-end kids companies such as TeamTO, Cottonwood Media, Federation Kids & Family, Guru Studio and Rainbow. As MD of Koko Rose Media, she manages preschool brands Flora of the Forest and Deer Little Forest, created by company co-founder Jo Rose. And finally, as director and of Pantomimus Media she manages the multimedia rights of YA book series THE RED HARLEQUIN YA, with author and Pantomimus co-founder, Roberto Ricci.
Susanna Iraci is an Italian industrial designer graduated from Milan’s Polytechnic, whose initial work has gravitated around sustainability and service design. It was only after a few roller coaster rides and becoming a mother that she decided to shift the focus of her career and head back to school, to enroll in the Master in Design for Kids and Toys at Poli.design. That lead to the start of design studio BICCO, a creative space dedicated to design for kids. Sometimes, with kids too!
Enthusiastic designer, child at heart, avid tea drinker, bookworm and a language - nerd. She likes to seek beauty in the details while working for clients big and small.
Marianne is a highly respected and accomplished senior executive who currently heads the EMEA & Asia Licensing team at Hasbro. With extensive experience across retail, consumer products, licensing, and marketing, she is recognized for her innovative approach and deep expertise in the field. Marianne brings a wealth of knowledge to her role, excelling in every aspect of the industry and consistently driving success for Hasbro in diverse markets.
Susie is the Chief Executive Officer of Encantos, an award-winning children's entertainment company. Named by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, Encantos focuses on stories with a Latin heart for Global audiences and brings them to life through apps, books, content, consumer products, and more. Its properties include the #1 bilingual preschool brand Canticos, the award-winning Tiny Travelers series, and the newly launched Skeletina and the In-Between World.
An acclaimed artist and storyteller and Emmy Nominated director, Susie has illustrated over 10 books and authored over 30. She creates magical worlds that build bridges of understanding and inspire children to be the fearless, creative, and kind human beings we all have the potential to be.
Brett Jubinville is the Head of Distribution for Skyship Entertainment, creators of Super Simple Songs. In addition to working closely with Skyship’s distribution partners, Brett also spearheaded the creation of the Super Simple mobile app, and is currently focused on building Skyship’s educational initiative.
Brett Jubinville is the co-founder and COO of Skyship Entertainment. Formerly the Head of Production, Brett is now focused on expanding Skyship’s core brand, Super Simple Songs, into the world of apps, publishing and consumer products licensing. His newest focus is marketing and strategizing how best to effectively reach the massive Super Simple audience of 50M+ YouTube subscribers.
Mark Kingston is Senior Vice President, International, Paramount Consumer Products. In this role, Mark oversees the Consumer Products business for all Paramount brands and properties across all international (ex-US) markets in partnership with local teams.
Kingston reports directly to Pam Kaufman, President of Global Consumer Products, Paramount.
Mark joined the company in January 2011 in the newly created role of Vice President, Europe Licensing, Retail Sales and Trade Marketing. In this role, Kingston established and successfully managed Paramount’s European Key Account strategy before taking on the role of General Manager & Senior Vice President for Paramount EMEA. Tasked with developing and driving Paramount’s EMEA consumer products strategy and expansion, he also took responsibility for regional licensing programmes across both direct-to-retail, licensee-managed businesses and region-specific CP strategies in line with Paramount International’s overall business strategy. Additionally, Kingston identified and built new business opportunities regionally and where appropriate, internationally.
Kingston joined Paramount from The Walt Disney Company where he served as Business Unit Director, responsible for all aspects of the licensed and vertical business at UK supermarket chain, Tesco where he managed a team of 15 sales, marketing, retail planning & product development professionals. Prior to this role, Kingston held Key Account Director posts for Tesco, Asda, Toys R Us and Costco accounts at Disney.
Kingston also served as Senior National Account Manager at BBC Worldwide for key clients, including WHSmith, Waterstones and Ottakers, and he began his career at Mars Confectionery, a division of Mars Inc.
Mark Kingston graduated from the University of Leeds with a BSc Hons degree in Animal Science and lives in Buckinghamshire with his family.
Strategist, analyst, author, speaker, connector, has led the children’s media industry in developing sustainable, child-friendly practices for more than 35 years. He began this work as president of the American Center for Children and Media and is now Senior Vice President of Global Trends for Dubit, a strategy/research consultancy and metaverse studio.
