NEWS
TOTAL LICENSING AUSTRALIA
NEW APPOINTMENTS AT DISNEY AUSTRALIA
Disney Consumer Products, Australia & New Zealand has named Don Wood as Vice President & Managing Director
replacing John King who has returned to a new assignment in the United States. In his new role, Mr. Wood will oversee
all of DCP’s licensing activities
in Australia and New Zealand
focusing on initiatives and part-
nerships that drive and sustain
new business, cross-category, and
cross-division opportunities. He
is located in Melbourne.
Mr. Wood brings a wealth of ex-
perience to the position and has
been with Disney since 2002. He
Don Wood
has held several key positions in-
cluding most recently, Vice Presi-
dent and General Manager of
DCP Japan.
Prior to heading up the Japanese
DCP business, Mr. Wood was the
Vice President of Disney Con-
sumer Products Softlines-Japan,
where he led a turnaround of
the business by integrating a new
master licensee and managing a
product-first approach to the dynamic and trend-driven Japanese consumer market.
On a different note, Disney Consumer Products has appointed Melanie Farrell to lead the newly created infant catego-
ry for the Australian and New Zealand business. The infant category was previously under the Disney Home business.
The infant category which includes products under the Disney Baby banner reflects a growing global trend around the
popularity and growing business the infant sector presents.
Melanie Farrell joins the Disney business with vast experience having developed and released the very successful ‘Mum
to Mum’ baby DVD series in Australia and has previous held marketing roles at Kmart, Warner Bros. and Nike.
Melanie Farrell
“I am looking forward to growing the Disney Baby and Infant business in Australia. The creation of a stand-alone busi-
ness gives us renewed focus and positions us strongly to maximize the growth and potential of this segment.”
YO GABBA GABBA! DEALS SIGNED
RDF Kids have announced a raft of new Yo Gabba Gabba! licensing deals in Australia. Broadcast on ABC and Nick Jr in
Australia, Yo Gabba Gabba!, was the number one ranked children’s programme watched by children under the age of 4
for 2008. (Source: OzTAM, 5 city metro, 1/01/08 – 13/12/08). Merchantwise has been appointed as the agent to represent
Yo Gabba Gabba! in Australia and have signed a raft of deals with over ten leading licensees including Funtastic (footwear
and fashion accessories), Caprice (bedding), Hunter Leisure (stationery, arts and crafts) and Brand Direct (swimwear and
headwear). In addition, Funtastic will distribute the Spin Master toy line. Simon & Schuster is
the publishing partner. ABC Roadshow will handle the DVD rights.
As a world first, Australia will debut the Yo Gabba Gabba! Live Show. Starring DJ Lance
Rock, the live show will premiere at the Sydney Olympic Sports Centre on 15 May 2009
and will then head to Brisbane and Melbourne. In keeping with the TV show, the live show
will feature a local band and guest stars. With strong ratings in 2008 and even stronger
plans for 2009, demand for product is high and the master toy line will be supported by all
major Australian retailers. Leading department store Myer will exclusively launch a children’s
fashion programme across all stores in March.
Angeles Blanco, Head of International Licensing, RDF Kids said, “We are delighted to be
working with Merchandwise. Yo Gabba Gabba! has created such a buzz in the international
market and Merchantwise have helped to strengthen this even further by securing key
licensees in Australia. We look forward to a successful roll out of consumer products in
2009.”
Both ABC Australia and Nick Australia have picked up series two, which will air later this
year. Yo Gabba Gabba! is also broadcast on Nick Jr US, Nick Jr UK, Treehouse TV in Canada, Disney Channel Latin America,
Nickelodeon Asia, Hop! TV in Israel, Jetix Netherlands and SABC in South Africa.
TLA 8
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