Spin Master, the toy company and the media operation behind brands such as Unicorn Academy and the iconic Rubik’s Cube, has called a new franchise and products ahead.
Maryellen Zarakas, a veteran in the room in Warner Bros. And several of her parents -owners over the years, joined Spin Master as a senior vice -president, global consumer products and franchise development. Zarakas will report to Spin Master Entertainment President Jennifer Dodge.
“Maryellen is a dynamic, result -driven senior leader with deep expertise in global business development, franchise and brand building, marketing strategy and merchandising of the retail trade for iconic companies and brands,” Dodge said. “With a passion for utilizing the convergence of content, community and trade, she has a proven track record in promoting growth.”
Zarakas leaves Warner Bros. Discovery as a manager of a worldwide team, which focused on strategic growth in IP and moving consumer products from the shelves. Her portfolio included the worlds of Harry Potter, Looney Toons, Scooby -Dooo and elements of Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” series. She has also held various roles at the Walt Disney Company, working in products and brand management for the stable of princesses of the studio, Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and characters from ‘Toy Story’.
At Spin Master, Zarakas will also supervise licenses, retail development and partnerships to grow brands that also include Vida the Vet and Toca Boca.
“In the course of my career I had many opportunities to work with the Spin Master team and I am always inspired by their dedication to create characteristics and brands that involve the audience and inspire the imagination,” said Zarakas.
Spin Master has tried the same type of level-up Mattel in recent years by concentrating on making content as a dominant income flow. In February the company announced that director Brad Peyton (“Atlas”, “Rampage”, “San Andreas” had hired to guide a film about the successful Anime adventure franchise Bakugan.