David is advisory board chair to the international children’s TV festival PRIX JEUNESSE, on the board of the Children’s Media Association and the Advisory Board of the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. He was a Senior Fellow of the Fred Rogers Center and Board Vice President for the National Association for Media Literacy Education.
David looks worldwide for best practices in children’s entertainment and learning. He has spoken (and, more important, listened!) on six continents and writes extensively for varied audiences.
With 19 years’ experience in the licensing industry, Joachim Knödler has a proven track record building up national and internationally successful licensing programs for world-class corporate kids and entertainment IP´s.
Head of Licensing at Studio 100 Media, Joachim leads the national and international licensing team in all Studio 100 Media’s ww Ip licensing and 3rd party rights projects.
Before entering the licensing industry, Joachim worked with the German marketing team of the world’s leading toy company, Hasbro.
Roleff Kråkström is the managing director of Moomin Characters Ltd, founding partner of Rights & Brands Agency, Chairman of the board and member of several other companies. Roleff and Sophia Jansson are heading the Moomin universe and licensing strategy. The company owns the rights and licenses the original artwork of the Moomins created by Tove Jansson, the Finnish-Swedish writer and artist. All characters from Moominvalley are trademark registered worldwide.
Roleff Kråkström is managing director of Moomin Characters Ltd, and CEO, chairman of the board and founding partner of the licensing agency Rights & Brands. He is a board member on several companies within the Moomin group of companies as well as others. Together with Sophia Jansson, niece of Tove Jansson, Roleff is heading the Moomin operations and licensing strategy.
Before joining Moomin Characters, Roleff worked in the publishing industry for 15 years. Previous to that, he was a fish mongler, something he is very proud of and claims laid the foundation for his skills in sales.
After gaining experience as a freelancer working on several important international productions, in 1997 Federica founded Italy’s first services company in the animated cartoons industry, managing both the studio and customer relations. After this service provision experience working with international producers, in 2003 she founded Enamimation S.r.l., an animation production company developing new IPs. The company seeks out IPs prevalently in the publishing/multimedia sector, developing them into television products for an international audience. In recent years, Federica has put the accent on her producer and executive producer skills as the company has developed its creative and artistic production services. IPs produced include: the award-winning Tv series “Uffa che Pazienza!” inspired by Andrea Pazienza’s book “Favole”, the international co-production of the playstation game Mini Ninjas”, and the “Nina&Olga” Tv series based on the “La nuvola Olga” book series by Nicoletta Costa and soon to be released on Rai networks.
Barbara Malaisi writes the blog barbaramalaisiautrice.altervista.org. She has published numerous books, including cui Il Tarot spiegato a mia figlia. Divertirsi e pensare con i 22 Arcani Maggiori dei Tarocchi, EUM, 2019; Un castello di carte. Per una lettura semiotarologica de “Il castello dei destini incrociati” by Italo Calvino, Aracne, 2019; Taronomia. Principi, metodo e deontologia della pratica tarologica, Youcanprint, 2020; Tarotelling autobiografico. Scrivere di sé con i Tarocchi, Youcanprint, 2022; Quaderno di giochi tarologici. 22 esercizi con il Tarot per affinare l’arte della lettura, Youcanprint, 2023. Currently, he is working on his first novel, "22", soon to be released, in which the Tarot cards will be the protagonists. She is present on Facebook and Instagram, with the page Barbara Malaisi Autrice.
Helena Mansell-Stopher is CEO and founder at Products of Change, a global organization driving positive change across the brand and licensing industry by influencing the reduction of the industry’s environmental impact. It guides a growing community of brand owners, manufacturers, retailers and supporting businesses towards building more sustainable and regenerative business practices, through education and knowledge sharing.
Products of Change is a membership organisation, a media and events platform and an advisor’s service that provides a safe place for industry to learn, connect and transition to a more sustainable future. Helena curates the sustainability in licensing conference (SILC) the first of its kind in the brand and licensing industry, formed to advance the industries knowledge on future innovations within the sustainability space.
Helena is an advisor to the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Initiative and Board Director to Recycle to Read, an environmental educator who builds systems to unlock value in the waste stream benefiting schools and driving awareness through brand advocacy.
