Evolution grows executive licensing team

May 8, 2012 by Jeremy Dickson

L.A.-based global licensing agency Evolution has expanded its team by hiring Stanley Lerman (pictured) as its new COO and managing director, Ryan Broomberg as EVP, and Kirsti Tichenor as senior director of licensing and brand compliance.

Broomberg and Lerman join initial founders Travis J. Rutherford and Adam Unger in a senior executive partnership continuing to help content owners and IP creators monetize their properties.

With the new hires, Evolution is looking to expand its film entertainment and character brand client portfolio into new media, location-based entertainment, corporate trademarks, consumer-packaged goods, and fashion brands.

In his new position, Lerman will be tasked with executing strategic planning, operations, finance and legal, and will oversee all international licensing efforts.

Broomberg, meanwhile, will tap into his more than 25 years of consumer industry, distribution and novelty retail experience, while Tichenor will be responsible for handling all product development approvals, creative services and category licensing sales.

With the new team in place, Evolution continues to handle properties including Summertime Entertainment’s new 3D and CG-animated feature film, Dorothy of Oz, based on the book series by author Roger Stanton Baum and set for a 2013 release.

The film stars Glee’s Lea Michelle as Dorothy, Jim Belushi as the lion, Dan Aykroyd as the scarecrow, and Kelsey Grammer as the tin man.

Thirty-three licensees have already jumped on board with the IP including Bandai America (toys), Just Play (role play), Rubies (costume), Jem Sportswear (apparel) and American Greetings (party goods, greeting cards).

Evolution also handles US licensing, retail development and brand management for Zinkia’s animated preschool property Pocoyo and continues to rep global brand manufacturer Creata.

Tags: Adam Unger, Creata, Dorothy of Oz, Evolution, Kirsti Tichenor, Licensing, Pocoyo, Ryan Broomberg, Stanley Lerman, Summertime Entertainment, Travis J. Rutherford