GBI promotes Stone Newman and Jo Kavanagh-Payne in latest global growth move

By Robert Hutchins

In his new role, Newman will oversee the company’s global content distribution business for its catalogue of animated properties including SpacePOP, Llama Llama, Baby Genius and more.

Genius Brands International has promoted Stone Newman to president of global consumer products, worldwide content sales and marketing.

In his new role, Newman will oversee the company’s global content distribution business for its catalogue of animated properties including SpacePOP, Llama Llama, Baby Genius, Secret Millionares Club and Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab.

He will also manage the worldwide rollout of the adult animated series, Stan Lee’s cosmic Crusaders while overseeing GBI’s licensing, merchandising, retail and marketing efforts.

Supporting Newman in his new role, GBI has named Jo Kavanagh-Payne as senior vice president of global distribution, spearheading the company’s worldwide content sales efforts.

Kavanagh-Payne will drive GBI’s distribution business, identifying potential co-production partners and advising on the development of new and acquired properties. She will continue to serve as CEO of Foothill Entertainment.

Newman will continue to report to Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of GBI.

“Stone has been instrumental in driving GBI’s growth through unique and strategic initiatives, including pioneering the digital distribution strategy for the recent successful launch of SpacePOP,” said Heyward.

“His relationships, experience and knowledge of the global marketplace have been and continue to be tremendously beneficial and I look forward to his contributions in realising the goals of both maximizing the opportunities for our myriad brands and multiplying the properties under GBI’s umbrella.

“Jo will also be a tremendous asset in meeting these objectives, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the GBI executive team.”