With a 26 year career in the retail, brand and licensing industry across media and lifestyle brands, working with companies such as HIT Entertainment, Mattel, Marvel and National Geographic, as well as a 7 year career in sustainability, Helena is at the cutting edge of closing the knowledge gap to advance the industry forward to a sustainable future.
Helena Mansell-Stopher is CEO and founder at Products of Change, a membership organisation and media platform that provides a safe place for industry to learn, connect and transition to a more sustainable future. Helena curates the sustainability in licensing conference (SILC) the first of its kind in the brand and licensing industry, formed to advance the industries knowledge on future innovations within the sustainability space.
Helena is an advisor to the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Initiative and Board Director to Recycle to Read.
With a 26 year career in the licensing industry across media and lifestyle brands, working with companies such as HIT Entertainment, Mattel, Marvel and National Geographic, as well as a 6 year career in sustainability, Helena is at the cutting edge of closing the knowledge gap to advance the industry forward to a sustainable future.
Almudena Martinez is a market research professional with over 15 years of experience at The NPD Group, working in retail insights based on syndicated data and consumer analysis. Background in both FMCG (personal care, food and beverages) and specialized industries (prestige beauty, toys and sports footwear). Extensive experience in managing retail client accounts (i.e. Amazon, Asda, Auchan, Carrefour, Douglas, El Corte Ingles, JD Sports, Müller, Prenatal Retail group, Sephora, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Toys R Us, etc) delivering quality service resulting in business growth.
Her current role is Executive Director, Retail Head of Toys Europe working with a team across seven countries. Previous experiences include Retail Head of Spain covering the prestige, sports and toy markets at NPD, Trade Marketing expert at Kraft Foods and Grooming market analyst at Nielsen in the United States.
She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston with a Bachelor of Science in International Business, with a Marketing concentration.
As The Toy Association’s senior communications specialist, Kristin Morency Goldman leads the development of content for the Association’s print and online communications. Her articles on toy trends, toy safety, and industry news can be found in trade and consumer publications around the world.
As an official spokesperson for The Toy Association, Kristin meets with companies to track the latest developments in toys and youth entertainment. She has appeared on WNBC Today in New York, WXYZ ABC Detroit, Fox 46 Charlotte, Good Day Sacramento, and CGTN America to showcase members’ toys and has been interviewed by national print outlets on toy industry trends. She supports the Association’s year-round safety program, which is designed to educate consumers about safe play, and promotes the industry’s positive safety record. She also implements the organization’s communications strategy and manages the development of strategic editorial partnerships.
With more than 10 years of experience working in communications, Kristin previously held various positions in media relations and corporate communications, having worked in the New York Governor’s press office, at Chanel, and at a public policy think tank. She holds a master’s degree in communications from NYU.
A native of Montreal, Canada, Kristin started her career as a news reporter at the Montreal Gazette. She currently resides in Montreal with her husband and two young children.
Emmet C is the CEO of StoryToys, a multi-award-winning developer and publisher of apps and games for children. StoryToys have produced apps with many leading children’s brands including The LEGO Group, The Walt Disney Company, Marvel Entertainment, Mattel, Hasbro, Penguin Random House, Warner/DC and Sesame Workshop.
Waell Oueslati is the Director of the EMEA Anime Licensing department at Crunchyroll’s European branch based in Paris, France. Crunchyroll is a leading global anime brand, connecting anime and manga fans across more than 200 countries and territories. Best known as a top streaming service, Crunchyroll's services also extend to licensing the theatrical, TV, Home video and Merchandising rights of its major titles around the world. In his current role, Oueslati is responsible for leading the anime licensing team, building content distribution and merchandise programs for Crunchyroll’s robust slate of anime titles.
With more than 10 years’ experience in the industry, he is an established expert in the licensing and 360-exploitation of Japanese anime and manga properties as well as kid’s brands.
Since joining the company in 2010, which was previously known as VIZ Media Europe, he has built his knowledge of Japanese entertainment and how to make it accessible to western audiences thanks to various experiences including a 3-year assignment in Tokyo, Japan, at his former mother company Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions.
Oueslati has led and supported the European launch of several successful Japanese anime titles including Yo-kai Watch, My Hero Academia and Captain Tsubasa, to name just a few.
