Navarre Corp., a publisher and distributor of a broad range of home entertainment and multimedia software products, has promoted Ward Thomas to svp of sales and operations for FUNimation, a subsidiary of Navarre Corp., and upped Joyce Fleck to vp of sales & marketing for FUNimation.
While head of sales for Navarre Distribution Services, Thomas is credited for leading and developing the distribution sales team so that the division experienced triple-digit growth.
Commenting on Thomas' promotion, president/ceo of FUNimation Ent. Gen Fukunaga stated, "Ward has demonstrated strong leadership and business growth in his vp of sales responsibilities for Navarre Distribution. Based on Ward's outstanding performance we have promoted Ward to svp of sales and operations for FUNimation. We look forward to Ward's continued contributions to Navarre Corp. in his new role."
Fleck takes over the sales responsibilities previously held by Thomas, in addition to her previous position of vp of marketing for Navarre Corp.
"We are excited that Joyce accepted the sales management responsibilities for Navarre's distribution segment in addition to her current marketing responsibilities, said Brian Burke, coo of distribution services. Joyce's innovative thinking, problem solving and solid understanding of our customers will continue to be an asset for the Company as she takes on greater responsibilities. In addition to Joyce's new responsibilities the company has promoted Brad Kearin, Al Engleman and Chris Stone to national sales manager positions reporting directly to Joyce. I would like to thank these individuals on their many contributions and congratulate them on their new positions."
Minneapolis-based Navarre Corp. (www.navarre.com) provides distribution and related services to leading developers and retailers of home entertainment content. The company operates under two business divisions; distribution services which includes PC software, videogames, CD audio and DVD video; publishing which includes Encore. Based in Los Angeles, Encore is a majority-owned subsidiary of Navarre and a leading interactive publisher in the PC CD-ROM market. The company publishes PC titles or compilations in major software categories from productivity to education. BCI Eclipse, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navarre, provides niche DVD video and audio products. Navarres client-specific delivery systems allow its product lines to be seamlessly distributed to more than 18,000 retail locations throughout North America. Navarre has recently expanded its business to include the licensing and publishing of home entertainment and multimedia content, primarily through the acquisitions of Encore Software, Inc., BCI Eclipse Co., Llc., FUNimation Productions, Ltd. and the FUNimation stores, Ltd.
Funimation (www.funimation.com) is a leading brand management company for anime content and one of the nation's largest independent home video entertainment companies. The company is best known for creating the blockbuster franchise DRAGONBALL Z in the U.S.
