- Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has upped Adam Galen (pictured) from production executive to a new role as co-VP of development. He will work closely with WB’s other development VP Susan Akinbola to oversee the studio’s development slate and guide projects through the greenlight process. Galen and Akinbola both report to WBPA president Bill Damaschke.
- Concord has tapped veteran business development executive Dustin Rodriguez to serve as the new VP of licensing and retail development for KIDZ BOP and its Concord Theatricals business. Rodriguez’s remit will include spearheading both of these brands into new product categories, with an initial focus on apparel, accessories, toys, electronics and games. He has more than 15 years’ experience in the entertainment industry under his belt, including executive roles at Warner Bros. Entertainment (director of franchise management and marketing) and HBO (director of licensing business development).
- Embracer Group co-founder and CEO Lars Wingefors is stepping down from his post and will transition to a role on the company’s board of directors. Deputy CEO Phil Rogers will succeed Wingefors, beginning in August. Embracer is best known for owning several high-profile IPs, including Tomb Raider and Darksiders, and also holds the commercial rights to both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings franchises.
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