Gratuated with a Master’s degree, he is Book Marketing Specialist and supports authors in all the promotional aspects.
After graduating in Law at Barcelona’s Universitat Autonoma, and in Sports Law at the University of Lleida, Pau Pascual practised law for a few years, specializing chiefly in sports law. In 2002, he joined Nike to manage the legal department of a business unit within the company managing the licensing, retail, and soccer schools of several football clubs (FC Barcelona, Juventus FC, Manchester United, Paris St. Germain). About 3 years after, he was put in charge of the commercial section of this business unit. In 2010, Pau joined CPLG as Commercial, Marketing and Retail Director for the Spanish Office. In 2013, he was appointed Managing Director for the Iberian and MENA markets, taking on his current role as VP for Southern Europe, MENA and South Asia, in 2020.
Will joined The Insights Family as Managing Director in 2021. He has worked in International Marketing at a senior level for over a decade, both for large MNEs and recently at a fast-growing digital marketing agency. With nearly 20 years’ experience in CRM, Will has built a career analysing customer data to make tactical decisions based on consumer behaviours and motivations. At The Insights Family, Will has access to a wealth of real-time survey data and will be presenting some must-know trends for those wanting to better understand and succeed in the young person’s economy.
Studies of psychology but marketing attraction become stronger. Quality auditor in Leisure and PR in hotels across Europe since 2000. Specialist consultant in leisure and strategy for international brands and shopping centers. In 2005 became a Partner of The Modern Kids & family, agency specialized in marketing for kids and families. In 2008 founder of Aktivamente events company and unconventional marketing actions which in 2015 was renamed Madhouse. Madhouse obtained important contracts with multinationals such as LEGO, Marvel, Warner, Nickelodeon, to develop and implement Leisure concepts. Founder partner current head of the group NO GROUP. Actually NoGroup is holding 9 independent companies related with the Leisure and marketing fields in Europe and Latam
Helena Perheentupa joins ZAG from Mattel & Hit Entertainment in Frankfurt, Germany, where she rose through the ranks over her 13-year tenure to become Head of Licensing, leading an eight-person team overseeing brands including Barbie, Hot wheels, Fisher-Price, Monster High, Uno, Matchbox, Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder, Pingu, and more. She also served as Country Sales manager and Head of Marketing and Customer marketing while at Mattel. Prior, she served as Joint Business Planning and Category Manager at another blue chip giant, Procter & Gamble, developing, planning and executing a portfolio of long-term strategic projects for the giant’s beauty brand portfolio in Finland, including market leaders such as Pantene, Head&Shoulders, Wash&Go, Wella, and Gillette amongst others.
Prior to founding Chicken Soup & Brownies, Simon was the Executive Vice President and General Manager, Disney Consumer Products & Digital in EMEA.
Whilst at The Walt Disney Company EMEA, Simon was responsible for The Walt Disney Company's licensed product, publishing, Disney Store, physical and digital games as well as all 3rd party retail, e-commerce and web businesses across Europe Middle East & Africa.
He brought to the role strong global business acumen as well as years of experience in the licensed, retail and entertainment sectors.
In his previous role, as President of Marvel Entertainment International, Simon was responsible for targeting new businesses, growing and increasing penetration of Marvel's existing businesses in Europe, Middle East & Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific. He worked with all of Marvel's business unit leaders around the world, coordinating and overseeing growth opportunities for Marvel Entertainment outside the United States. Simon currently resides in London with his wife and two children.
He has started his career working for the videogames industry, becoming a technical director and animator for several projects for companies working with Disney, RAI, SKY.
In 2007 he has come into the Studio Bozzetto, driving it to the development of the corporate 3D branch and to an international asset in the world of co-productions. Nowadays he works mainly on the analysis and the executive production of the projects.
He has been a strong promoter and co-founder of ForFun Media. This project represents an unprecedented business operation in Italy with the purpose to strengthen the Italian animation sector creating a group between complementary companies.
ForFun Media is a network of creative companies specialized in the development of Intellectual Properties through highest quality tv-series, feature films and multimedia contents.
Steve Reece has worked in the toy business for 25 years, starting at Hasbro managing major Toy & Game brands including Monopoly, Play-Doh & Disney Toys across Europe.
