Genius Brands International has promoted industry vet Stone Newman from President of Global Consumer Products to President of Global Consumer Products & Marketing, per an announcement from Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward. Newman has been overseeing the company’s worldwide consumer products programs since joining GBI in 2014.
Now, in addition to handling consumer products business for GBI and its subsidiary A Squared Entertainment, Newman will also spearhead traditional and digital marketing efforts for all brands — including music and fashion-driven tween property SpacePOP, Llama Llama, Baby Genius, Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, Stan Lee’s Mighty 7 and Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab. VP of Consumer Products Lloyd Mintz and VP of Digital Jason Brumbaugh will report into Newman.
Newman joined GBI two years ago from Art + Science International, a boutique licensing agency he founded. Representing numerous brands, including Psycho Bunny, From Frank and Celessence Technologies, Puff the Magic Dragon and ElectroKidz, Newman provided guidance and facilitation of business planning, equity raising, licensing, marketing and product development, as well as retail initiatives. Among the firm’s achievements was the branded licensing program for Celessence Technologies, which Newman led from obscurity to more than $50 million in retail sales through 20 licensees in just three years.
Newman, an accomplished entrepreneur, also founded and built Sababa Toys from a start-up into a $30 million toy and game manufacturer with product presence in more than 50,000 retail stores. He also worked in marketing and licensing at Hasbro Toys.
