BEVERLY HILLS, CA--(Marketwired - Jul 17, 2014) - Genius Brands International, Inc. ("GBI") (
In this newly formed executive leadership role, Newman will work with retailers and licensees to build comprehensive consumer products programs for each of the company's brands, including Baby Genius ®, Secret Millionaires Club, Stan Lee's Mighty 7 (SLAM 7 ), Thomas Edison's Secret Lab , and others. He will also appoint and oversee a team of leading licensing agencies from around the world to operate as sub agents.
In addition to assuming responsibility for GBI's existing brands, Newman will continue to manage licensing programs represented by his former company, Art + Science International, including Psycho Bunny, From Frank, Celessence Technologies, WowWee® brands, ElectroKidz, MIP and Archie Comics . These brands will now be managed under GBI's wholly owned subsidiary, A Squared Entertainment, LLC, which manages properties that fall outside of GBI's core mission of developing and delivering 'content with a purpose' for toddlers to tweens.
"Stone is the missing link we have been searching for to lead GBI's consumer products business. He knows the business very well; has excellent relationships in all sectors; and most importantly, he is dynamic and passionate about what he does and brings tremendous energy and innovation," comments Heyward. "We are thrilled to welcome him to GBI, and also excited about the terrific brands he is bringing that will now be part of the GBI business."
"The underlying GBI brands' message of Content with a Purpose is an amazing platform from which to extend a unique and differentiated global licensing and merchandising program around the idea of Product with a Purpose. It is a privilege and an honor to be entrusted with these brands and leading this development on behalf of GBI," comments Newman. "The opportunity to partner with first class thinkers and world glass executers like Amy and Andy is once in a lifetime, and I am thrilled to join the team."
Newman joins Genius Brands International from Art + Science International, Inc., a boutique licensing agency he founded. Representing numerous technology companies, fine artists, fashion and character brands, including Psycho Bunny, From Frank, Celessence, Puff the Magic Dragon and ElectroKidz, Newman provided guidance and facilitation of business planning, equity raising, licensing, marketing and product development, as well as retail initiatives. Among the firm's many achievements was the branded licensing program for Celessence Technologies , the world's leading microencapsulation company, which Newman led from obscurity to more than $50MM in retail sales through 20 licensees in just three years. The company also represented The Alex Beard Studio, Callaway Arts & Entertainment, Giftventure Studios, GoAnimate.com and MarVista Entertainment , handling the licensing and retail relationship for its hit Disney film release, 16 Wishes .
Newman, an accomplished entrepreneur, also founded and built Sababa Toys from a start-up into a $30MM toy and game manufacturer with product presence in more than 50,000 retail stores. He also worked in marketing and licensing at Hasbro Toys and got his start as a yoyo demonstrator and sales associate at the storied FAO Schwarz Flagship store on New York's 5th Avenue. Newman, committed to "giving back," is also actively involved in The Children's Health Fund ( http://www.childrenshealthfund.org ), Book Trust ( http://www.booktrust.org ) and other charitable organizations.
About Genius Brands International:
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Genius Brands International (
Led by industry veterans, Andy Heyward and Amy Moynihan Heyward, Genius Brands International includes award-winning Baby Genius, Warren Buffett's Secret Millionaires Club , Gisele Bundchen's Gisele & the Green Team , Martha Stewart's Martha & Friends , Thomas Edison's Secret Lab and Stan Lee Comics, featuring its first movie, Stan Lee's Mighty 7 . The Company provides "content with a purpose" for kids of all ages, meaning interactive content that is as entertaining as it is enriching.
Forward Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), not limited to Risk Factors relating to its patent business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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