Steve now runs Kids Brand Insight, a leading Toy & Game business consultancy offering advice, export sales, mentoring & Non-Executive Directorship.
Nick is the founder and CEO of The Insights People, the global leader in kids, parents and families market intelligence. Nick has become a go-to-expert and a regular speaker at industry events across the US, Europe and Asia. The business is the only provider of real-time data and insights on kids, parents and family attitudes, behaviour and consumption – surveying more than 362,000 children and 177,000 parents across five continents every year for companies such as Amazon, Formula 1, Mattel and Warner Bros. You can find him on Twitter @nickinsights and Kids Insights @kidsinsights.
With over 10 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, Catherine A. Rijsdijk Sous has a proven background in consumer products, licensing, franchise & brand management, retail, e-commerce and sales.
As Head of International Retail, Live Shows & Experiences for European leader Planeta Junior, Catherine manages the retail and brand experience categories at international level, ensuring brand presence at point of sale along with optimal customer experience.
As Content Director (EMEA) for License Global, Ben Roberts specializes in global intellectual property and consumer product licensing. Based in License Global’s London office, Ben charts trends across key brand categories in all major markets, speaks with brand and business leaders worldwide to gain in-depth insight on strategy and reflects the cutting-edge work of the licensing industry through coverage across the License Global family of brands.
Paul Robinson serves as President of Genius Brands International’s Kartoon Channel! Worldwide. Paul is an accomplished and seasoned media executive with significant experience developing media brands around the globe. Previously, he served as Managing Director of Disney Channel Worldwide, where he was responsible for global programming and production strategy.
Paul also founded the Toon Disney and Playhouse Disney television channels internationally. Before his tenure at The Walt Disney Company, Paul was Head of Strategy for the BBC Newtork Radio, overseeing the strategy development for BBC Radios 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Live. Additionally, he has served as Managing Director of talkSPORT; Co-Founder and CEO of KidsCO, NBCUniversal’s international children’s channel; and Executive Vice President of Your Family Entertainment AG, in which Genius Brands recently acquired a controlling stake.
Annita Romanelli works at RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana, the Italian public broadcaster. At Rai Kids, Rai department for kids, she’s in charge for the Unit for Production and Co-production of Animation and kids' Drama. Previously, she has been working as project manager for many animated series, live action dramas, tv shows.
Davide Rosio, Co-Founder, CEO and Art Director of Movimenti Production.
Graduated from IED (European Institute of Design), he began his career as animator and character designer working for several agencies and production studios in Milan.
In 2004, along with Giorgio Scorza, he founded Movimenti Production, an Italian independent production and animation studio that has become a valuable point of reference for broadcasters and co-producers such as RAI, Netflix and Disney, producing short film and some of the most relevant titles in the animation field, such as “Le Loup” (Season 1 and 2) and “Topo Gigio” (RAI).
For several years Davide Rosio has been teaching animation cinema and digital animation at the IED, while personally following the recruitment and training of the artistic and production figures employed in the finalization of the projects in development.
In 2018, along with Giorgio Scorza, he founded in Florence DogHead Animation, the 2D animation studio that realised the first animated series of Zerocalcare, Italy’s most famous novelist, “Tear Along the Dotted Line”. Davide Rosio co-signed the technical direction of
the show, which was produced by Movimenti Production and released globally in November 2021 on Netflix, and achieved several awards such as “Best Tv Series” at the Diversity Media Awards 2022, the “Nastro of the Year” at the Nastri d’Argento Grandi Serie Awards 2022. More recently the show achieved 5 Serial Awards, such as Directing and Scripted Series of the Year, at FeST - Il Festival delle Serie Tv 2022 and the Globo d’Oro 2022 - the film prize given by the Foreign Press Club in Rome.
Tetiana Ruban is the CEO of Nerd agency (FILM.UA Group), based in Ukraine. She is the 2022 Licensing International Rising Star award winner. Tetiana holds a Doctor of Philosophy in World Economy and International Economic Relations from Kyiv National Economics University, named after Vadym Hetman.
Tetiana Ruban led the Nerd agency in 2020. The licensing agency represents MAVKA. THE FOREST SONG, ROBOCAR POLI, BRAVE BUNNIES, and other properties. As well, Tetiana created an idea of a licensed charity brand CALL ME UKRAINE , which became a part of the agency portfolio. Nerd agency operates in Ukraine and internationally.
