In newly created role, veteran licensing executive will drive global expansion of entertainment brands and original IP including ‘Strawberry Shortcake,’ ‘Caillou,’ ‘Teletubbies,’ and ‘Chip & Potato.’
WildBrain CPLG is expanding its global and North American operations with the appointment of Jasen Wright as Vice President, North America. In the newly created role, Wright will be responsible for driving growth in the company’s portfolio of entertainment and lifestyle brands. Wright is based in New York and reports to WildBrain CPLG’s EVP and Managing Director, Maarten Weck.
Wright will focus on global promotion of the company’s original IP, including such popular titles as Strawberry Shortcake, Caillou, Teletubbies and Chip & Potato. Additional focus will be on local growth of the wider portfolio of entertainment brands and existing relationships with partners, including Square Enix and its gaming IP, Space Invaders. California-based director of business development Alyssa Gourlay will report to Wright and will continue to develop new local opportunities.
“As we continue extending our global reach and ensuring we have a robust presence in all corners of the world, the appointment of Jasen adds significant firepower to our global operations,” shared Weck. “We have big plans for the North American market and with Jasen’s remarkable track record in building top-class consumer products programs, we know he’s the ideal candidate to fuel the growth and success of both WildBrain’s brands and our wider portfolio across the region.”
“WildBrain CPLG has an outstanding reputation for developing robust global licensing programs with best-in-class partners across its impressive and varied line-up of brands,” noted Wright. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Maarten, Alyssa and the wider team as we accelerate WildBrain CPLG’s capabilities and open up further opportunities for both new and existing partners worldwide.”
Wright has developed consumer product and licensing programs for leading brands across food & beverage, home improvement, automotive, art, sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. Most recently he served as Beanstalk VP of Licensing and Brand Management and led the global brand licensing business for Diageo’s spirit brands (ex: Guinness, Baileys, Captain Morgan), Taco Bell, and Morton Salt.
He also worked as VP of Licensing at Bravado/Universal Music Group, Authentic Brands Group, and Warner Music Group. Wright worked across music and sports to launch brands including Paddington Bear, Rolling Stones, Prince, Wiz Khalifa, Grateful Dead and Tretorn, extending those personalities and properties while building their demand as lifestyle brands.
Source: WildBrain CPLG