As Kartoon Studios prepares to release its take on A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, the entertainment company is adding four new members to its team focused on the brand.
Ryan Gagerman will be joining as the Head of Global Licensing for Kartoon Studios’ Winnie the Pooh; Michael Maliani will serve as the Director; Sam Morrison will join as Head Writer; and Paul Robinson, President of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide and Head of International Sales, will focus on sales globally.
Years ago, I had the privilege to work with Ryan Gagerman when he oversaw the global rollout of Strawberry Shortcake, which generated over $5 billion dollars of retail sales under his leadership. He is the perfect executive to spearhead our global consumer products and retail program for this brand.
Andy Heyward, Kartoon Studios Chairman and CEO
Gagerman previously worked in senior positions at entertainment industry leaders such as Paramount Pictures, Electronic Arts, and DIC Entertainment. He will focus on building Kartoon Studios’ Winnie the Pooh brand across all licensed product categories, including toys, apparel, publishing, and more.
The animated Christmas movie, currently in pre-production, will be directed by Maliani. Morrison will also work on the production, having previously worked on the writing team for Peppa Pig. Robinson currently serves as the President of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide and Head of International Sales, and is joining the team to spearhead international sales efforts.
“The team Kartoon Studios has assembled to lead this exciting new Winnie the Pooh is world class and knows exactly how to make great content for kids, build impactful global entertainment brands, and drive a global consumer products business,” says Steven A. Horowitz, Senior Managing Director of the Winnie the Pooh SPV and its parent company, Catalyst Venture Partners.
The Kartoon Studios’ Winnie the Pooh animated Christmas movie is set to premiere on Dec. 24 of next year on Amazon Prime Video. The premiere will join the launch of the global retail program.
Trending Products
