On the heels of recent brand and digital platform launches along with a transition to the NYSE, the company adds the entertainment, media and high-tech industry executive who has held positions at the NFL Hall of Fame, Live Nation Entertainment, Warner Bros. and Universal Studios.
Kartoon Studios has just announced its appointment of finance veteran Brian Parisi as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer. This new appointment follows major developments at the company over the past year, including brand and digital platform launches, and a name change and transition to the NYSE (TOON).
Parisi brings 30 years of experience spanning the entertainment, media, and high-tech industries, including finance, accounting, M&A, capital raising, and corporate development. Prior to joining Kartoon Studios, he served as the Chief Financial Officer at Break the Floor Productions in Hollywood, California, an entertainment production company where his responsibilities included overseeing the evaluation and analysis of mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and the creation of policies to reduce the company's overall risk exposure.
Prior to that, as the Chief Financial Officer at the NFL Hall of Fame Village, he oversaw a range of financial activities including managing construction accounting budgets, financial reporting, cash management, and tax compliance for the nearly $1 billion investment in a newly designed complex in Canton, Ohio. In addition, he served as Senior Vice President of the Festivals Division of Live Nation Entertainment Inc. where he managed the development of strategic plans for Electronic Dance Music festivals in multiple countries with more than 1.3 million fans. He has also held leadership positions at Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Studios. Parisi, a CPA, holds a B.S. in Accounting from Purdue University, Daniel School of Business, and an M.B.A in Strategic Management from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business.
Andy Heyward, Chairman and CEO of Kartoon Studios stated, “It is my privilege to welcome Brian to our high-caliber executive team. At this pivotal moment in Kartoon Studios' evolution, Brian's specialized skillset in financial management, coupled with his rich experience in the entertainment industry, could not be more timely or relevant. As a company, we have been steadfast in our commitment to streamline operations with a meticulous eye on cost control, aiming for long-term, sustainable growth and profitability. In line with these goals, we are in the midst of executing a comprehensive strategy to reduce operating costs across the company, as we grow our core businesses and brands. We believe that Brian’s deep financial expertise will not only augment our existing capabilities, but also serve as an invaluable resource in our mission to optimize financial performance, steer Kartoon Studios toward a profitable future, and enhance long-term shareholder value.”
Parisi said, “I am honored to join Kartoon Studios at this exciting time in the Company’s growth. I look forward to collaborating with the executive team, as the Company implements a comprehensive strategy to drive revenues and enhance profitability. I see the potential for creating additional operating efficiencies and increasing long-term shareholder value. I am optimistic about what lies ahead for Kartoon Studios and look forward to playing an active role in its future success.”
Whitney is a freelance writer focusing on VFX-driven fantasy film & TV as well as preschool animation.