Born in 1986, Ian Schaapman is the CEO and Co-owner of The Mouse Mansion Company, since 2015. In the same time, Schaapman is also the Co-owner of the VD-events BV, an event company.
Many years of experience have been gained by Ian Schaapman, who was Managing Director of AP Security from 2009 to 2016.
He has started his career as animator, becoming author, director and executive producer for several projects.
In 2004 he founded Movimenti Production, a creative hub focused on animation, managing all aspects of the production supporting creativity and talent Made in Italy at a European and international level. Nowadays he works as Creative Director for several projects and he has become a valuable reference for broadcasters and co-producers such as RAI, Netflix and Disney.
In 2019 he co-founded ForFun Media alongside Studio Bozzetto. A network of creative companies focused on the international animation business specialized in the development of Intellectual Properties through highest quality tv-series, feature films and multimedia contents.
Daryl joined Magic Light in 2006 and leads brand management, licensing and merchandising for the company. Over a number of years he has delivered long term brand engagement for The Gruffalo through industry admired consumer products, creative marketing campaigns and award-winning partnerships. Additionally he is an associate producer on Magic Light's BAFTA winning and Oscar nominated productions. After graduating from The Welsh College of Music and Drama he worked as an actor across film, theatre and television. Deciding to shift focus behind the camera he went on to work in both development and production, including a period at the UK Film Council’s Development Fund.
Jade St-Laurent (MBA E-Business and Digital Strategy) specialises in digital and data-driven project management for the media industry. She has put in place a Data Management Platform at Bayard Presse to develop the digital subscription of La Croix, the French daily newspaper. Jade is also the marketing director of Bayard’s mobile app for kids that works through a subscription model.
Founder and President of Rainbow Group Iginio Straffi is the visionary behind girls’ classic brand “Winx Club”, a global licensing phenomenon flourishing since 2004. Iginio’s ground-breaking leadership has powered Rainbow since its establishment in 1995, making it a nonstop growing player in the entertainment industry through excellence collaborations and company acquisitions, such as Canadian award-winning studio Bardel and Italian Colorado Film. With a grasp of kids and adults’ universal feelings, Iginio has been awarded with countless prizes over the years, creating content primarily for children, then expanding to serial and theatrical live action for all age targets. His all-round commitment to childhood inspires him to create ever new content and engage in educational projects such as his Liberi Reggiomonte international school and global-reaching charity initiatives.
Edy Tassi has been in publishing for 20 years. She has translated almost ninety books for Harlequin Mondadori, Piemme, Feltrinelli, Morellini and Kowalski and is the author of two romance novels and a romantic comedy: Ballando con il fuoco, Effetto Domino and, with journalist Gloria Brolatti, Non c'è gusto senza te. On her website, www.edytassi.it, he talks about translation and writing.
Rachel Taylor is the Commercial Director for WildBrain Spark, the premium kids and family AVOD network and studio. She is responsible for expanding the company’s commercial partnership business with third-party brands, leading business development, growth of IP portfolio, as well as client management. Ms Taylor has extensive experience in content distribution and monetization, coupled with a background in toys. During her career, she has held senior business and commercial roles at Sony Pictures Entertainment where she was Director of Commercial Partnerships for EMEA and Director of Global Commercial Innovation and Strategy, and at Twentieth Century Fox. Prior to joining WildBrain, she was International Sales Director for Australian toy company, Funtastic, and was tasked with re-launching the business’ own IP brands and growing its international distribution footprint.
Muriel Thomas, an internationally respected media executive with over 20 years’ experience, is heading up Magic Light’s International Distribution business since 2011, overseeing the international sales activities from pre-sale to the management and exploitation of existing and future content across all platforms.
Muriel was previously Head of International Sales and Co-productions at EOne, where she was instrumental in setting up the international roll out of the hugely successful ‘Peppa Pig’ bran
Daniele Tombini, V.P. Business Development Southern Europe at Smiley World Ltd.
