Genius Brands Appoints Stone Newman President of Global Consumer Products

Set to build company’s Global Consumer Products business

Genius Brands International has appointed industry veteran Stone Newman to the newly created post of President, Global Consumer Products. The announcement was made today by GBI’s President Amy Moynihan Heyward, to whom Newman will report.

In this newly formed executive leadership role, Newman will work with retailers and licensees to build comprehensive consumer products programs for each of the company’s brands, including Baby Genius, Secret Millionaires Club, Stan Lee’s Mighty 7 (SLAM 7), Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab, and others. He will also appoint and oversee a team of leading licensing agencies from around the world to operate as sub agents.

In addition to assuming responsibility for GBI’s existing brands, Newman will continue to manage licensing programs represented by his former company, Art + Science International, including Psycho Bunny, From Frank, Celessence Technologies, WowWee brands, ElectroKidz, MIP and Archie Comics. These brands will now be managed under GBI’s wholly owned subsidiary, A Squared Entertainment, LLC, which manages properties that fall outside of GBI’s core mission of developing and delivering ‘content with a purpose’ for toddlers to tweens.

“Stone is the missing link we have been searching for to lead GBI’s consumer products business. He knows the business very well; has excellent relationships in all sectors; and most importantly, he is dynamic and passionate about what he does and brings tremendous energy and innovation,” comments Heyward. “We are thrilled to welcome him to GBI, and also excited about the terrific brands he is bringing that will now be part of the GBI business.”
"The underlying GBI brands’ message of Content with a Purpose is an amazing platform from which to extend a unique and differentiated global licensing and merchandising program around the idea of Product with a Purpose. It is a privilege and an honor to be entrusted with these brands and leading this development on behalf of GBI," comments Newman. "The opportunity to partner with first class thinkers and world class executers like Amy and Andy is once in a lifetime, and I am thrilled to join the team."