New Wildbrain CEO Named

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgCharles Rivkin, president and CEO, Wildbraina, announced the appointment of Michael Polis to the newly created position of CEO, Wildbrain Ent., effective immediately. Rivkin, who oversees operations for Wildbrain and its subsidiary Kidrobot, will step down as president and CEO, Wildbrain on June 5, 2009, having been named as President Barack Obama's candidate to serve as the United States Ambassador to France. Polis will report directly to Wildbrain's board of directors. Diego Marchioni, CEO of Kidrobot, will remain in his post and will also report directly to the board.

Rivkin hired Polis as chief marketing officer of Wildbrain in 2007. As chief marketing officer, Polis led and supervised unprecedented global marketing and licensing initiatives on behalf of Wildbrain's entertainment assets, including YO GABBA GABBA! In his new role, Polis will oversee all operations for Wildbrain Ent., where he will continue to expand, evaluate and develop opportunities for the studio's intellectual properties.

"Mike was instrumental in helping to grow Wildbrain Ent.," said Rivkin. "His proven creativity and entrepreneurial spirit will ensure his success in this new position."

"Mike Polis has an impressive record of achievement and has been a big part of our success," said Jim Caccavo, Wildbrain board member and Managing General Partner, Steelpoint Capital Partners. "We are confident that he will build on our past success and take Wildbrain Ent. to a new level."

Polis is a 20-year entertainment industry veteran with a proven track record in marketing, licensing and product development. Prior to joining Wildbrain in 2007, he served as senior vice president of marketing worldwide at The Jim Henson Co., overseeing global strategic marketing initiatives for the entire Henson library, including THE MUPPETS, FRAGGLE ROCK and LABRYRINTH. Polis received an Emmy nomination as an executive producer on KERMIT'S SWAMP YEARS. Before Henson, Polis was executive director of marketing at Universal Home Ent., managing marketing of the home video catalog and releases such as E.T., THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK and THE LAND BEFORE TIME.