Los Angeles, California – Saban Brands has launched a new Global Consumer Products division, merging its domestic and international licensing and merchandising teams into a cohesive unit. The department is led by Kirk Bloomgarden, who serves as Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products. The new division focuses on the global expansion of licensing programmes for all Saban Brands properties and for driving the strategic consumer product plans with licensees, retailers, broadcasters and agencies worldwide.

In his new role, Bloomgarden focuses on growing Saban Brands’ licensing and merchandising business globally across the company’s portfolio of brands. Nina Leong moves into a new role as Senior Vice President, Strategic Business Development for Saban Brands, and will spearhead efforts to expand and broaden the Saban Brands portfolio, as well as strategically grow current properties. Leong focuses on searching for new brands, particularly in the lifestyle and fashion space. Mary Rafferty and Dan Wilson also have taken on new, global roles – their titles are Vice President of Global Consumer Products and Vice President of Global Retail, respectively. In addition, Brian Maeda has joined the team as Vice President of Licensing, and will focus on helping to grow Saban Brands’ business in Asia, with a focus on toys and video games. In addition to the global team based in the United States, Saban Brands plans to open new offices in London, England and Shanghai, China later this year.

“Saban Brands is only three years old, and we’ve seen expanded growth and continued momentum in that short period of time. We have hundreds of licensees globally and our retail sales have increased exponentially year to year,” said Bloomgarden. “The new Global Consumer Products division will help to streamline the process between licensees, retailers and all business partners globally. Our strategy for our brands has always been to ‘think globally, act locally,’ which will only be enhanced under this new structure.”

“This reorganisation is a very exciting venture for us and will help continue the growth of our various global brands including Power Rangers and Paul Frank as well as the upcoming Julius Jr. and Digimon Fusion properties,” said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. “We’ve assembled a world-class team, and this new division allows these uniquely talented professionals to apply their expertise to our brands on a global scale while also maximising efficiency.”