Munich-based prodco Studio 100 has tapped former WildBrain CPLG managing director Joachim Knödler to be its new head of licensing. Starting today, Knödler’s remit is to build the company’s global licensing business, which includes kids TV shows Heidi, Maya the Bee and Arthur and the Minimoys.

Knödler replaces long-time Studio 100 vet Gerd Russwurm, who is retiring at the end of the year after more than 24 years with the company. Knödler will report to CEO Martin Krieger.

Before joining Studio 100, Knödler served as managing director for Central Europe at WildBrain CPLG, where he developed and launched new licensing strategies and introduced the company’s portfolio across Europe. He previously held roles at Hasbro and The Marketing Store, where he launched lines of Star Wars, Pokemon and Nerf toys in Europe.

Studio 100 added to its licensing team in January with the hire of another former WildBrain CPLG sales staffer Aleksandra Gebauer to the newly created role of sales manager for international licensing. The company’s licensing team is growing alongside its catalogue, which includes the recently picked up FriendZSpace, a comedy-adventure series from Thailand’s T&B Media Global, which Studio 100 will distribute worldwide. It also recently inked a deal with SeaBelievers to distribute its CG-animated series with the same name.