His role is to spread optimism promoting the brand SMILEY to existing and new partners in Southern Europe, establishing collaboration based on mutual values of positivity, creativity and sophistication. Most of Daniele career has been in sales development, specializing in yarns, fabrics and cloth, working for Italian and international companies on numerous markets around the world. He moved with his family to the U.K. in 2015 to open the regional office for an Italian printing mill. After that, Daniele worked for a couple of American companies with the specific target of sustainable projects. Specifically, with UNIFI which is the owner of the brand REPREVE(R), He started his career in licenses.
He is passionate about books, travels, good food and good wine, and he’s an active sporter practicing endurance disciplines.
David Tommaso has gained a solid management experience in entertainment and high-end branded contents and properties exploitation for worldwide leading companies, with increasing positions and results covering marketing, sales and business development roles: in the last 20+ years he has budgeted, prepared and executed marketing/sales/licence plans of entertainment brands to sustain titles positioning while maximizing revenues.
The professional development included the position of trade marketing manager in SONY BMG; marketing manager and sales director in Universal Pictures Italy; Sales Director in Paramount Pictures; Marketing & Sales Director in Blockbuster Italy; Retail Project Development Director in Camelot; and Commercial Director in Zoomarine Italy.
Actually, he is Marketing and Sales Director of Leolandia the Leading Italian theme park for with 1-10 years old kids and families.
As the Chief Marketing Officer at Bimi Boo Kids, I bring a decade of marketing experience to the table. With my deep expertise in launching and executing go-to-market strategies and marketing campaigns, I make sure that all our efforts align with the organization's brand and messaging. I strive to develop and implement marketing plans that support our business objectives and resonate with our target audience.
Kerry Tucker is the CMO of pocket.watch, where she spearheads the digital-first studio’s strategic marketing, branding and communications operations. Kerry plays an instrumental role in developing and amplifying the company’s global creator franchises -- the likes of which include Ryan’s World, HobbyKids Adventures and Love, Diana. With over 20 years’ experience, Kerry has a proven track record as a strategic and innovative leader at both Fortune 500 companies and startups, having held multiple C-level titles. Prior to pocket.watch, Kerry served as the first CEO of Hello Sunshine, Reese Witherspoon’s media and production company. Additionally, she was CMO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, CMO of Victoria’s Secret and COO of The Video Genome Project.
Juliet's career in media spans over 25 years. Following an early career in the art department of television dramas, Juliet moved into digital media in 2000, where she specialised in delivering interactive projects with a broadcast tie-in and a focus on the children and families audience. Juliet joined Plug-in Media in 2007 and as CEO has led the company’s growth and success, establishing it as one of the UK’s leading digital production companies, working across animation and games, and the winner of multiple awards, including 5 BAFTAs. Since 2013 Juliet has been leading the company’s original IP strategy, driving the ‘digital-first’ success of Tee and Mo, from 10 web games via short-form content, to a 50x7’ animated TV series, with a Youtube channel that has amassed over 240 million views. In 2011, Juliet was also shortlisted for the Women in Technology Entrepreneur of the Year award. She is also a Non-executive Director for Wired Sussex and on the advisory board of The Children’s Media Conference.
An illustrator and author of children's and young adult books for over 25 years, she has more than 150 international publications to her credit.
She has experience working on her own and with major agencies in the UK, USA and Asia.
She speaks English very fluently, also thanks to her bilingual family.
Alongside her authoring work, she runs workshops for children, adults and teachers, working in schools, libraries, museums, bookshops and trade fairs and designs graphics for catalogues, covers and coordinated images.
A few months ago she started a new path as Agent for Advocate Art, an international Illustration Agency for which she is Agent in Italy.
Sandra Vauthier-Cellier is Chief Commercial Officer at Acamar Films, the independent film studio, which produces, distributes, markets and licenses its international award-winning pre-school animated series Bing.
Sandra is a respected licensing executive with an established track record internationally, working with some of the leading children and corporate brands and blue-chip companies across Marketing and Brand Licensing, Retail, Sales, Promotions and PR, consistently creating successful international commercial growth strategies.
Most recently, Sandra was Senior VP of consumer products for EMEA at 20th Century Fox, where she oversaw Fox Consumer Products’ London office for the EMEA territories managing an extensive portfolio of key brands including Ice Age, The Simpsons, Avatar and Marilyn Monroe.
She has previously held senior executive positions at family entertainment companies Studio 100 Group, where she was Chief Brand Officer and led the company’s branding, consumer products and commercial strategy globally on Maya the bee, and at 4Kids Entertainment International where she was the Managing Director managing a number of key global brands including Pokemon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Microsoft Xbox 360. Before that, Sandra worked at the global leading brand licensing and consultancy agency The Beanstalk Group working on some iconic global brands such as Coca-Cola, Harley Davidson, Andy Warhol and Crayola.
Sandra has joined Acamar Films as Chief Commercial Officer to drive the global growth of the company overseeing global marketing & communications, licensing & merchandising, promotions, retail, experiential and product development.
Alan Vele is a producer of audiovisual, movies and videogames, founder of Al-One. He worked for outstanding international brands from early 2000 such as Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Fox Int. Channels USA, National Geographic and A + E Networks. In 2020 he started producing the first feature animation of a trilogy about environment, TRASH, about waste recycling, released in Italy with more than 320 screens and currently in worldwide distribution.
He is now producing the second project of the trilogy, FOREST, about deforestation. In 2022 he founded Al-One Interactive, born from the parent company's claim, Games for Movies & Movies for Games, with the goal of making high-quality videogame products using the feature animations’ assets.
Sara is Head of brand & content acquisition at FABA. She is in charge of establishing the editorial strategy for the company's products, currently distributed in 8 countries and 4 languages, coordinating the acquisition of new content and licences, as well as building partnerships aimed at enhancing the brand and expanding its reach.
Before joining FABA, she gained more than 15 years of experience in the field of edutainment for kids, managing and accompanying the international growth of several animation brands.
Antje Watermann manages the marketing activities for UN Publications at the Department for Global Communications and leads the SDG Book Club and SDG Publishers Compact projects. Before that role, she worked in the Education Outreach Section where she supported several educational programmes, including Model United Nations and the United Nations Academic Impact. Prior to joining the UN Secretariat, she worked as a knowledge and advocacy officer at UNDP, focusing on the Agenda 2030 process and negotiations, and served as a communications analyst in the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific. Before her time at the UN, she worked as a product manager at the Reuters News Agency in Poland, Hong Kong and New York. She holds a Masters in Economics from the University of Cologne, Germany and a Masters in Management from ESADE, Spain.
Jonathan was part of the founding team at innovative market intelligence company, Kids Insights.
Since launch, The Insights Family® expanded its reach across 17 countries and five continents and have worked with brands including the Amazon, Crayola, F1, LEGO, Ofcom, Pokémon, SEGA, Turner and Warner Bros.
Now working as Chief Product Officer, Jonathan leads the global product team who provide some of the biggest brands in the kids industry with data and insights to help them with their strategies.
Maarten Weck, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of WildBrain CPLG, oversees all global operations of the Company’s third-party licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, which is one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agencies with more than 45 years of experience in the industry. Working with such clients as, Viacom CBS, BBC Worldwide, Peanuts, MGM, emoji, Paramount, Spin Master, Sesame Workshop, Mattel, Line Friends, Ubisoft, FC Barcelona, Liverpool FC and more, WildBrain CPLG provides licensing solutions for brand owners and retail partners looking to maximize consumer products opportunities around the globe. Formerly WildBrain CPLG’s Managing Director for Northern Europe, the UK, Nordic, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Benelux territories, Mr. Weck has been with the agency for over 13 years. Prior to working for WildBrain CPLG, Mr. Weck held management positions with Memphis Belle International, the Cookie Company and Keesing. In these positions, he worked with clients in the book, game, fashion and television industries. Mr. Weck holds a degree in Business Economics from Hogeschool van Amsterdam.
Sebastian Wehner is co-founder and CEO of Wolkenlenker, a brand development studio based in Berlin, Germany. Sebastian is the creative producer behind all of Wolkenlenker’s products, including award-winning TV productions, games, picture books and audiobooks. He is also co-founder and CEO of Wonderz, a company with the mission to enable content creators to publish any kind of content of their entertainment brand in one app with the help of WunderBox, a robust and flexible multimedia publishing platform for children’s publishers.
Italian self publishing platform. The writers who have chosen to self-publish their book with Youcanprint are now more than 23 thousand. Alessandro De Giorgi and Donato Corvaglia are the founders.
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GLOBAL RIGHTS EXCHANGE
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